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.
You must be at least:
- School leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
- Aged 21 to get the National Living Wage - the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 20 and under
Current Rates
The rates change on 1 April every year.
From April 2025, the rates are:
- £12.21 (aged 21 and over)
- £10 (aged 18 to 20)
- £7.55 (aged under 18)
- £7.55 (apprentice rate)
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 £7.55.
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 £12.21.
