About apprenticeships

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships combine real work with training and study. Unlike college or university, you’ll apply what you learn directly on the job, gaining hands-on experience and skills.

As an apprentice you will:

• train for the workplace: gain skills directly relevant to your job
• get hands-on experience: work on real tasks and projects
• earn a salary with employee rights: receive pay and entitlement to employment rights such as sick leave and holiday pay.
• spend at least 20% of your working hours training or studying: allocate a portion of your time to learning and development.
• complete ongoing assessments: regularly evaluate your progress and finish with an assessment.

Apprenticeships take 1 to 6 years to complete, depending on:

• the type of apprenticeship
• the level you choose
• your previous experience

If you take a break from learning, it may take longer to finish.

Understanding apprenticeship levels and qualifications

If you have A levels, you might think a level 2 or 3 apprenticeship is not for you because it’s equivalent to GCSEs or A levels. But apprenticeships are different from full-time education. An apprenticeship is a job, and for many people with little or no work experience, a Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship is a good place to start. The level simply gives you an idea of the skills and knowledge you'll gain, not what you need to have before you apply.

What matters is that the apprenticeship offers you the right training and experience for the career you want to pursue. You can search and apply for apprenticeships using Find An Apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship levels

Apprenticeships are available between level 2 and level 7. The qualification and experience requirements get higher with each level. 

Remember that you can apply for any apprenticeship you meet the requirements for. It’s also OK to begin at a lower level 2 you’re new to an industry. 

Level 2  

No previous experience needed, equivalent to GCSE 

Level 3 

Might need some qualifications or experience, equivalent to A level 

Levels 4 to 5 

Relevant qualifications and experience expected, equivalent to HNC or HND 

Levels 6 to 7 

Expert-level study in an industry, equivalent to university  

Foundation apprenticeships

Foundation apprenticeships are introductory courses that help young people get started in an industry. They are all level 2.  Foundation apprenticeships are available for industries including construction, engineering, digital and social care. 

You do not need to have any specific qualifications or experience to apply. 

Who can do a foundation apprenticeship? 

Anyone between 16 and 21 can start a foundation apprenticeship. 

If you're between 22 and 24, you can start if you: 

• have an EHC plan 
• are in care or have been in care 
• are in prison or have been in prison 

You cannot apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you’re 25 or over. 

What will I earn?

Apprentice pay depends on:

• the apprenticeship you choose
• your employer 
• your role 
• your age 
• the year of your apprenticeship

Apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for apprentices if they’re aged: 

• 16 to 18 
• 19 or older and in the first year of their apprenticeship 

If you’re 19 or older and have completed the first year of an apprenticeship, you’re entitled to the National minimum wage or national living wage rate for your age.

Apprenticeships care leavers’ bursary

Apprentices aged 16 to 24 who are care leavers may be eligible for a £3,000 bursary. Learn more about the care leavers' bursary.