Apprenticeships have a vital role to play in society, and in combating the country’s skills gap.
However, the latest figures from the Department of Education have revealed that Level 2 apprenticeships are on the decline. Level 3 apprenticeships are set to follow.
This decline is perhaps due to a lack of education or a misunderstanding of the invaluable role that apprenticeships can play. As scepticism towards the UK government’s levy scheme continues to take centre stage, now is the time to debunk the myths and misconceptions that are a current barrier to apprenticeships.
Myth one: Apprenticeships only matter to school leavers
Apprenticeships are a great route for school leavers, as an alternative to going to university. However, there is a common misconception that they are solely for young people who are about to enter the workplace. In fact, figures for the first quarter of the 2024/25 academic year show that under 19s only accounted for 31.5% of apprenticeship starts.
Read more: Is social media the key to recruiting young people?
As an end-point assessor organisation, the Chartered Institute of Marketing has seen an increase in people under 19 taking the apprenticeship route into marketing.
While apprenticeships can offer school leavers a credible route into a range of professions, people of all ages can use them to retrain and upskill. For some professionals, apprenticeships can become an essential part of their career. In marketing, they are a valuable tool wherever you are in your career journey. Apprenticeships allow you to master the basics, evolve your skills to keep up with changes in the sector, and adapt to new technologies.
Myth two: Apprentices don’t do ‘real’ work
Apprenticeships are so much more than merely shadowing senior professionals. Apprentices are often set projects by the employer ensuring a structured training programme that requires a range of essential skills, exposing them to the inner workings of a business.
Our new research reveals that there is a need for greater professional standards across a number of professions. Demystifying apprenticeships can help to demonstrate the value of investing in the foundations of professional development. The in-person experience apprentices gain allows businesses to develop a workforce that is equipped with the skills needed to excel. This contributes to improving standards and overall professionalism across a variety of business functions.
Myth three: University gives people a higher level of qualifications and training
Apprenticeships give people practical experience. They offer a clear, discipline-focused career path. Some programmes even guarantee a job upon completion. Apprenticeships can support individuals hoping to achieve professional qualifications and accreditations, such as diplomas and degrees, but this often requires additional assessments and funding.
On the other hand, pursuing a university degree can provide broader academic knowledge, encompassing theoretical understanding and research skills. This route also offers the added benefits of social and extracurricular experiences that are integral to university lif,e and could aid the student later in life. Both offer people distinct advantages.
Read more: How can HR leaders make apprenticeships more attractive?
Marketing apprenticeships provide on-the-job training, practical experience and skills directly applicable to the workplace. This is vital in today’s working world, where skills-based hiring is on the rise. Hays' latest Salary and Recruiting Trends Guide revealed that four in five (80%) employers would now consider hiring a candidate without all the required skills but with strong potential to progress, with the intention of upskilling them. Apprenticeships also allow individuals to earn while they learn, so avoid student debt, and can enable people to take on further assessments.
Many people are unfamiliar with the fact that degree apprenticeships at levels 6 and 7 can also achieve university-level qualifications. Apprenticeships can offer the best of both worlds – a university education at undergraduate or postgraduate level, and professional experience.
Myth four: An apprenticeship won’t lead to a good career
Apprenticeships provide various opportunities for career advancement, and often lead to progression within businesses.
According to the Association of Apprentices (2025), 36% of apprentices believe they would not be working in their current industry without access to an apprenticeship. Apprentices also report significant personal growth (78%), additional training opportunities (66%), and increased confidence (62%) as key benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship.
A report from Lloyds Banking Group in 2023 found that for every £1 spent on apprenticeships, the UK economy gains £21.
These statistics demonstrate that apprenticeships can significantly aid career development and contribute positively to the economy.
They are a launchpad for meaningful and lifelong careers, unlocking opportunities for individuals to learn and grow in their respective fields.
Chris Daly is the chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Marketing
