Busting the myths around apprenticeships
During National Apprenticeship Week we want people to recognise the opportunities that apprenticeship schemes present.
We want you to understand how apprenticeships can provide a career pathway for everyone.
Read our myth busters below to find out how an apprenticeship could help you reach your career goals.
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for young people
Reality:
There is no upper age limit for apprenticeship training here at the Housing Executive. We have apprentices ranging from age 16 to 50 currently completing apprenticeship programmes. Anyone aged 16 and over can apply to take part in apprenticeship here with us.
Myth: Apprenticeships are mainly for men
Reality:
We actively encourage both men and women to take part in all our apprenticeship programmes. As part of our commitment to creating a diverse workforce, we are keen to ensure that women have an equal opportunity to access apprenticeships in roles that are traditionally dominated by men (such as plumbing, bricklaying, electrical and joinery).
We are also keen to support more men to take up opportunities with us in other areas of our organisation, such as in our housing advisor roles.
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for the trades industry
Reality:
Whilst we offer fantastic opportunities for apprenticeships in trades and construction, we have also offered a range of options in other areas in the past, including: finance, payroll, HR, IT, quantity surveying and asset management.
Keep an eye out on the careers page on our website for future apprenticeship opportunities.
Myth: Apprentices are poorly paid
Reality:
By taking on an apprenticeship you will be earning whilst you learn. At the Housing Executive we pay our Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices between £20,258 and £21,575, depending upon the role (plus a 19.5% pension contribution), and we fully fund your learning too. This means you will finish your education debt free with years of on the job experience.
Myth: Apprenticeships don’t offer the same job opportunities as degrees
Reality:
An apprenticeship offers you a chance to get started on your career whilst combining practical skills with on the job learning.
There are numerous apprenticeship pathways available which can also lead to degree level roles.
Apprenticeships are available from Level 2 (GCSE) and Level 3 (A-level), but can also be completed at foundation degree via a high-level apprenticeship, which can provide a pathway to a full degree or even a master’s degree.
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for new staff to the business – existing staff don’t qualify
Reality:
Whilst we do recruit many people externally for our apprenticeship roles, we do also welcome applications from our existing staff who are keen to upskill and develop in the organisation.
This way we can ensure equality of opportunity and a balance between new and existing staff on our programmes.