Apprenticeships are an excellent way to develop skills, gain qualifications, and progress in your career. However, misconceptions about apprenticeships still exist, which can discourage people from exploring this valuable pathway. We’re setting the record straight and busting some of the most common myths!
Are apprenticeships are only for young people?
No apprenticeships are for everyone! As of 2017, there is no upper age limit for apprenticeship training. They are open to individuals of all working ages, spanning from 16 to 76. Anyone aged 16 and over can enrol on an apprenticeship. In fact, from 2023-2024, 48.4% of people who started apprenticeships were aged 25 or older.
In some cases, individuals may need to be over 18 due to health and safety reasons, so it’s advisable to check the specific requirements outlined in the job description to ensure eligibility.
Apprenticeships can also be a great opportunity for individuals in their 40s or 50s, serving as a pathway for a career change later in life. This becomes especially advantageous if you have dependents, as you can earn and learn simultaneously.
Are apprenticeships are only for new staff?
Apprenticeships are not just for new staff members joining the team, you can also start an apprenticeship if you already work for a company. At Churchill, most of our apprentices are individuals who are already in employment with us. They are taking full advantage of a fully funded apprenticeship training program to enhance their skills and/or acquire professional qualifications.
This approach allows our existing colleagues to further their development within our business, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement. Apprenticeships empower our employees to take on new challenges, step into leadership positions, and help shape the future of Churchill Group with the expertise and confidence they develop along the way.
How long do apprenticeships last?
The 20% off-the-job rule encompasses any learning activities that go beyond an individual’s regular work duties. This includes engaging in short course training modules, participating in shadowing experiences, receiving mentorship, and engaging in one-to-one learning sessions. This provision ensures that apprentices dedicate a significant portion of their time to activities specifically designed to enhance their skills, knowledge, and overall development beyond their routine job responsibilities.
What apprenticeships are there?
Whilst many years ago, there were only a handful of industries offering structured apprenticeships, such as trade and construction, this is no longer the case and hasn’t been for a while.
In 2023/24, the most common types of apprenticeship were in business, administration and law (27.6%). This was closely followed by the health, public services and care sector (27.1%). At Churchill, we offer a comprehensive range of apprenticeship training opportunities across a diverse range of sectors, encompassing:
- Cleaning
- Hospitality
- Security
- Business administration
- Customer service
- IT, data management, and cyber security
- Facilities services and facilities management
- Team leading/supervision, management
- Project management
- Human resources, learning and development, coaching
- Wellbeing
This breadth of options allows individuals to choose pathways that align with their interests and career goals, making it easier than ever to find a programme that fits both a person’s passion and long-term ambitions.
Apprenticeships versus degrees
Apprenticeships hold significant value and can provide as many opportunities as pursuing a degree. They are accessible across a broad spectrum, ranging from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) up to Level 7 (equivalent to a master’s degree). This versatility allows individuals to choose apprenticeships that align with their educational goals and career aspirations, offering a viable and valuable alternative to traditional degree paths.
Overall, apprenticeships are a valuable and accessible career development option, offering a wide range of benefits regardless of age or industry. They provide an opportunity to gain qualifications, enhance skills, and advance within your current role or pivot to a new career path.
It’s clear that apprenticeships offer flexibility, inclusivity, and potential for growth, whether you’re just starting out or looking to change careers later in life. With various pathways available across multiple sectors, apprenticeships present an exciting alternative to traditional education, ensuring that learning and professional development are always within reach.