Apprenticeships and Graduate Schemes. What are the options for my business? 

When it comes to building a well-rounded workforce, having a mix of experience, backgrounds and perspectives can be a real strength. That’s why both apprenticeships and graduate schemes can offer huge value to a business… just in different ways.

But if you’re wondering whether to hire an apprentice or a graduate, the answer depends on your industry, the role, and what you need most right now. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option to help you decide.

How can apprenticeships work for my business? 

Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to bring young talent into your business early. For school-leavers aged 16–19, they offer on-the-job learning while earning. And for you and your business, it means shaping someone into a long-term asset from day one.

Hands-on learning from the start
Apprentices learn your processes as they go, which means they can become productive team members quicker than you might expect.

Wider talent pool
Not everyone is academic. So apprenticeships allow you to tap into driven, practical individuals who might otherwise be overlooked.

Lower upfront costs
Apprentice wages are typically lower to reflect the subsidised training. But that doesn’t mean they’re cheap labour.

Since 2020, apprentice wages have risen by 82% (from £4.15 to £7.55). Paying a decent wage shows you value them and reduces dropouts.

Training is sorted
You don’t need to design your own scheme! Training courses are ready to go and available in almost every industry.

Challenges of Hiring Apprenticeships  

Time investment
Someone in your team will need to mentor them, which can add pressure to their workload.

Perception and patience
Apprentices still carry outdated stereotypes. But with the right attitude, they can become future leaders.

Health & safety in high-risk roles
More supervision is needed in hands-on industries to keep everyone safe and compliant.

Apprenticeships aren’t just for school-leavers 

It’s important to remember that Apprenticeships aren’t age restricted.  

Adult apprenticeships are becoming more popular too. If someone in your team wants to upskill, an apprenticeship could be the perfect development tool (specially if they prefer learning on the job). Just make sure the course aligns with their goals and commitments.

In fact, two of our very own team are taking on an apprenticeship in 2025!

How can Graduate Schemes work for my business? 

Graduate schemes and graduate jobs are ideal if you want someone who’s ready to hit the ground running. Many will already have work experience (even if it’s not in your sector), and they’re often eager to prove themselves.

Academic and real-world experience
69% of students work while studying, so many graduates already understand workplace dynamics.

Strong soft skills
They tend to have developed communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills. Especially after completing a degree.

Quick to onboard
Graduates generally require less hand-holding than apprentices, particularly when they join in groups and support each other.

Broader business understanding
Many come with ideas and fresh perspectives that can help improve processes and add value beyond their immediate role.

Tip: If you have the capacity, hiring more than one graduate at a time can help build collaboration, confidence, and culture.

We also recruit grads in our business! And have a Recruitment Graduate Programme in place to fully train and integrate them into the industry.

Challenges of Hiring Graduates   

You may need to build your own scheme
Unlike apprenticeships, graduate schemes need structure. Key aspects are: projects, progression plans, timelines, and regular check-ins.

Timing constraints
Most graduates are available after summer, so your hiring window may be limited to July–September unless you’re open to hiring outside of a scheme or target graduates from previous years.

Lack of direct experience
While many graduates have solid life experience, they may not have worked in your specific industry. That said, retail or hospitality experience often transfers surprisingly well.

Which is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Apprenticeships are perfect for long-term investment and shaping someone from the ground up. Graduates bring immediate capability and fresh thinking which is ideal if you need someone who can make an impact quickly.

Whichever route you choose, remember: real value comes when you allow them to learn and grow. Whether apprentice or graduate, if they’re just making tea and shadowing meetings, you’re missing the point (& the potential)!

When weighing up apprenticeship vs graduate scheme, think about what your business needs. Both now, and in the future.