What to Expect from Apprenticeship: Myths vs Facts

Apprenticeships are becoming a game-changer in workforce development, offering young professionals a structured path to employment. With India’s Net Apprenticeship Outlook (NAO) hitting a record 76% for Jan-Mar 2024-25, more industries are embracing apprenticeships as a key talent strategy. However, there are still myths surrounding what apprenticeships actually offer. Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship simplifies this by differentiating myths and facts. 

Myth 1: Apprenticeships Are Just About Learning, Not Real Work

Fact: Apprenticeships combine learning with real-world work experience. Unlike traditional classroom education, apprentices get hands-on exposure to industry-specific tasks and responsibilities. 75% of employers regularly absorb apprentices into full-time roles post-training. This means that the work done during the apprenticeship directly contributes to career growth and long-term employability.

Myth 2: Only Certain Industries Offer Apprenticeships

Fact: Apprenticeships are no longer limited to manufacturing or skilled trades. They now span across industries, including IT & BPM (88% NAO), Healthcare (86% NAO), and even emerging sectors like Drone Technology (86% NAO). With the rise of new-age industries such as EV & Mobility (75% NAO) and Global Capability Centers (GCCs) (79% NAO), apprenticeships are available in diverse fields, providing opportunities for students from all educational backgrounds.

Myth 3: Apprentices Don’t Earn Enough to Support Themselves

Fact: Competitive stipends are becoming the norm for apprentices across industries. For example, AI-Data Engineers in BFSI can earn up to ₹50,000 per month, while roles in IT, Biotech, and Electronic Systems offer stipends between ₹30,000 – ₹50,000. This ensures that apprentices not only gain experience but also earn a decent income while learning.

Myth 4: Apprentices Have Limited Career Growth

Fact: Far from being a temporary job, apprenticeships are increasingly viewed as a launchpad for long-term careers. With structured training and mentorship, apprentices gain industry-relevant skills that make them strong candidates for permanent positions. Many industries, including BFSI, Healthcare, and IT, report strong apprentice-to-employee conversion rates, reflecting the increasing trust in this model.

Myth 5: You Need Prior Experience to Succeed in an Apprenticeship

Fact: Apprenticeships are designed for freshers and those with little to no prior work experience. Employers value a candidate’s willingness to learn over previous experience. TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship offers a blend of academic learning and on-the-job training, ensuring apprentices develop industry-relevant skills from scratch.

Myth 6: Apprenticeships Are Only for Traditional Roles

Fact: While apprenticeships have long been associated with roles in engineering, manufacturing, and retail, they are now expanding into sunrise sectors—emerging industries with high growth potential. Sectors like AI, Green Energy, Cybersecurity, and Space Technology are actively engaging apprentices to develop future-ready talent. This shift ensures that apprenticeships are not just about legacy careers but also about preparing candidates for cutting-edge, high-demand jobs.

Myth 7: Apprenticeships are only for blue-collar or manual labor jobs.

Fact:  Apprenticeships are no longer limited to traditional factory-based or manual labor roles. Today, they cover a broad spectrum of white-collar professions, including IT & BPM, BFSI, Healthcare, Retail, and Semiconductor industries. High-demand roles such as AI Data Engineer, Cybersecurity Associate, Blockchain Security Analyst, and Software Developer are now part of modern apprenticeship programs

Myth 8:  Apprenticeships Are Not as Valuable as College Degrees

Fact: The Degree Apprenticeship model allows candidates to earn while they learn, gaining industry-recognized qualifications that often provide a stronger career pathway than traditional degrees

Myth 9: Employers Don’t Prefer Apprentices Over Regular Hires

Fact: Large enterprises have an 85% Net Apprenticeship Outlook (NAO), showing a strong preference for apprenticeships as a strategic workforce solution

Myth 10: Apprenticeships are only for male entry level workforce

Fact: Companies are actively increasing diversity, with 44% of employers planning to boost female apprentice participation, especially in Solar, IT & BPM, and Healthcare industries

Conclusion

With apprenticeship engagement at an all-time high, this is the perfect time to explore this career path. Whether in technology, healthcare, finance, or emerging fields like AI and renewable energy, apprenticeships provide a structured way to gain industry exposure, build a professional network, and secure meaningful employment. By understanding the realities of apprenticeships, candidates can make informed decisions and maximize their career potential.