How do they work?
Discover what to expect, the step-by-step application process, and how to prepare.
The interview process
If your application is successful, the employer will invite you for an interview. However, if you are upskilling with your current employer, an interview may not be required.
Apprentice training
As an apprentice, you'll undergo regular training to develop the knowledge and skills essential for your chosen role.
Understanding end-point assessments (EPA)
Learn what an EPA is and how you will be assessed throughout your apprenticeship.
Find a job
Use our job search to find apprenticeship jobs in England.
FAQs
Questions? Answers.
Quick answers to questions you may have. Can't find what you're looking for? Search our knowledge base.
Apprenticeships combine practical work experience with structured training and education. Unlike traditional college or university settings, apprentices acquire knowledge and apply it directly in real-world scenarios. Additionally, apprentices do not incur tuition fees.
The duration of an apprenticeship varies from one to six years, depending on factors such as the chosen apprenticeship, the level, and prior experience. An apprentice taking a break from their learning may extend the completion time.
As an apprentice, you will:
- Receive on-the-job training
- Gain hands-on experience
- Earn a salary with employee rights, including sick leave and holiday pay
- Allocate at least 20% of working hours to training or studying
- Participate in ongoing assessments, including an end-point assessment.
Apprenticeship levels and their educational equivalents:
- Level 2: Basic skills equivalent to GCSEs
- Level 3: Specialised knowledge comparable to A levels
- Levels 4 to 5: Higher-level professional skills equivalent to a foundation degree, HNC, or HND
- Levels 6 to 7: Lead to a bachelor's or master's degree
Certain apprenticeships may require specific qualifications (e.g., GCSEs in English and maths), and additional training might be provided to meet these requirements. Academic requirements may apply to higher or degree apprenticeships. Upon completing an apprenticeship, you attain an equivalent education level (e.g., completing a level 3 apprenticeship is equivalent to achieving an A level).
To get an apprenticeship, you must meet certain standards the employer sets. Entry requirements vary, but having three GCSEs is generally a good start. However, employers may consider other qualifications and experiences, especially for apprentices from diverse backgrounds. Employers decide the specific requirements for each apprenticeship.
Here are the basic requirements for different apprenticeship levels:
Level 2 (Intermediate): Minimum age of 16 is the only strict requirement. Employers may also look for your interest in the apprenticeship area and your ability to complete it.
Level 3 (Advanced): Equivalent to A-levels. Typically, employers want three or more GCSEs, especially in English and maths. Relevant experience is also helpful.
Level 4 (Higher): Equivalent to a foundation degree. Employers seek GCSEs, level 3 qualifications like A-levels, or equivalents like BTEC. Experience in a relevant subject is desired.
Level 5 (Higher): Equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree. Similar to level 4 but with higher minimum grades and a definite requirement for previous experience.
Level 6 (Higher): Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Similar to level 5 but with higher minimum grades and a definite requirement for previous experience.
Level 7 (Higher): Equivalent to a master’s degree. Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent level 4 qualifications, along with several years of previous experience.
Level 6 (Degree): Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Requires three to five GCSEs, three or more A-levels (including one in a relevant subject), or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
Level 7 (Degree): Equivalent to a master’s degree. Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent level 4 or above qualifications, with several years of previous experience.
Eligibility criteria for apprenticeship applications:
- Age 16 or older
- Not enrolled in full-time education
- Live in England
For those outside England, apprenticeships can be applied in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Earnings as an apprentice depend on factors such as the type of apprenticeship, employer, role, age, and the apprenticeship year.
Apprentices aged 16 to 18 or 19 receive the National Minimum Wage for apprentices in the first year. If you're 19 or older and have completed the first year, you're entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for your age.
Care leavers aged 16 to 24 undertaking apprenticeships might qualify for a £3,000 bursary known as the apprenticeships care leavers' bursary.
Apprentice training is defined by activities that contribute directly to acquiring new career-related knowledge and skills. This category includes day/block releases for academic or online sessions, practical training (such as shadowing, mentoring, and industry visits), study leave, Continuing Professional Development activities, work-based learning, training courses, and apprentice welcome events.
Conversely, certain activities are excluded from the definition of apprentice training. These include progress reviews with the training provider, training focusing on skills or knowledge unrelated to the apprenticeship, exams or on-programme assessments (although preparation for these is included), preparation for functional skills in English and maths (if applicable), day-to-day tasks related to the apprentice's role, team meetings, and travel time to and from college or university.
The specific components of an EPA can vary based on the apprenticeship but may encompass practical skills testing, presentations, interviews, written or multiple-choice exams, and workplace observations. Additional tasks beyond this list may also be included, and further details can be found in the apprentice guide to assessment.
The significance of the EPA lies in its role as a conclusive measure of an apprentice's readiness for the intended job. Successful completion verifies that the apprentice has acquired the necessary competencies. In the event of not passing the EPA, there is an opportunity to retake specific components or the entire assessment, as detailed in the apprenticeship resits for EPAs.
End-point assessments are conducted by an independent End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) selected by the apprentice's employer or training provider. This ensures an unbiased and impartial evaluation of the apprentice's knowledge and skills gained during the apprenticeship.
The EPA and degree are often completed simultaneously for degree apprenticeships, with both being awarded upon successful completion. An independent assessor, familiar with the industry in which the apprentice is training, is typically involved in the EPA. However, some degree apprenticeships may not integrate the EPA, and further information can be found on the IfATE website.
Upon passing the EPA, the apprentice officially concludes their apprenticeship and receives a certificate as confirmation. In the case of degree apprenticeships, there may also be an additional formal qualification, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, awarded to the apprentice.