Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships

With young people in the UK now required to stay in education or training until age 18, apprenticeships have become an increasingly attractive pathway for students after they turn 16 and finish full time education. More employers recognise the value of shaping emerging talent from the ground up, while students are drawn to the chance to earn, learn, and develop real skills at the same time. Continuing in school or heading straight to university are no longer the only routes available. So, what exactly is an apprenticeship? 
Current Apprenticeship statistics Release home – Apprenticeships – Explore education statistics – GOV.UK

A job, a qualification, a future

Apprenticeships give young people the chance to work for a real employer, earn a salary, and gain a recognised qualification all while building the workplace skills and experience that employers value most.

Anyone living in England, aged 16 or over, and not in full‑time education, can apply for an apprenticeship. For many students finishing Year 11 or Year 13, it’s a direct route into a career with long‑term progression.

Earn while you learn

All apprentices aged under 19 must receive the appropriate national minimum wage of £8.00 per hour (April 2026).

Apprentices typically work at least 30 hours per week. Because an apprenticeship combines work with training, your week is usually split between your job and your studies. Most programmes follow an 80% work / 20% study model, often four days in the workplace and one day dedicated to learning with your training provider or college.

As an apprentice you will:

• Work alongside experienced staff
• Gain job-specific skills
• Earn a wage and receive holiday pay
• Study towards a related qualification (usually one day a week)

Because apprentices are a popular option, positions are highly competitive, you will need to put effort into your application – writing a cover letter and perhaps providing a CV or answering set questions on an application form. It is important that you prepare for an interview so that you stand out from the other applicants.

Prepare for an interview How to answer common interview questions | National Careers Service

A qualification

Quality is key to apprenticeships. All apprenticeships must be at least 12 months long and lead to a national qualification that is respected by employers around the world.

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels, see below for details

Levels of Apprenticeships 

Apprenticeships take 1 to 4 years to complete depending on their level.

Use your interests to find an apprenticeship Browse by interests

Match me with a qualification Your training options | Skills for Careers

For apprenticeship vacancies see .GOV Apprenticeships

Useful links

For more information see .GOV Apprenticeships Guide

FAQs Apprenticeships – Frequently Asked Questions – BBC Bitesize

Everything you need to know about apprenticeships Apprenticeships | Amazing Apprenticeships

The Future Focus LINChigher student-guide-to-apprenticeships-updated.pdf

Not going to Uni? Visit the Not Going to Uni website

For more information see UCAS Apprenticeships in England

Find out what careers might be right for you  Home | Discover your skills and careers | National Careers Service