National Apprenticeship Week 2026
Apprenticeships bridge the gap between education and the workplace, offering hands-on experience while developing valuable skills. At DriveWorks, we believe apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity for young talent to gain real-world knowledge and qualifications while contributing to the success of our business.
While the popularity of apprenticeships has increased in recent years, there are still some outdated perceptions about this career route. In this blog, we set out the facts on some of the common myths about apprenticeships:
- Apprenticeships are only for school leavers
- Apprenticeships are low-skilled roles
- Apprentices don’t earn while they learn
- Apprenticeships limit future career options
- Apprenticeships don’t benefit employers
Exploring apprenticeship myths
Building skills for life.
At DriveWorks, we have a long history of supporting STEM students and developing the next generation of engineers. It’s something we’re very passionate about. We understand and appreciate the value that apprentices bring to our business.
For National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re exploring some common myths about apprenticeships, so more businesses and students can see the opportunities they offer.
1. Apprenticeships are only for school leavers
Reality = Apprenticeships are open to people at all stages of their career.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16 with no upper age limit. While many apprentices start straight after finishing school, apprenticeships are also increasingly popular with career-changers and existing employees looking to upskill. They offer a structured way to gain new qualifications while staying in work.
2. Apprenticeships are low-skilled roles
Reality = Apprenticeships span all levels, including degree programmes.
Apprenticeships cover everything from digital and engineering to law and accountancy. Many lead to industry-recognised qualifications and long-term career progression.
3. Apprentices don’t earn while they learn
Reality = Apprentices are paid employees.
Apprentices are paid at least the apprentice National Minimum Wage, with some employers paying higher salaries. For many, this means avoiding student debt while building valuable workplace skills.
4. Apprenticeships limit future career options
Reality = Apprenticeships open doors to a wide range of career opportunities.
Apprenticeships boost your employability, providing you with hands-on experience and transferable skills that you can apply to a range of career options. Degree apprentice graduates actually have better employability outcomes than graduates who don’t follow the degree apprenticeship route. A recent study found that 83% of degree apprentices are in full-time employment 15 months after completing their training, compared to 56% of university graduates.
5. Apprenticeships don’t benefit employers
Reality = Apprenticeships are a pipeline for talent
Apprenticeships help to address skills gaps, and there are also various levels of employer funding available for degree apprenticeships, depending on company size.
DriveWorks has a long history of supporting careers in STEM. We currently employ three degree apprentices, and our approach to apprentice employment is to create a pipeline for talent by recruiting team members who are hopefully more likely to want to stay with DriveWorks after they’ve completed their apprenticeship.
Employing apprentices as part of our team also brings fresh ideas and new ways of thinking. It has a positive halo impact on wider team members in terms of mentoring and upskilling.
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 resources
If you’d like to find out more about apprenticeships, we recommend the following resources:
For young people:
Apprenticeships in Cheshire and Warrington
For employers: www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice
Careers at DriveWorks
We don’t currently have any apprentice vacancies, however, if you’re looking for an industry placement or a marketing assistant role in a friendly, supportive environment, where your individuality is celebrated, and you are encouraged to be the best you can be, we would love to hear from you!