Apprenticeships can be found in most industries - they are currently available in over 650 job roles. As you can see below, they are available at different levels - ranging from GCSE level up to degree level. They can take between eight months and six years to complete, depending on the level you do.

Foundation apprenticeships are at level 2. They are a new type of apprenticeship, available to young people aged 16 to 21 (up to 24 for some young people). They are designed to help young people get started in an industry. The sectors they are available in are construction, digital, social care and engineering and manufacturing.

Intermediate apprenticeships are at level 2. They are equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4.

Advanced apprenticeships are at level 3. They are equivalent to 2 A level passes.

Higher apprenticeships are at levels 4, 5, 6 and 7. They are equivalent to a foundation degree and above.

Degree apprenticeships are at levels 6 and 7. They are equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Often, the apprenticeship is the qualification you get once you have finished your training. Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma. Apprenticeships that are available at higher levels may also give you a degree or professional qualifications.

Apprentices need to be able to manage studying and working at the same time. Around 80% of learning takes place on the job and you will usually need to pass an 'apprenticeship assessment' before you can complete the apprenticeship. You will also have training away from the workplace for approximately one day per week (the equivalent of at least six hours a week), which is overseen by a training provider. If you are aged 16 to 18 when you start your apprenticeship, you will have to continue to study English and/or maths if you did not get a grade 4 or above in the subject in your GCSEs.

Entry requirements for apprenticeships vary because each employer will set their own. Usually, for level 3 apprenticeships you will need four or five GCSEs at grades 9-4 and for level 2 apprenticeships, you may need some GCSEs at grade 4 or above. For apprenticeships at levels 4-7, you usually need qualifications at level 3, such as A levels, a T level or a BTEC National Extended Diploma.

Some employers offer apprenticeships to their existing staff as well as recruiting new apprentices. Because apprenticeships are jobs, you are not guaranteed to get one. If you are in Year 11 at school and applying for apprenticeships, it is a good idea to have a back-up plan and apply to do a full-time course at a sixth form or college too.

Earn while you learn

One of the benefits of doing an apprenticeship is that you get paid while you learn. As a minimum, all apprentices aged 16 to 18, and those aged 19 or over, in their first year, receive £8.00 an hour (from April 2026). Some receive more depending on the apprenticeship and employer. This changes every April. 

Extra support

You can get extra support during your apprenticeship if you have a learning difficulty, disability, or physical or mental health condition. For more information, see www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/learning-difficulties-disabilities-support

If you’re a care experienced apprentice, under the age of 25, you could be entitled to extra support during your apprenticeship. Eligible apprentices could receive a bursary of £3,000. See www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/support-care-experienced-apprentices

Searching for vacancies

If you’ve decided that doing an apprenticeship is the right route for you, the first steps you need to take are to make sure your CV is up to date and to search for vacancies.

The main apprenticeship application period tends to be November to March, but vacancies are advertised all year round. Although most vacancies are advertised at www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship, there is no one central place where all apprenticeship vacancies can be found, so you need to be proactive. Training providers may help you find an employer, but you are more likely to get onto an apprenticeship if you can find an employer yourself.

To find vacancies you can:

  • Register at www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
  • Check out other websites that advertise apprenticeship vacancies, such as www.ucas.com/explore/search/apprenticeships and www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk
  • Send your CV and cover letter to companies and organisations you'd like to work for, asking them to consider you when they have vacancies. Also, keep an eye on company websites and social media pages for vacancies
  • Ask your careers adviser, friends and family if they know of companies that are recruiting 
  • Go to apprenticeship events and job fairs
  • Register with training providers - in case they get vacancies from employers

If you have found an employer who wants to take you on as an apprentice, but needs to find a training provider to provide the qualification part of the apprenticeship, they can search for one at https://findapprenticeshiptraining.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/courses