What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences. 

Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.  

An Apprenticeship
Includes:

Who can
apply?

An apprenticeship is a great paid work opportunity for people over the age of 16 in England who are: 

If you do not live in England, check out apprenticeship options in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.  

Different apprenticeship levels equate to different qualification levels. 

An apprenticeship can start at any level, but some may require: 

Traineeships are a great option for young people who are not yet ready for an apprenticeship because they provide opportunities to gain the relevant skills and experience to take on an apprenticeship and prepare for work. 

One of the following qualification levels will be achieved depending on the apprenticeship level: 

Level Equivalent education level
Intermediate 2 GCSE
Advanced 3 A Level
Higher 4,5,6 & 7 Foundation Degree and above
Degree 6 and 7 Bachelor's or Master's Degree

In England, it is a statutory requirement for an apprentice to spend 20% of their paid time ‘off-the-job’. This involves essential training to help the apprentice gain the skills needed to complete their apprenticeship.  

Off-the-job training is delivered by subject experts and can include:  

The training can take place in or out of the work environment. Some employers will offer in-house training, others may work with colleges, universities, and training providers to deliver the training for them.  

The training must equate to 20% of the overall contracted hours for the duration of the apprenticeship. It can be delivered flexibly, for example, as part of each day, once a week, or as a block release. 

The employer and the training provider will decide on the most appropriate model.  

Apprenticeship Benefits

experience and skills development 

a nationally recognised qualification

(with no tuition fees)

employee benefits and a wage

exposure to industry professionals

Apprenticeship Wage

What the apprentice earns will depend on the industry, location, and the level of apprenticeship they choose.   

If aged between 16 and 18 or in the first year of the apprenticeship

The apprentice is entitled to the apprentice rate

If the apprentice is 19 or over and has completed the first year of the apprenticeship

They are entitled to the National Minimum Wage

This is the minimum an apprentice can earn; many employers offer their apprentices a competitive salary.  

There are no student loan or tuition fees for an apprenticeship because it is funded by the government and the employer. 

The apprentice will need to cover the cost of their day-to-day expenses, such as lunch and travel, however many employers offer a competitive salary to support this. 

If the apprentice is 16 to 24 and a care leaver, they will receive a £1,000 bursary payment to support them in their first year of the apprenticeship.

All accredited apprenticeship vacancies can be found on:

By creating an account, you can sign up to be alerted of opportunities in your area of interest and desired location.  

You can also use this website to browse what types of apprenticeships are available across different sectors. 

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