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Is an apprenticeship the right path you
An apprenticeship is an excellent way to launch a new career or advance in your current one. Discover if it's the right path for you.
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An apprenticeship has the power to transform both your life and career. Hear from former apprentices as they share their experiences.
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Accessible to Everyone:
Apprenticeships open doors for a wide range of people—not just those finishing school.
Earn While You Learn:
As an apprentice, you're employed, which means you receive a salary while gaining hands-on experience and developing new skills in a real-world work environment.
Nationally Recognised Training:
The training you receive is respected by employers across England and the UK, ensuring your skills are valued in the workforce.
Debt-Free Education:
Enjoy a tuition-free learning experience without the worry of student loans, while still taking advantage of student discounts and having the option to obtain an NUS card.
Not a one-size-fits-all solution:
Apprenticeships may not suit everyone, so it's important to thoroughly research specific programs before applying.
Balancing work and study:
Apprentices are expected to meet the same professional standards as their colleagues while also keeping up with coursework deadlines and exam requirements.
Limited exploration:
Some apprenticeship programs may offer fewer opportunities to explore a variety of industries compared to a traditional university education.
Lower initial earnings:
Until the apprenticeship is completed, participants might earn less than fully qualified professionals in the same field.
If you're unsure whether an apprenticeship is the right path for you, consider consulting a dedicated adviser at the National Careers Service.
An apprenticeship is a structured work program where you earn a salary while gaining valuable on-the-job experience. In addition to working, you dedicate at least 20% of your time to classroom learning, which ultimately leads to a widely recognised qualification.
Key features of an apprenticeship include:
- Earning a wage with holiday entitlements.
- Gaining hands-on experience in your chosen field.
- Dedicating around 20% of your time to classroom-based instruction.
- Completing a formal assessment to secure a recognised qualification.
If you're over 16 in England and:
- Just beginning your career,
- Looking to enhance your current role,
- Considering a career change, or
- Not studying full-time,
you can apply for an apprenticeship.
If you're not in England, explore apprenticeship options in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Different apprenticeships have different levels, like how hard they are. Some might need you to have certain qualifications or you may need extra training in English or math to ensure you're at the right level.
If you're not quite ready for an apprenticeship, there are traineeships. They help you get the skills and experience you need before starting an apprenticeship.
Your apprenticeship level decides the qualification you get:
- Intermediate (Level 2) is like getting your GCSEs.
- Advanced (Level 3) is like getting A levels.
- Higher (Levels 4, 5, 6, and 7) is like getting a degree or more.
In England, when someone is learning a job through an apprenticeship, they have to spend 20% of their paid time on training, not at their workplace. This training is important because it helps the apprentice learn the necessary skills.
Subject experts do the training and can include:
- Classroom lessons.
- Online learning.
- Practical training where they shadow someone or visit companies.
- Time to work on assignments.
This training can happen at the workplace or somewhere else. Some employers train themselves, while others partner with schools or training providers.
The training should add up to 20% of all the hours the apprentice is supposed to work during the apprenticeship. It can be done differently, like a little bit each day, once a week, or all at once.
The employer and the training provider decide the best way to do the training.
Your earnings depend on your age, job, and location. You get the apprentice rate if you're 16 to 18 or in the first year. You get at least the National Minimum Wage if you're 19 or older and past the first year.
Apprenticeships don't have student loans or tuition fees. The government and your employer pay for it. You might need to cover daily costs, but many employers pay a good salary. You get extra support in your first year if you're 16 to 24 and in foster care.