Apprenticeships

What are apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are a way to work and learn at the same time, making it convenient for you to train for a specific job role. They are for anyone aged 16 or over, whether you are new to work or want to progress.

What's so amazing about apprenticeships is that instead of paying to train, you receive a salary - so you're earning whilst you're learning. Around 80% of an apprentice's time is spent on the job, with the other 20% spent completing learning activities which contribute to a qualification.

Nowadays, apprenticeships are available in a whole range of job roles, across many sectors and at varying levels. They are a valuable route for many people no matter what age or background, and can set you up for a successful career.

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Finding the right path

What are your career options?

If you are thinking of starting an apprenticeship, you might be wondering what options best suit your skills and personality.

Take a look below to find out some of the sectors you could work in and the kind of qualities that make people a good fit for the role.

Click through to find out more information about each sector, including average salary.

1 Health and social care Positive, compassionate, self-confident

2 Retail Outgoing, friendly, energetic

3 Construction

Passionate, hardworking, physically fit

4 Logistics and transport

Practical, logical, problem solver

5 Hospitality and tourism Customer orientated, friendly, hardworking

6 Creative and digital Curious, open-minded, risk takers

7 Engineering and aerospace Problem solver, team player, intuitive

8 Food and drink production Passionate, quality focused, uncompromising

9 Finance, business and legal (professional services) Analytical, hardworking, customer orientated

10 Education Passionate, hardworking, strong communicator

Career progression

Apprenticeships are commonly thought of as career route for younger people to start work, but they're a great way to progress in any stage of your career, no matter your age.

With an apprenticeship you can continue to earn as you learn, whilst gaining the skills you need to progress to the next level.

The more you learn, the greater earning potential you have when you're fully qualified.

Apprenticeship levels

The four apprenticeship levels:

From an intermediate (also known as entry level) apprenticeship you will achieve a Level 2 NVQ, which is the equivalent of 5 GCSEs and a BTEC diploma related to your course subject.

Need to be aged 16 or over
Cannot be in any other further education
Need to find an employer and a training provider (such as a college)
You will receive training to make you work ready

From an advanced apprenticeship you will achieve a Level 3 NVQ and a BTEC knowledge-based diploma in line with the industry you are training in and the specific job role. A level 3 NVQ is the equivalent of 2 A-Levels.

Need to be aged 16 or over
Need to find an employer and a training provider (such as a college)
Most require a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or intermediate apprenticeship)
Some employers may require A-Levels as part of their qualifying criteria

Higher level apprenticeships are a level 4 or 5 NVQ, the equivalent to either a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND) or Foundation Degree.

Need to find an employer and a training provider (such as a college)
A minimum of 5 GCSEs (grade A-C or 9-4) including Maths and English
An advanced apprenticeship or equivalent A-Levels/BTEC.
employers may require you to have studied subjects relevant to your apprenticeship

Degree Apprenticeships are a level 6 or 7 NVQ, equivalent to a Bachelors or Masters Degree. Resulting in the same qualifications as a University Degree but without the average £30,000 debt many university student incur.

Finding an apprenticeship

If you think an apprenticeship is a good option for you, follow these three steps to find a suitable opportunity.

Research – what type of area do you want to work in? What things interest you and do they match your strengths?
Explore - find an apprenticeship that suits you
Apply - read this guide to apprenticeship applications for the hints and tips to succeed

Browse apprenticeships

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Information for employers

Recruiting an apprentice

Recruiting an apprentice has many benefits for businesses, including:

It's cost effective (with additional incentives for SMEs)
Tackles skills shortages
Can be tailored specifically to business
Brings in new ideas and perspectives
Improves productivity and staff retention

For more information about apprenticeships for businesses, including support on how to get started, visit Western Training Provider Network (WTPN).

Find out more

A young man with dark hair in blue overalls sits next to a red car on a car hydraulic lift and smiles at the camera. He is in a garage.

Image credit: Weston College

Supporting an apprentice

Information for parents and carers

If you’re a parent, guardian, carer, or teacher of someone, you could be an important part of helping them decide the best career path.

It's important to note that apprenticeships are for everyone, not just those who do not enjoy academic learning.

There are plenty of ways to get informed, learn from real stories and even seek impartial advice and support.

Find out more

Further information

Useful links to other organisations

UCAS Career finder - Search for apprenticeships, graduate jobs and internships

UCAS Apprenticeships - Interested in an apprenticeship? Find out everything you need to know.