Overview
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.
As an apprentice, you’ll:
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- earn a wage and get holiday pay
- study towards a related qualification (usually one day a week)
Apprenticeships take one to four years to complete, depending on their level.
Who can apply?
You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school. To start one, you’ll need to be:
- 16 or over
- living in England
- not in full-time education
Levels of apprenticeship
| Name | Level | Equivalent educational level |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 | 5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C |
| Advanced | 3 | 2 A Level passes |
| Higher | 4,5,6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor’s or master’s degree |
If you are unsuccessful
You can ask for feedback if you don’t get selected for an interview or for the apprenticeship.
You can complain if you think you weren’t successful because you were discriminated against, or your treatment in the interview or application process was unfair.
Apprenticeship helpline
Email: nationalhelpdesk@apprenticeships.gov.uk
Telephone: 0800 015 0400
Opening times: 8am to 10pm, seven days a week
Find out about call charges
Apprenticeships in Scotland and Wales
Different organisations deal with apprenticeships in Scotland and apprenticeships in Wales.
If you need more experience
If you feel you’re not ready for an apprenticeship, a traineeship is a course designed to prepare you for one.
