Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.
As an apprentice you will:
work alongside experienced staff
gain job-specific skills
get time for study related to your role (usually one day a week)
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.
Who can apply
You can apply for an apprenticeship while you are still at school. To start one, you will 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.
Create an account (external link), or sign into your account if you already have one
Complete and submit your application
The National Careers Service (external link) has advice on writing applications and what to do at interviews.
If you are unsuccessful
You can ask for feedback if you do not get selected for an interview or for the apprenticeship.
You can complain if you think you were not successful because you were discriminated against, or your treatment in the interview or application process was unfair.
Apprenticeship helpline
nationalhelpdesk@apprenticeships.gov.uk
Telephone: 0800 015 0400
8am to 10pm, 7 days a week
If you need more experience
If you feel you are not ready for an apprenticeship, a traineeship (external link) is a course designed to prepare you for one.