Apprenticeships have come a long way, but many businesses still hold assumptions about how they work.
At Gloucestershire College, the employer training and apprenticeships team supports more than a thousand local employers to break down these barriers and match businesses with the right training solutions.
With new apprenticeship cohorts starting this September in construction, IT and cyber security, engineering, motor vehicle, and accountancy (AAT), the team has decided to debunk some of these myths and explain how apprenticeships could benefit businesses of all sizes.
Here are the top five misconceptions they often encounter when speaking with employers.
1. Apprenticeships are only for school leavers
Dawn Morgan, business development manager for apprenticeships in IT and professional services, says: "Many companies still think apprenticeships are only for school leavers, not realising they’re open to anyone aged 16 and over.
"We train more than a thousand apprentices every year — from young people starting their careers to experienced professionals looking to upskill. Whether you want to bring in new talent or invest in your existing staff, we offer tailored support and funded training routes to help meet your goals."
2. Good candidates are hard to come by
Alan Mulrooney, business consultant for the construction sector, says: "While recruitment can be a challenge in any field, we work hard to bridge that gap by maintaining a strong pool of motivated, pre-screened candidates who are ready to start their careers.
"The key to a successful apprenticeship isn’t just finding a candidate — it’s creating the right environment to help them thrive. When employers commit to supporting their apprentices and work closely with the college, that’s when we see the most inspiring success stories.
"Take Amy Brown, for example. She began her carpentry apprenticeship at the age of 24 and without any previous experience in construction.
"With the right support from her employer and the college, she went on to receive the prize for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2023. Stories like hers show what’s possible when potential meets opportunity."
3. Apprenticeships aren’t for existing staff
Bryony Smith, business consultant in finance, plumbing, and retail, says: "Apprenticeships are one of the most effective tools businesses can use to develop their people — we offer them to our own staff.
"Upskilling through apprenticeships can help fill critical skills gaps, nurture leadership potential, and retain valuable team members.
"It’s no longer just about new hires — many talented employees are actively seeking structured development opportunities, and apprenticeships are a powerful way to provide that."
4. Apprenticeships are expensive
Sarah Thorne, business consultant specialising in apprenticeships for education, local authorities, and housing associations, says: "Many employers still assume apprenticeships come with a high price tag, but with generous government funding and the apprenticeship levy, most or sometimes all of the training costs can be covered.
"For example, smaller businesses usually pay just 5% of the training cost — and it’s often fully funded for apprentices aged 16 to 21*.
"Larger, levy-paying employers can use the levy to train their staff. On top of that, there is National Insurance contributions relief for apprentices under 25 earning less than £967 per week."
5. The apprenticeship process is too complicated
Sian Pirone, business consultant for apprenticeships in engineering, automotive and dental nursing, says: "While the process may seem overwhelming at first, that’s exactly where the college can help.
"From identifying your skills needs to helping you recruit apprentices, assisting with some of the admin, and coordinating training delivery and onboarding, our experienced team will support you and your apprentice every step of the way. Our goal is to make sure it works for your business."
Ready to explore apprenticeships?
Offering one of the most extensive apprenticeship portfolios in the region — including programmes from Level 2 to degree level — Gloucestershire College delivers training across engineering, construction, motor, professional services, IT, cyber, digital, hospitality, hairdressing, dental, and education.
Many programmes can start at any time of the year with flexible and remote delivery options.
Apprenticeships starting this September include:
- Construction and trades
- IT and cyber security
- Engineering
- Motor vehicles
- Accountancy
To explore how funded training can benefit your business, email employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk, call 0345 1552020 or visit .
*Where the total negotiated price has exceeded the funding band maximum, the employer must pay all the additional costs above the funding band maximum in full
