An apprenticeship is a real job in which you prepare, learn, and are paid. You are a person with a job and holiday days. You will gain the qualifications and knowledge for your preferred career by completing an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships will last anywhere from one to six years, depending on the one you want, the level, and your prior experience—funding from the government and the employer.
An Apprenticeship in the UK integrates on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. As an apprentice, you will:
- Serve as an employee, earning a paycheck and holiday pay
- Learn job-specific skills
- Get time for role-related study and training (at least 20 per cent of your regular working hours)
Apprenticeships integrate on-the-job experience with classroom instruction.
Levels of apprenticeship
Such apprenticeships can also grant you external qualifications, such as a diploma.
| Level | Equivalent educational level | |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 | A level |
| Higher | 4,5,6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor’s or master’s degree |
Who is qualified to start an apprenticeship?
You must be the following to begin an apprenticeship:
- 16 years old or more
- Living in England
- Not in full-time school
Although you may apply for an apprenticeship in the UK while still in school, you must be 16 or older by the end of the summer holiday to begin.
If you think you are not ready for an apprenticeship, a traineeship is a path that can prepare you for one.