There are still some apprenticeship myths that we’d like to dispel.
Apprenticeship Myth #1: Apprentices are broke
Apprenticeships pay at the very least the national minimum wage (£5.28 per hour for under-18s, up to £10.82 per hour for those aged 23 and over from April 2023). However, many organisations do pay more, so earning while you’re learning comes as a guarantee with an apprenticeship. And the base wage is often increased once your first year of training is complete!
Studies have also shown that, in the long term, those who have taken part in an apprenticeship have increased earning potential throughout the course of their career.
Click here to find out more about apprenticeship pay rates in Scotland.
Apprenticeship Myth #2: Apprenticeships are only short-term
The duration of apprenticeships varies depending on the occupation, typically ranging from two to five years. Moreover, 90% of apprentices are employed by the organisation upon completion of their apprenticeship, and nearly a quarter of apprentices are promoted within a year. The reality is that apprenticeships can be a springboard to fast-tracking your job towards promotions and long-term careers.
If you’re curious about the different opportunities available in Scotland, search apprenticeships.scot to find out more (in association with Skills Development Scotland).
Apprenticeship Myth #3: Apprenticeships are only for school leavers
While apprenticeships are often associated with individuals who have just completed their secondary education, they are available to a wide range of individuals at different stages of their lives and careers. Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages and backgrounds, making them an excellent option for anyone who is interested in a change of career or looking to brush up on their skills to re-enter a particular profession after taking time out.
Apprenticeship Myth #4: Apprenticeships are only available in industries like engineering and manufacturing
This is an extremely outdated misunderstanding of apprenticeships.
Back in the day, apprenticeships might’ve been all about tools and fixing stuff, but times have changed. Now, you can apprentice your way into almost any industry you can imagine. From film and media production to gaming and the culinary arts- there’s an apprenticeship for it!
So, if you’re ready to shake off the misconceptions and forget these apprenticeship myths, head over to s1jobs and explore the array of apprenticeships available in Scotland.