All About Apprenticeships
A simple guide to how apprenticeships work, what you can expect, how training fits around your job and whether an apprenticeship could be the right route for you.
Choosing Your Next Step
Working out what to do next is not always easy. The important thing is to explore your options and understand what each route can offer before making a decision.
Apprenticeships are one possible route whether you are leaving school or college, already in employment or thinking about moving into a new occupation.
University, college, employment and apprenticeships can all lead to successful careers. What matters is finding the route that suits how you want to learn and develop.
What Are Your Options?
An apprenticeship is one of several routes you can consider after GCSEs, A levels, a T Level or another college course.
After GCSEs
In England, you must remain in education or training until you are 18, but this does not mean you have to remain at school.
- Stay at school or sixth form
- Study at college
- Start an apprenticeship
After A Levels or College
Once you reach 18, you can consider several different education and employment routes.
- University or higher education
- Full-time employment
- Higher or degree apprenticeships
What Is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job combined with structured training.
You are employed by a business while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for your occupation.
Not Just School Leavers
There is no upper age limit for starting an apprenticeship. They can also support career development, progression and occupational change.
Starting Your Career
Begin developing practical skills and occupational knowledge from the start.
Already Employed
Apprenticeships can support the development of people already working within a business.
Changing Career
Move into a new occupation while gaining structured workplace training.
Returning to Work
Apprenticeships may provide a structured route back into employment and skills development.
What About Prior Learning?
Previous qualifications or work experience do not automatically prevent you from starting an apprenticeship.
Before the programme begins, your training provider will look at your existing qualifications, training, knowledge, skills and relevant work experience.
If you already know some of the content covered by the apprenticeship, the training may be adjusted so that you are developing substantial new learning rather than repeating what you already know.
You Are an Employee
Employment Rights
You will have employment arrangements covering your salary, hours, holiday entitlement, job role and other terms and conditions.
You Will Be Paid
£8.00 National Minimum Wage apprentice rate from 1 April 2026This is the statutory minimum apprentice rate. Many employers choose to pay more.
Working Hours
Apprenticeships can be full-time or part-time. Your working hours are agreed with the employer and set out in your employment arrangements.
Training Is Part of Your Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship training takes place during your paid working hours and can be delivered in several different ways.
Will You Gain Qualifications?
This depends on the individual apprenticeship standard.
Some apprenticeships include additional qualifications such as diplomas, technical qualifications, professional qualifications or degrees.
Others may not include a separate qualification because the apprenticeship itself demonstrates occupational competence.
Do not assume that every apprenticeship at a particular level automatically awards the same qualification.
Apprenticeship Levels
Level 2
Foundation / IntermediateBroadly equivalent to GCSE level.
Level 3
AdvancedBroadly equivalent to A level.
Levels 4 & 5
HigherHigher education-level apprenticeships.
Levels 6 & 7
Higher & DegreeEquivalent educational level to bachelor's and master's degree levels.
You Do Not Pay for Your Apprenticeship Training
Eligible apprenticeship training and assessment costs are funded through employer and government apprenticeship funding arrangements.
Your employer is also responsible for providing equipment and Personal Protective Equipment needed to carry out your job safely.
Getting to Work
- Employer location
- Journey time
- Public transport
- Shift or starting times
- Travel costs
How to Find an Apprenticeship
Vacancies appear throughout the year, so it is worth checking several places regularly.
Government Vacancies
Use Find an Apprenticeship to search opportunities across England.
Training Providers
Check providers that work with employers in the industries you are interested in.
Employer Websites
Follow employers and regularly check their careers pages for new apprenticeship vacancies.
Careers Events
Attend apprenticeship fairs, careers events and employer open evenings.
How to Secure an Apprenticeship
Remember that an apprenticeship is a job. Employers are looking for someone with the motivation and potential to develop within their organisation.
Understand what the business does and why you want to join it.
Know what the apprenticeship involves and what skills are required.
Give detailed, relevant answers rather than rushing your application.
Think of examples showing your interests, skills and willingness to learn.
Apply for More Than One
Apprenticeships can be competitive. A strong application does not guarantee an offer, so apply for several opportunities that genuinely interest you.
Is an Apprenticeship Right for You?
If you like the idea of learning practical skills, gaining workplace experience and earning a salary while completing structured training, an apprenticeship could be a route worth exploring.
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