Apprenticeships combine real work with training and study. Being an apprentice isn’t the same as being a college or university student. You won’t just study and gain new knowledge as an apprentice, you’ll be putting what you learn straight into practice. Apprentices don’t have to pay tuition fees either.
What is an apprenticeship?
As an apprentice you’ll:
It can take between one and six years to complete an apprenticeship, depending on:
- the apprenticeship you choose
- your apprenticeship level
- your previous experience
If an apprentice needs to take a break from their learning, it could take them longer to complete their apprenticeship.
Who can be an apprentice?
You can apply for an apprenticeship if you’re:
- 16 or older
- not in full-time education
- live in England
If you don’t live in England, you can search for apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
What are the different apprenticeship levels?
There are four apprenticeship levels and each one has an equivalent education level:
Level 2
These apprenticeships provide basic knowledge and skills for specific jobs and are equal to GCSEs.
Level 3
These apprenticeships offer more specialised knowledge and skills and are equal to A levels.
Levels 4 to 7
These apprenticeships focus on higher-level professional skills and can be equal to a foundation degree, a Higher National Certificate (HNC), or a Higher National Diploma (HND).
Levels 6 to 7
These apprenticeships lead to either a full bachelor's or master's degree.Some apprenticeships require certain qualifications, for example GCSE English and maths. You may be given extra training to meet these qualifications. You may also have to meet academic requirements to apply for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
When you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll achieve the equivalent education level. For example, if you complete a level 3 apprenticeship, you’ll achieve the equivalent of an A level.
What will I earn as an apprentice?
Apprentices are entitled to minimum rates of pay. What you earn depends on:
- the apprenticeship you’re doing
- your employer
- your role
- your age
- what year of an apprenticeship you’re in
Apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices if they’re aged:
- 16 to 18
- 19 or older and in the first year of their apprenticeship
If you’re 19 or older and have completed the first year of an apprenticeship, you’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age.
Apprenticeships care leavers’ bursary
Apprentices aged 16 to 24 who are in care or are care leavers could be entitled to a £3,000 bursary. Read more about the apprenticeships care leavers’ bursary.
FAQs
Whatever your reason, make sure you demonstrate that you've done your research and avoid giving vague answers that could make you seem disinterested. I want to use this apprenticeship as an opportunity to gain practical work experience that will build on my academic training.
What is your understanding of an apprenticeship? ›
An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences. Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
What do you say when asking for an apprenticeship? ›
I would like to apply for the XXX apprenticeship with XXX , which I saw advertised on XXX. Please find my CV enclosed / attached. I am very interested in the XXX apprenticeship offered by XXX because of the programme's focus on XXX. XXX is a XXX in the sector and one of the most respected XXX in the UK and globally.
What is your main reason for applying for an apprenticeship? ›
Finding a traineeship or apprenticeship can be a great choice – here's why: You'll enjoy satisfying and practical work, and in many trades you'll avoid being stuck behind a desk. Get paid while you learn, and start living in the 'real world' sooner.
Why would I want to be an apprentice? ›
As apprentices do real jobs in real work environments, you gain the softer skills that will help you throughout your career and make you more confident such as team working, effective communication and problem solving. Enjoy what you do.
Why do you want a apprenticeship program? ›
By completing an apprenticeship, you'll have a clear career and salary trajectory. In 2021, 92% of apprentices retained employment after their apprenticeship program was completed. Registered apprenticeships provide nationally recognized credentials that you can use to apply for job opportunities across the country.
What is an apprentice short answer? ›
An individual who is an apprentice is someone who is paid to learn an art or skill and receive on-the-job training from a more experienced person. The apprentice completes the program with a guaranteed job, applicable skills, and a degree or certification.
What is the main benefit of doing an apprenticeship? ›
You're able to gain skills and qualifications for long-term employment while still earning a decent wage to cover your bills and begin your independent life. You're also rewarded for your progress as you move through the program. As you improve your skills, your pay typically increases.
How do you describe an apprenticeship? ›
Apprenticeship is a system for training a new generation of practitioners of a trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study (classroom work and reading).
What is a good sentence for apprenticeship? ›
The apprenticeships and training are paid for by the unions and there is little cost to students. Students must work 450 hours over the course of their apprenticeship.
Keep content relevant to the apprenticeship you are applying for! List your qualifications and work experience, and how they have led and prepared you towards applying for this apprenticeship. Don't include hobbies and interest at the point, because this needs to be included in your CV.
How to write a good personal statement for an apprenticeship? ›
Look at the job description and match it with some of your strengths – try to link them together. Have you done any work experience, volunteering or part time jobs? You can write about any experiences you have had that are related to the apprenticeship, or any skills you've learnt that might help you.
Why do I want this apprenticeship answer? ›
Here's how you can craft a great answer: Emphasise your eagerness to learn and contribute to the business - share how the Apprenticeship is an opportunity to learn in a real-world setting and apply what you learn by contributing to the team.
How do you stand out in an apprenticeship interview? ›
The key is to understand what you're good at, how it's relevant to the job, and get that across to the employer. For instance, maybe your summer job scrubbing pots down the pub taught you a lot about attention to detail. Use what you've got, and polish it up.
What is a positive reason why someone might choose apprenticeship? ›
Develop new skills in your workforce: Apprenticeships allow you to build the skills that you need in your workforce. Using classroom-based learning and on-the-job training, you can unlock the skills needed in your organization and equip employees to make valuable contributions.
How do you nail an apprenticeship interview? ›
To make sure you're prepared, you should:
- research the apprenticeship and the organisation.
- practice by doing a mock interview.
- check where and when the interview is.
- get to the interview early.
- dress appropriately and stay focussed.
- ask questions if you don't understand.
