National Apprenticeship Week offers us a chance to highlight the routes that apprenticeships and T-Levels can open for people to build rewarding careers in science.
However, there are many myths and misconceptions that exist around apprenticeships that can cast a shadow over the diversity of possibilities that they offer, and we’d like to clear some of them up.
Why does busting myths about apprenticeships matter?
At its heart, National Apprenticeship Week is about opportunity. Science careers should be open to people with different strengths, learning styles and life experiences. Apprenticeships show that you can earn, learn, and make a real contribution at the same time.
If you’re passionate about science but unsure whether the traditional university path is right for you, apprenticeships could offer a practical, supported and highly respected alternative.
Myth 1: Apprenticeships are only for manual or trade jobs
There are now hundreds of approved apprenticeship standards across a huge range of sectors, including science, engineering, finance and IT. In fact, there are over 580 standards regulated by Ofqual and developed by Skills England, reflecting just how broad and modern apprenticeships have become.
Within the science sector alone, there are more than 30 apprenticeship standards. Many of these can even lead towards professional recognition through science bodies, helping apprentices gain respected post-nominal letters and demonstrate their competence to employers.
Today’s science apprentices might be working in laboratories, supporting clinical research, developing new materials, or helping monitor the environment. Hard hats are optional, but curiosity is essential.
Myth 2: Apprenticeships are for people who didn’t do well academically
Apprenticeships are a different way of learning, not a lesser one. They suit people who thrive on hands-on experience and want to apply their knowledge in real workplaces from day one.
The academic results speak for themselves. Research highlighted by Chemistry World found that students on a chemistry degree apprenticeship programme consistently outperformed their full-time peers, with an overall pass rate of 90% compared to 73% across modules studied between 2016 and 2024.
Blending work and study doesn’t hold people back, it often helps learners to excel.
Myth 3: Apprenticeships are only for young people
Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 and over in England, and they’re increasingly popular with adults.
Recent government data shows that over half of apprenticeship starts (51.3%) were by people aged 25 and over. That includes career changers, people returning to work, and employees upskilling in new areas.
Science is a particularly strong area too, with STEM subjects accounting for 29.1% of apprenticeship starts. That’s thousands of people each year choosing a practical route into technical and scientific careers.
It’s never “too late” to move into science, and apprenticeships make that transition possible.
Myth 4: T Levels aren’t as valuable as A Levels
T Levels and A Levels are designed for different goals, and both are valuable.
A Levels focus on academic study, while T Levels combine classroom learning with hands-on technical training, including a 45-day industry placement. That substantial work experience helps students build confidence, develop workplace skills, and strengthen their CVs before they even apply for jobs or apprenticeships.
For students who already know they want a career in a technical or scientific field, T Levels can be a powerful launchpad.
Myth 5: You have to go to university to work in science
This is false. University is one route into science, but it’s not the only one.
Science apprenticeships are available from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) right up to degree level (Level 6). That means that there are entry points for people at many stages, whether you’re leaving school, changing careers, or building on existing experience.
Apprentices can also work towards professional registration such as Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) or Registered Scientist (RSci), gaining formal recognition of their skills and knowledge.
Science needs talented people from all backgrounds, and apprenticeships help open that door.
Learn more about apprenticeships and opportunities for professional registration here.
