About apprenticeships

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

Get paid to learn

Apprentices are employees too, which means you'll get a salary, employee rights like sick leave and holiday pay, while gaining work experience. You will earn at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices or the National minimum wage, depending on how old you are when you start.

Nationally recognised qualification as you work

You’ll get a qualification and training that’s recognised and valued by employers throughout England and the UK. You’ll do this all during your working hours, so you can fit it into your life, whatever your circumstances.

No student debt

Apprentices don’t pay tuition fees and aren’t eligible for student loans, so there’s no student debt to worry about. You’re still entitled to student discounts though and can get an NUS card.

Support and bursaries

If you have a learning difficulty or you’re disabled, you're entitled to support during your apprenticeship. If you’re are in care or have been in care, you could be entitled to extra support during your apprenticeship, and a bursary of up to £3,000. See support for apprentices.

Foundation apprenticeships (level 2)

Foundation apprenticeships are set at level 2 and are designed to help young people get started in an industry.

Foundation apprenticeships are available across a range of sectors, 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. 

Apprenticeships (level 2 to 7)

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 level 2 you’re new to an industry. 

Level 2  

No previous experience needed, equivalent to GCSE. Foundation apprenticeships are also set at level 2.

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. 

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.