National Apprenticeship Week – apprenticeship myth busters!

Apprenticeships are only for new starters, existing staff don’t qualify – FALSE!
Over 80% of our apprentices were existing staff at Wetherspoon when they started their qualification.
Apprenticeships are only for young people and school leavers – FALSE!
In England you can choose to do an apprenticeship anytime from the age of 16. There is no upper age limit for starting an apprenticeship
I’ll get paid less if I become an apprentice – FALSE!
At Wetherspoon, there will be no change in you pay and benefits when you become an apprentice (unless you change your job role or working hours).
Apprenticeships aren’t real qualifications – FALSE!
Apprenticeships are nationally recognised qualifications.
Each level of apprenticeship is equivalent to more traditional qualifications:
- Level 2 is equivalent to GCSEs
- Level 3 is equivalent to A levels
- Level 4 is equivalent to 1st year degree
- Level 5 is equivalent to diploma / 2nd year degree
- Level 6 is a degree apprenticeship
I’m not academic enough to do an apprenticeship – FALSE!
You can apply for our apprenticeships even if you don’t have any qualifications. So if you’re thinking, “I failed my GCSEs”, don’t worry – we still have something for you. In fact, if you haven’t already achieved maths and English GCSEs at grade C/level 4 or above, we will support you to gain an equivalent qualification as part of your apprenticeship.
I have to work full time to do an apprenticeship – FALSE!
You should work a minimum of 16 hours each week and your programme will be tailored to your working time.
I don’t have time to do an apprenticeship – FALSE!
Your apprenticeship should be completed in your normal working hours.