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'll:

• 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 8 months 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.

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.