Beginning with an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship, you may develop your career by working through higher-level apprenticeships to get a master’s degree in specific professional areas.
Each apprenticeship opportunity will contain the entry requirements and qualities the business is looking for. For example, employers often need A levels and comparable Level 3 qualifications for higher and degree apprenticeships. It would be best if you also examined the job description for any required and desirable skills and any specific qualifications that are needed.
| Level | Entry requirements |
|---|---|
| Intermediate (Level 2) – generally considered equivalent to five GCSE passes. | Be over 16 years old, and show you can complete the programme. |
| Advanced (Level 3) – generally considered to be equivalent to two A-level passes. | Three or more GCSEs, but other employers don’t specify any formal qualifications. |
| Higher (Level 4 and above) Level 4 – equivalent to an HNC, a foundation degree, or the first year of an undergraduate degree.Levels 5 and above – equivalent to a full degree. |
Five GCSEs grades A – C (9 – 4 on the new grading system), and Level 3 qualifications, including A levels, NVQ/SVQ Level 3, or a BTEC National. |
| Degree (Levels 5 to 7) – these are new and enable apprentices to achieve a full bachelor’s or master’s degree as part of their apprenticeship. Levels 5 and 6 – equivalent to a full degree.Level 7 – equivalent to a master’s degree. |
Five GCSEs grades A – C (9 – 4 on the new grading system), and Level 3 qualifications, including A levels, NVQ/SVQ Level 3, or a BTEC National. |