How apprenticeships work
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.
As an apprentice you'll: ยท be an employee earning a wage and getting holiday pay
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- get time for training and study related to your role (at least 20% of your normal working hours)
Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.
Levels of apprenticeship
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
| Level | Equivalent educational level | |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 | A level |
| Higher | 4,5,6 & 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 & 7 | Bachelor's or master's degre |
Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.
Who can start an apprenticeship
To start an apprenticeship, you'll need to be:
- 16 or over
- living in England
- not in full-time education You can apply for an apprenticeship while you're still at school but you'll need to be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship.
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.
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