Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

As an apprentice you’ll:

  • work alongside experienced staff
  • gain job-specific skills
  • earn a wage and get holiday pay
  • get time for study related to your role (usually one day a week)

Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.

Who can apply

You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school. To start one, you’ll need to be:

  • 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays
  • living in England
  • not in full-time education

How to apply

There are 3 steps to applying for an apprenticeship.

  1. Search for an apprenticeship.
  2. Sign in or create an account.
  3. Complete and submit your application.

The National Careers Service has advice on writing applications and what to do at interviews.

If you’re unsuccessful

You can ask for feedback if you don’t get selected for an interview or for the apprenticeship.

You can complain if you think you weren’t successful because you were discriminated against, or your treatment in the interview or application process was unfair.

If you need more experience

If you feel you’re not ready for an apprenticeship, a traineeship is a course designed to prepare you for one.

 

Levels of apprenticeship

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.

Name

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

Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.

Apprenticeship helpline
nationalhelpdesk@apprenticeships.gov.uk
Telephone: 0800 015 0400
8am to 10pm, 7 days a week
Find out about call charges

 
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