Debunking common misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships

June 20, 2023

Apprenticeships have emerged as a valuable pathway for young individuals to kickstart their careers by gaining essential skills and workplace experience while earning a wage

However, misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships often cloud their true value and potential, especially when it comes to pursuing higher education such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). In this article, we aim to debunk some of the common myths associated with apprenticeships, shedding light on their funding mechanisms and their potential to contribute to an individual's educational journey.


One common myth suggests that the apprenticeship levy fails to benefit young people. This couldn't be further from the truth, as the levy serves as a crucial means of funding apprenticeship training for both young and older individuals. In fact, more than half of all apprenticeship starts are comprised of young people under the age of 25. To encourage businesses to offer apprenticeships to young individuals, various incentives have been put in place, including exemption from employer national insurance contributions for apprentices under 25 and financial support for employers and training providers when they take on apprentices under 19 or aged 19-24 with specific circumstances.


Another prevalent misconception is that businesses are utilising levy funds to finance staff members' pursuit of an MBA qualification. However, it is important to note that levy funds cannot be used for paying apprentice wages or for qualifications that are not approved as part of the apprenticeship program. While an MBA is not mandatory within an apprenticeship, apprentices or their employers have the option to self-fund the qualification. It's worth mentioning that the Senior Leader apprenticeship, which previously included an MBA qualification, no longer does so, focusing instead on essential content deemed necessary by employers and apprenticeship standards bodies.


Reports claiming that £1 billion of public money was spent on master's courses in apprenticeships are categorically false. Since 2021, no apprenticeships include an MBA qualification. Employers have the autonomy to decide which apprenticeships align with their skill requirements, and the apprenticeship program encompasses a wide range of occupations, from healthcare professionals to managers and tax professionals.

Contrary to the belief that fewer young people are starting lower-level apprenticeships, the reality is that more individuals are opting for higher-skilled apprenticeships at levels 4 and above, such as degree apprenticeships. While this may result in a decline in the number of Level 2 apprenticeships, it signifies a positive shift toward more advanced apprenticeship opportunities.


Apprenticeships play a vital role in supporting disadvantaged young individuals. They provide opportunities for those who may not have achieved GCSE passes to develop essential literacy and numeracy skills, paving the way for higher-paid employment. The apprentice minimum wage has been increased to better support these individuals, and additional funding and bursaries are available for care leavers and disabled apprentices who require extra assistance.


In conclusion, apprenticeships offer a valuable route for young individuals to embark on their desired careers while earning an income and acquiring practical experience. By dispelling the misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships and understanding their funding mechanisms, we can fully appreciate their potential to contribute to both personal and professional development. It is essential to encourage and support young individuals in exploring the diverse educational and training pathways available to them, including apprenticeships, as they strive to secure their dream jobs and build a successful future.

Where's The Careers Advice for the Roles That Build Britain

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The Construction Skills Shortage and the Scaffolding Sector’s Missing Message The UK’s housing targets are under pressure. The construction sector faces a growing skills shortage, and as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) recently highlighted, one of the root causes is alarmingly simple: young people aren’t hearing about careers in construction. But this problem runs even deeper than housebuilding. At National Scaffolding Week , we see how the lack of construction-focused careers advice affects the entire scaffolding and access sector. Scaffolding is the backbone of construction — from maintenance on heritage buildings to the delivery of modern megaprojects — yet the pathway into our industry remains under-promoted and often misunderstood. Breaking Down Barriers and Busting Myths Despite offering structured training, clear progression routes, and a wealth of skilled and professional opportunities, scaffolding still suffers from outdated stereotypes. Too many young people, teachers, and even parents see it as just a stopgap job, not the highly technical, safety-critical profession that it is. Scaffolding is so much more than tubes and boards. It's about design ingenuity, engineering precision, safety leadership, and project management excellence. It’s about problem-solving, teamwork, and making a visible difference to the world around us. Why Early Engagement Matters If we’re serious about tackling the skills shortage — and if we want to secure the future of the access and scaffolding sector — we need to start early. Careers advice in schools must reflect the real breadth of opportunities available across construction, including scaffolding. That means: Embedding scaffolding into careers education programmes. Creating engaging, relatable role models who can share their stories with young people. Showing the exciting projects and life-changing infrastructure that scaffolders help to make possible. National Scaffolding Week: Leading the Conversation Our mission at National Scaffolding Week is to make scaffolding visible, accessible, and aspirational. We’re here to champion the essential role our sector plays in building Britain — and to ensure that scaffolding is part of the careers conversation in every school and college. Because if young people can’t see it, they can’t be it. Let’s work together to showcase the skills, passion, and pride that drive the scaffolding industry — and inspire the next generation to help us build the future.

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Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders –

Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders – Essential Driver CPC Module Launched by Scaffolding Association and RHA

February 13, 2025
Scaffolding transport comes with serious risks and getting it wrong can result in fines, vehicle prohibitions, loss of an operator’s license, and, more tragically, serious injuries or even fatalities. For this reason, the Scaffolding Association and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) have this week launched a brand-new Driver CPC training module, 'Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders.' This course contributes to the required thirty-five hours of periodic Driver CPC training, mandatory for all professional HGV drivers. Failing to complete this training can result in being unable to legally drive. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: "Scaffolding transport is both high-risk and heavily regulated and getting it wrong can have devastating consequences. Poorly secured scaffolding loads can cause serious injuries, collisions and even fatalities. This new course equips drivers with the knowledge to prevent such incidents, protecting lives and protecting businesses from enforcement action and legal consequences.” Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA, said: "Load security is a priority for police and enforcement agencies who actively target non-compliant vehicles. There’s a moral obligation too as unsecured scaffolding and unsafe loads not only lead to penalties, but they also put lives at risk. This DVSA-approved course is designed specifically for scaffolding-related transport and equips drivers and businesses with the essential skills to stay compliant and safe. It arms drivers and businesses with the knowledge they need to prevent accidents, avoid fines, and protect the public." This Course Will Ensure: ● Drivers and operators fully understand the latest legislation ● Scaffolding materials are transported safely, securely, and legally ● Vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant with operator license requirements ● Businesses avoid costly enforcement action, fines, and prohibitions What Delegates Will Learn: ● Load Security – Key updates and who is responsible ● Staying Safe & Compliant – The right way to load scaffolding vehicles ● The Consequences of Getting It Wrong – Prohibitions, fines, and legal action ● Daily Vehicle Checks – What must be checked and how to record defects ● Defect & NIL Defect Reporting – Keeping vehicles roadworthy ● Enforcement Agencies – Their powers, documentation, and what to expect Who Needs to Book This Course? ● All professional HGV drivers transporting scaffolding ● Operators and supervisors responsible for loading & securing scaffolding materials ● Businesses that want to avoid enforcement action and protect their operator’s license For full course details including dates and locations, please visit: https://www.rha.uk.net/Training/England-Wales/Driver-CPC-Courses/-Safe-Loading-and-vehicle-checks-for-Scaffolders
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