Apprenticeships, along with college and university, are options for people considering their next step after completing their GCSEs or A-Levels.
Consequently, there is a common misconception that apprenticeship applications are only open to people who have successfully finished full-time schooling and that apprenticeships have an age limit.
While apprenticeships are commonly considered just for younger people who are just starting out with their career careers, older people who want to change professions but need training and a diploma before moving into a new position can still benefit.
So, suppose you’re looking for a new career and considering an apprenticeship. In that case, you’ll be relieved to know that even if you’ve been out of high school for a bit, you’ll be eligible to apply for several apprenticeships. However, you should be aware that many apprenticeship programmes would have an age limit preventing you from applying.
Is it feasible to start working as an apprentice at any age?
Apprenticeships require a minimum age of 16, and all applicants must be out of school full-time. However, applicants have no conventional age limit, and those above the age of 16 can apply. Because of the country’s apprenticeship programme, government loans for people aged 19 and over can be more challenging to obtain. However, financing is still available in the form of an Advanced Learner Loan if the applicant completes the requirements.
The level of qualification is often used to assess admission requirements for apprenticeships. There are some of them:
Level 2 (intermediate) – Students must be at least 16 years old and show they can complete the course.
Level 3 (advanced) – Candidates typically require three or more GCSEs or industry experience, but this varies greatly depending on the employer.
Level 4 and above (higher) – applicants must have at least five A-C GCSEs or a Level 3 qualification such as A-Levels, NVQ/SVQ Level 3 or BTEC. In certain cases, employers can expect applicants to have qualifications in similar fields.
Levels 5, 6, and 7 (degree) – Applicants must have at least five A-C GCSEs or a Level 3 qualification such as A-Levels, NVQ/SVQ Level 3, or BTEC. Employers have been known to request specific rates of applicants’ associated qualifications.
Is there an Age Limit for Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships, formerly only available to high school graduates and young adults, are now being promoted as a dynamic way of retraining individuals of all ages. This implies that, regardless of your age, if you think you will gain further by working with a relevant organisation, shadowing expert mentors, earning a recognised degree, and gaining a paycheck, an apprenticeship could be for you.
Since there is no upper age limit for being an apprentice, being too old to take on an apprenticeship is just a matter of whether you think it would aid your progression.