Angela Renshaw, Premier Training’s Director of Apprenticeships, outlines some of the main misconceptions that employers have around apprenticeships…
One of the biggest barriers for employers is misunderstanding. Apprenticeships can feel complex from the outside, with funding rules, off-the-job training requirements and compliance often appearing daunting.
For some employers, particularly smaller businesses, this uncertainty can be enough to put them off before they’ve even explored what’s possible.
Another common concern is time. Employers worry about the perceived impact on productivity, especially when balancing workloads alongside learning and development. There’s also a misconception that apprentices need constant supervision, or that off-the-job training means extended time away from the workplace, which simply isn’t the case when programmes are designed well.
Cost is sometimes seen as a barrier too, despite apprenticeships being heavily funded. Employers aren’t always aware of the financial support available, or how levy and non-levy funding works, which can lead to the assumption that apprenticeships are more expensive than they actually are.
The solution lies in clarity, flexibility, collaboration and partnership. The main part of a successful apprenticeship is close collaboration with employers, so programmes can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the business and the learner.
When training providers take the time to explain how apprenticeships work in plain language, involve employers in planning and design, and genuinely support them throughout the journey, barriers quickly reduce. Flexible off-the-job training models, clear planning from the outset, and regular communication make apprenticeships far more manageable, effective, and aligned to real business outcomes.
From my experience, once employers see apprenticeships in action and realise, they are a structured, supported way to develop talent rather than an added burden, confidence grows. The key is working with a provider who understands your business and treats the apprenticeship as a partnership, not a process.
For more information on Premier Training’s apprenticeship provision – click here.
