What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships aren’t the backup plan. They’re real jobs with real training, where you earn a salary and come out with a qualification — and no student debt.
Here’s how it works: you’re employed by a real company, working a real job, and getting trained while you work. You spend about 80% of your time working and 20% learning — either at a college, with a training provider, or through on-the-job training. At the end, you get a nationally recognised qualification.
Apprenticeships are available in virtually every industry: tech, healthcare, construction, finance, creative, engineering, and more. They range from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) all the way up to Level 7 (Master’s degree equivalent).
£0
Tuition fees
0+
Levels available
0%
Time at work
0%
Time learning
Apprenticeship levels explained
Apprenticeships come in four main levels. Each is equivalent to a traditional academic qualification:
| Level | Equivalent to | Duration | Example jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate (Level 2) | 5 GCSEs | 12–18 months | IT support technician, retail team leader |
| Advanced (Level 3) | 2 A-Levels | 18–24 months | Software developer, laboratory technician |
| Higher (Level 4–5) | Foundation degree | 2–4 years | Professional accountant, construction manager |
| Degree (Level 6–7) | Bachelor's / Master's | 3–6 years | Data scientist, chartered engineer, solicitor |
Degree apprenticeships
Degree apprentices earn a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree while working. They typically earn £18,000 to £25,000 per year while studying and graduate completely debt-free. Companies like Google, PwC, BAE Systems, and the NHS all offer them.
Apprenticeship pay
The National Minimum Wage for apprentices is currently £6.40 per hour. This applies if you’re under 19, or if you’re in the first year of your apprenticeship. After that, you’re entitled to the full National Minimum Wage for your age.
But many employers pay significantly more than the minimum. In competitive sectors like tech, engineering, and finance, starting salaries of £15,000 to £25,000 are common — and degree apprentices at large companies can earn £20,000 or more from day one.
Pay rates are set by the employer and vary by sector, level, and location. Always check the salary before you apply. Source: gov.uk minimum wage rates.
Entry requirements and who can apply
You can start an apprenticeship from age 16. There’s no upper age limit — although most are aimed at people aged 16 to 24.
- Level 2: Usually no specific qualifications required — employers set their own criteria
- Level 3: Typically 5 GCSEs at grade 4+, or completion of a Level 2 apprenticeship
- Higher / Degree: Requirements vary — some want A-Levels or equivalent, others accept relevant experience. Some degree apprenticeships are as competitive as university places
You also need to be living in England and not already in full-time education. If you’re 16 to 18, you must be in some form of education or training — an apprenticeship counts.
How to find apprenticeships
The best places to search:
- Find an Apprenticeship (gov.uk) — the official government search tool
- Employer websites — big companies like BT, Rolls Royce, and NHS trusts advertise directly
- Training provider websites — local colleges and training providers list available vacancies
- Job boards — Indeed, Reed, and Totaljobs all list apprenticeships
Tips: Set up email alerts on the gov.uk tool. Widen your location radius — you might find better opportunities 30 minutes further away. Consider related sectors you hadn’t thought of.
How to apply for an apprenticeship
The application process varies by employer, but typically looks like this:
- Find a vacancy you’re interested in and check you meet the requirements
- Submit an application — this might be an online form, a CV and covering letter, or both
- Attend an interview — some employers do phone or video interviews first, then in-person
- Assessment day — larger employers may run group exercises, skills tests, or presentations
- Receive an offer — if successful, you’ll get a contract of employment and start date
Apply to multiple apprenticeships at once — don’t put all your eggs in one basket. And treat every application seriously: proofread your CV, research the company, and prepare for the interview.
Apprenticeships vs university
This is the big question. Here’s how they compare:
| Apprenticeships | University | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (you're paid) | ~£9,250/yr tuition + living costs |
| Duration | 1–6 years | 3–4 years |
| Salary while studying | Yes — £6.40/hr minimum | No (unless part-time work) |
| Student debt | None | ~£45,000+ average |
| Work experience | Years of it, built in | Limited (placements optional) |
| Qualification | Level 2 to Level 7 | Level 6–7 degree |
| Best for | Practical learners who want to earn | Academic learners who want breadth |
A degree apprenticeship takes 3 to 6 years and you earn a salary the whole time. A traditional degree takes 3 years and costs around £9,250 per year in tuition. Neither route is “better” — it depends on whether you’d rather earn while you learn or have the full university experience.
Apprenticeship sectors
Apprenticeships are available across virtually every sector. Some of the biggest areas include:
Apprenticeships: frequently asked questions
Ready to look for apprenticeships?
The government's Find an Apprenticeship tool lets you search by location, sector, and level.
James Adams
Career and Education Founder
James Adams is a Career and Education Founder who also runs Tech Educators, an award-winning digital training provider based in Norfolk. He has direct experience delivering Skills Bootcamps, apprenticeships, and corporate training, and holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) from the University of East Anglia. He created Leaving School to give young people honest, independent guidance on every route available after school.