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Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships allow you to combine work and study by mixing in job training with classroom learning.

You will be employed to do a real job while studying for a recognised qualification, usually for one day a week either at a college or a training centre. By the end of your apprenticeship, you'll hopefully have gained the skills and knowledge needed to either succeed in your chosen career or progress onto the next apprenticeship level.

Apprenticeship Levels

Apprenticeships have four different levels:

  • Intermediate - equivalent to five GCSE passes at grade A*- C or 9 -4
  • Advanced - equivalent to two A-level passes/Level 3 Diploma/International Baccalaureate
  • Higher - equivalent to the first stages of higher education, such as a foundation degree.
  • Degree - comparable to a Bachelors or Master’s degree.

There are various types of apprenticeships most job sectors offer apprenticeship opportunities in the UK, with a wide range of roles on offer. The standards include:

  • Agriculture, Environment and Animal Care apprenticeships in roles such as general farm workers, gardeners, floristry or veterinary nurse.
  • Business apprenticeships in roles such as accounting, marketing, people/HR administration, recruitment and sales.
  • Construction apprenticeships in roles such as building, plumbing and quantity surveying.
  • Engineering apprenticeships in roles such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.
  • Healthcare apprenticeships in roles such as dental, nursing and youth work, as well as NHS apprenticeships.
  • Hospitality and Travel apprenticeships in this sector focus on food and drink preparation and service, as well as a route into travel consultancy.
  • IT apprenticeships in roles such as information security and software development.
  • Law apprenticeships offered at paralegal, legal executive or solicitor level.
  • Media apprenticeships in roles such as journalism, live events, costume design and media make-up.
  • Transport & Logistics apprenticeships include vehicle maintenance as well of a wide range of industries employing people to drive vehicles such as rail, road and aviation.

The length of your apprenticeship will depend on a number of aspects, such as the level of the apprenticeship, your chosen sector, employer requirements and your individual ability. The basic framework is below:

Intermediate apprenticeships tend to last between 12 and 18 months

Advanced apprenticeships are usually completed over two years

Higher and degree apprenticeships take three-to-six years to complete depending on the sector you have chosen.

Pay Rates

These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age).

The rates change on 1st April every year.

  April 2024 (current rate) April 2025
21 and over £11.44 £12.21
18-20 £8.60 £10.00
Under 18 £6.40 £7.55
Apprentice £6.40 £7.55

Apprentices

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:

  • aged under 19
  • aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Example

An apprentice aged 21 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £6.40.

Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:

  • are aged 19 or over
  • have completed the first year of their apprenticeship

Example

An apprentice aged 21 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £11.44.

Amazing Apprenticeships

Click here for resources and parents' packs from Amazing Apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

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