10 Apprenticeship Myths Busted: The Truth About Learning on the Job

Apprenticeships have been around for centuries, yet many misconceptions still surround them. Some people think they’re only for school leavers, while others assume they don’t lead to well-paid careers.

The reality? Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to gain hands-on experience, earn while you learn, and fast-track your career in competitive industries like construction, architecture, and cost management.

Whether you’re an employer wondering if apprenticeships are worth the investment or a job seeker considering this path, we’re here to separate fact from fiction.

Let’s debunk 10 common apprenticeship myths once and for all.

1. Apprenticeships Are Only for Young People

🚫 Myth: Apprenticeships are just for school leavers or those under 25.
✅ Truth: Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages, including career changers and professionals looking to upskill. Many industries, including construction, quantity surveying, and risk management, offer apprenticeships for those seeking new opportunities at any stage of their career.

2. Apprenticeships Don’t Lead to High-Paying Jobs

🚫 Myth: You’ll earn less with an apprenticeship than going to university.
✅ Truth: Many apprentices go on to well-paying roles in construction, engineering, architecture, and project management. In some cases, apprentices earn more than university graduates because they gain real-world experience earlier and avoid student debt.

3. Apprenticeships Are Only for Manual Jobs

🚫 Myth: Apprenticeships only exist in trades like plumbing or carpentry.
✅ Truth: While trade apprenticeships are popular, they’re not the only option. You can find apprenticeships in architecture, design management, quantity surveying, risk assessment, and even digital construction technologies like BIM (Building Information Modeling).

4. Employers Don’t Value Apprenticeships as Much as Degrees

🚫 Myth: A university degree is the only respected qualification.
✅ Truth: Many employers prefer hiring apprentices because they gain hands-on experience while learning industry-specific skills. Apprenticeships also focus on practical knowledge rather than just theory, making graduates highly employable.

5. Apprenticeships Are for People Who Couldn’t Get Into University

🚫 Myth: Only students who struggle academically choose apprenticeships.
✅ Truth: Apprenticeships require technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and workplace adaptability. Many people actively choose apprenticeships over university because they provide real-world experience and a direct path into employment.

6. Apprenticeships Are Low Quality Compared to Degrees

🚫 Myth: Apprenticeships don’t provide the same level of education as university courses.
✅ Truth: Apprenticeships are designed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure they meet professional standards. Many apprenticeship programs also lead to recognized certifications, such as RICS accreditation for quantity surveyors or CIOB qualifications for construction professionals.

7. You’re Stuck in One Career Path with an Apprenticeship

🚫 Myth: If you choose an apprenticeship, you’re locked into one industry forever.
✅ Truth: Apprenticeships provide transferable skills that can open doors to different roles. Many apprentices go on to become managers, consultants, and business owners in their fields.

8. Apprenticeships Don’t Offer Career Progression

🚫 Myth: You’ll be stuck in a junior role forever.
✅ Truth: Many apprentices climb the career ladder quickly because they gain hands-on experience early. In industries like construction and project management, apprentices often progress to senior roles faster than university graduates who lack practical experience.

9. Apprenticeships Don’t Include Formal Qualifications

🚫 Myth: Apprenticeships don’t result in recognized qualifications.
✅ Truth: Many apprenticeships include industry certifications and accreditations that boost career prospects. For example:

• Construction & Quantity Surveying: RICS, CIOB, NVQ

• Risk & Project Management: PRINCE2, PMP

• Architecture & Design: RIBA, LEED

10. You Won’t Get the ‘University Experience’

🚫 Myth: Apprenticeships mean missing out on social and networking opportunities.
✅ Truth: While apprenticeships differ from university life, they offer their own set of benefits, such as networking with industry professionals, attending trade events, and gaining real-world project experience—all of which can be more valuable than a traditional classroom setting.

Why Apprenticeships Are Worth Considering

Still unsure if an apprenticeship is right for you? Here are a few key benefits:

✅ Earn While You Learn: No student debt—just valuable experience and a paycheck.
✅ Real-World Skills: Learn practical, job-ready skills from day one.
✅ Stronger Career Prospects: Many apprenticeships lead directly to full-time employment.
✅ Industry-Recognized Certifications: Gain credentials that make you highly employable.
✅ Faster Career Progression: Many apprentices move into leadership roles earlier than their peers.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing an Apprenticeship

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, asking the right questions can help you determine if it's the right fit for your career goals.

1. What Are My Career Goals?

• Do I want to gain practical, hands-on experience?

• Am I looking for a direct pathway into a career without accumulating student debt?

2. What Industry Am I Interested In?

• Am I interested in fields like architecture, cost management, risk assessment, or construction?

• What industries have the highest demand for apprentices in my country?

3. Am I Comfortable Learning on the Job?

• Do I learn better through hands-on experience rather than traditional classroom settings?

• Am I willing to balance work and study?

4. What Kind of Salary and Career Progression Can I Expect?

• What is the typical salary progression for my chosen apprenticeship?

• Do apprentices in my field eventually earn more than university graduates?

5. What Are the Training and Certification Requirements?

• Will I receive industry-recognised qualifications at the end of my apprenticeship?

• Are there professional certifications (like RICS for quantity surveying) I should aim for?

At GEDON Executive, we specialize in connecting professionals with top-tier opportunities in construction, cost management, architecture, and design management across Ireland and Australia.

🔎 Looking for the next step in your career? Whether you’re seeking an apprenticeship, a senior-level role, or a leadership position, we can help you find the perfect fit.

📩 Get in touch with GEDON Executive today to explore exclusive job opportunities and career pathways that match your ambitions.

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