National Apprenticeship Week

Rethinking the Pathway to Professional Success

Like many people, I grew up with the belief that apprenticeships were primarily for school leavers entering manual trades. It’s an outdated stereotype, but one that was widely shared when I was at school.

Fast forward to today’s employment landscape, and apprenticeships are no longer confined to a single route or demographic. They are widely discussed, increasingly accessible, and provide valuable pathways into a diverse range of careers, including professional services and law.

As both an apprentice and an HR practitioner supporting our network of apprentices and trainees, I’d like to help demystify a few common misconceptions this National Apprenticeship Week.

1. Only school leavers or young people can become apprentices.

Apprenticeships have no upper age limit and are not just for 16–18 year olds. In fact, with some training providers, over 50% of learners are aged 25 and over. While funding for entitlements can vary by age and circumstances, apprenticeships remain a powerful route for adult learners looking to upskill and progress in an existing role or retrain for a new one.

2. Apprenticeships are only for manual or trade-based roles.

While apprenticeships do include traditional trades such as construction and carpentry, they also span sectors including human resources, marketing, finance, software development, and law. 

In a profession often viewed as traditional, legal apprenticeships are helping broaden access to the profession while maintaining the rigour and standards our sector demands. Within our firm, we are proud to support trainee solicitors and conveyancers who are qualifying through apprenticeship routes.

3. Apprenticeships are a “second-best” alternative to university.

Apprenticeships and university each offer distinct benefits, but apprenticeships uniquely combine academic study with hands-on experience. Many apprentices report feeling more employable upon qualification due to their industry exposure and professional skill development, an experience that traditional graduates may only gain through placements or work experience.

4. You must choose between university or an apprenticeship.

While younger learners may make an early decision, many adult apprentices may have already completed university study. I, for example, was a postgraduate before undertaking an apprenticeship to progress in my current role.

5. Apprentices don’t do “real jobs”.

Apprentices are employees with real responsibilities, contributing meaningfully from day one while developing their skills alongside their studies. In many cases, including my own, apprentices are already established in their roles before enroling on a programme to study alongside their work.

Challenging these myths is essential to recognising the true value of apprenticeships. At Biscoes, we champion lifelong learning and innovation. Our apprenticeships span a wide range of roles, from business support to legal and conveyancing pathways, and we are committed to supporting our apprentices and trainees as they balance work, study, and assessments. We see apprenticeships as an investment in people, potential, and the future of our profession. 

Whether you’re starting out or starting again, an apprenticeship can be a powerful step forward.

This National Apprenticeship Week, we encourage individuals at all stages of their careers, and organisations alike, to rethink what an apprenticeship can offer. When supported well, apprenticeships don’t just develop skills; they develop confident, capable professionals.