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 end-point 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. Some apprenticeships are only offered at these levels, so if you rule them out, you miss the chance to start a career in many jobs and industries.

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

Apprenticeship levels range from level 2 through to level 7.

Level 2 (equal to GCSE)

No prior experience or specific skills are needed.

Example: Level 2 Metal Welding is suitable for beginners with no prior experience.

Level 3 (equal to A level)

Some qualifications or experience may be required.

Example: Level 3 Business Administration is ideal for those with basic office or retail experience.

Levels 4 to 5 (equal to Higher National Certificate/Diploma)

You’ll need relevant qualifications or experience for more complex tasks.

Example: Level 4 Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician requires prior knowledge of engineering maintenance.

Levels 6 to 7 (Degree and Master's level)

These apprenticeships can lead to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Entry requirements vary but may include qualifications like A levels and skills in areas like communication, IT, or problem-solving.

Example: Level 6 Chartered Manager is for those with significant leadership or management experience.

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.

Apprenticeship types

There are different types of apprenticeships to suit different stages of life and career. Some are designed for young people just starting out, while others are open to anyone, regardless of age. 

Foundation apprenticeships (level 2) 

Foundation apprenticeships are introductory courses that help young people get started in an industry.

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 15, you can start if you were born between the last Friday of June and 31 August. 

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

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan  
• are in care or are a care leaver 
• are a prisoner or prison leaver 

Apprenticeship standards (level 2 to 7) 

Apprenticeships standards are specialised courses that teach you how to do a specific job. There are standards for jobs across almost every industry.   

Who can do an apprenticeship standard 

Anyone over 16 can do an apprenticeship standard. 

Apprenticeship levels 

Apprenticeships are available between level 2 and level 7.  The qualification and experience requirements will be 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 or 3 if you’re new to an industry, even if you’ve already got GCSEs or A levels.  Foundation apprenticeships are only available at level 2. 

[underline]Descriptions of each level 

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

 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.  

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