Many UK businesses still believe that apprenticeships are just for school leavers or manual trades, but the reality is very different. Apprenticeships have become one of the most cost-effective and high-ROI solutions for upskilling existing employees, from junior team members to future business leaders.
If you’re a business owner or senior decision-maker looking for a structured, affordable way to train employees, apprenticeships could be the perfect solution. Let’s clear up some of the biggest myths and explore why upskilling staff through apprenticeships could be one of the smartest moves your business makes.
Myth 1: Apprenticeships Are Only for New Hires
Many businesses assume apprenticeships are only for hiring new junior staff, but you can use them to train existing employees at any stage of their career.
Fact: Over 50% of all apprentices in the UK are already employed by their company before starting their apprenticeship source: gov.uk
Can you put an existing employee on an apprenticeship?
Yes! Apprenticeships are an ideal way to develop your team whether it’s developing a junior team member, moving an employee into a leadership role, or giving staff formal qualifications in marketing, management, or digital skills, apprenticeships offer structured, long-term training without the high costs of external courses.
Fact: The Apprenticeship Levy and government funding allow businesses to upskill their workforce without high training costs.
Unlike short courses, where skills are quickly forgotten, apprenticeships embed learning into real work, ensuring staff apply new skills immediately.
Myth 2: Apprenticeships Are Only for Young People
Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers, in reality, apprenticeships are designed for all career stages, including mid-career professionals looking to gain new skills or move into leadership.
Fact: Nearly half of all new apprentices are aged 25 or older, showing that mid-career staff are benefiting from apprenticeships source: accesscreative.ac.uk.
For businesses, this means you don’t need to hire externally to bring in new skills, you can invest in your current employees. By providing career development opportunities, companies not only increase retention but also boost engagement, as employees are more likely to stay with businesses that invest in their future.
Fact: One in five apprenticeships is now at degree level (Level 6–7), meaning senior staff can gain leadership and management qualifications while working source: accesscreative.ac.uk
Can a 40-year-old do an apprenticeship?
Absolutely. Whether it’s a junior employee looking to develop specialist skills or an experienced team member stepping into a leadership role, apprenticeships are designed for all ages and career stages.
Myth 3: Apprenticeships Are Expensive for Employers
Cost is often the biggest concern for businesses considering apprenticeships, but in reality, most apprenticeship training is heavily subsidised. For smaller businesses, the government covers 95% of training costs, meaning they only pay 5%.
Fact: Businesses with a payroll under £3 million pay just 5% of the training costs, while the government covers the remaining 95%.
Employers who use apprenticeships also see significant cost savings elsewhere. Instead of hiring externally, businesses can train staff in-house, reducing recruitment costs. Plus, apprenticeships often lead to higher retention, meaning companies spend less on replacing employees who leave.
Fact: Larger businesses can use their Apprenticeship Levy contributions to train both new and existing employees - so make sure you’re using your levy funds.
How much does an apprenticeship cost a business?
For small businesses, apprenticeship training costs are low due to government subsidies. Even larger businesses benefit from reclaiming Apprenticeship levy funds, keeping your training costs down.
Myth 4: Apprenticeships Don't Provide a Good Return on Investment (ROI)
Some employers worry about the time and cost of apprenticeships, but data shows apprentices bring direct financial benefits to businesses.
Fact: Employers report achieving a net gain of £2,500–£18,000 per apprentice per year, even during training this is because apprentices apply their learning in real-time, leading to increased productivity and cost savings. source: apprenticeships.gov.uk.
When employees feel invested in, they are more likely to stay, reducing turnover and recruitment costs. This is especially beneficial in industries where skilled staff are hard to find, as apprenticeships allow companies to develop employees in-house rather than compete for external talent.
Fact: 78% of businesses say apprenticeships improve productivity, and 80% report improved staff retention, reducing hiring and training cost source: lifetimetraining.co.uk
Are apprenticeships worth it for businesses?
Absolutely. The combination of cost savings, increased productivity, and improved retention makes apprenticeships one of the highest-ROI training options available to UK businesses.
Myth 5: Apprenticeships Are Only for Manual or Trade Roles
Many people still believe that apprenticeships are just for trades like plumbing and construction, but business, marketing, and leadership apprenticeships are among the fastest-growing areas.
Fact: The most popular apprenticeship sector in the UK is Business, Administration, and Law, making up 27.6% of all new apprenticeships in 2023/24 source: researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk
Businesses across finance, law, healthcare, retail, and technology are using apprenticeships to train employees in highly skilled, office-based roles. This means you don’t have to be in a trade industry to benefit whether you need skilled marketers, or future business leaders, apprenticeships can be tailored to your sector.
Fact: Marketing, IT, and leadership apprenticeships are growing rapidly, helping businesses develop in-demand skills without hiring externally source: explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk
Can I upskill my marketing team with an apprenticeship?
Yes! And here at Ascento we specialise in marketing, management, and leadership apprenticeships, helping businesses develop staff without expensive external training.
Myth 6: Sole Traders and Small Businesses Can’t Use Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships aren’t just for big businesses, even sole traders and small companies can train employees through apprenticeships.
Fact: Sole traders can hire apprentices as long as they provide employment for at least 30 hours per week source: gov.uk
Can I do an apprenticeship if I’m self-employed?
Yes! Self-employed individuals can complete apprenticeships, and small businesses can access government funding to train an apprentice.
Why Businesses Should Use Apprenticeships to Upskill Staff
Apprenticeships aren’t just about hiring new people, they’re a cost-effective, high-ROI solution for developing your existing team.
Many companies struggle to find qualified candidates for key roles, yet overlook the opportunity to train and promote from within. Apprenticeships solve this problem, allowing businesses to develop tailored skills while keeping talent in-house.
Key Benefits of Upskilling Staff Through Apprenticeships:
- High ROI Employers see a return of up to £25 for every £1 invested.
- Improved Productivity 78% of businesses say apprenticeships increase performance.
- Better Staff Retention 80% of employers report that apprenticeships help retain talent.
- Government Funding 95% of training costs are covered for small businesses, and levy funds can be used for existing employees.
- Suitable for All Ages and Career Stages From junior staff to experienced team members, apprenticeships work for everyone.
- Reduce Hiring Costs Train from within instead of hiring externally.
Is an Apprenticeship Right for Your Business?
If you’re looking for a way to develop your team without high training costs, apprenticeships offer a flexible, government-backed solution. Whether it’s preparing a junior team member for a bigger role, developing leadership skills, or strengthening your marketing and digital capabilities, an apprenticeship could be the perfect fit.
