As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Anna Ambrose, CEO of Workwhile, to debunk some of the biggest myths surrounding apprenticeships – and to explore why they are such a powerful route for the care-experienced young people we support at Drive Forward Foundation.
From the outset, Anna was clear: the narrative around apprenticeships hasn’t kept up with reality.
One of the most persistent myths? That apprenticeships are only for low-skilled roles.
The truth is very different. Today, apprenticeships span industries from tech to professional services and run right through to Master’s level. They are ambitious, credible pathways into long-term careers – not a second-best option, but a first-choice route for many.
We also spoke about the misconception that apprenticeships are a cost or a risk for employers. Anna sees them as an investment. When organisations give someone their first real opportunity, they often see loyalty, commitment and drive in return. Apprenticeships aren’t just good for young people – they’re a smart, sustainable way for businesses to grow their own talent.
For young people who’ve grown up in care, that opportunity can be transformative.
As Anna put it, for those without a traditional safety net, an apprenticeship can be the safety net. It combines paid employment, recognised qualifications and structured support – offering both stability and progression at the same time. That combination creates real foundations for the future.
We also talked about the myth that care-experienced young people aren’t “workplace ready.” Anna reframed this powerfully. Resilience, independence and adaptability aren’t deficits – they’re strengths. They’re qualities many employers actively look for and value.
Anna also shared her own journey. When she was at school, apprenticeships simply weren’t presented as a viable option. University was seen as the default path. That experience now fuels her passion for widening access and ensuring young people are aware of the full range of routes available to them. Choice matters. Visibility matters. Opportunity matters.
When we asked what she would say to her younger self, her answer was simple: know your options. Today’s landscape is different – and that’s something to celebrate.
At Drive Forward Foundation, apprenticeships are one of the ways we build sustainable care to career pathways. They act as a bridge from care to career – connecting talent with employers and opening doors to long-term, sustainable futures.
Apprenticeships aren’t a fallback. They’re a forward step – and for many young people, they can change the trajectory of a life.
To learn more about our work around apprenticeships and how we support care-experienced young people into employment, please visit this page.
