What Is an Apprenticeship? A UK Parent's Guide

An apprenticeship is a paid job that includes structured off-the-job training, leading to a recognised qualification. Apprentices in England work for an employer while studying — typically one day per week at college or with a training provider — and are paid at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices throughout.

What makes an apprenticeship different from a job or a college course?

An apprenticeship combines all three elements that a stand-alone job or course cannot offer on its own:

Employment: the apprentice is an employee with a contract, a wage, and holiday pay

Training: at least 20% of working hours must be "off-the-job" learning — college sessions, online training, mentoring or structured study at work

Qualification: on completion, the apprentice gains a nationally recognised qualification (typically a certificate, diploma or degree, depending on level)

The employer pays the apprentice's wages and, in England, contributes to training costs through the Apprenticeship Levy (or a co-investment arrangement for smaller employers). The government funds the bulk of training costs for apprentices aged 16–18, making it genuinely cost-free to pursue at that age.

What levels are available?

Apprenticeships in England run from Level 2 to Level 7, matching the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF):

Apprenticeship level | RQF equivalent | Equivalent qualification | Minimum duration
Intermediate (Level 2) | Level 2 | 5 GCSEs at grade 4+ | 12 months
Advanced (Level 3) | Level 3 | 2 A-Levels | 12–18 months
Higher (Level 4–5) | Level 4–5 | HNC / HND | 2–3 years
Degree (Level 6) | Level 6 | Bachelor's degree | 3–4 years
Master's (Level 7) | Level 7 | Master's degree | 2+ years after degree

Most school leavers at 16 start with an Intermediate or Advanced Apprenticeship. Degree and Master's Apprenticeships are increasingly popular as an alternative to full-time university — the apprentice earns a salary and graduates debt-free.

Which sectors offer apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships exist across almost every sector. Common areas for school leavers include:

Sector | Example apprenticeship standards
Digital & IT | Software Developer, Cyber Security Analyst, Data Analyst
Engineering | Aerospace Engineer, Electrical or Electronic Technical Support
Healthcare | Nursing Associate, Clinical Healthcare Support
Finance & Business | Accountancy or Taxation Professional, Business Administrator
Construction | Site Carpenter, Civil Engineer (degree level)
Creative | Junior Content Producer, Broadcast Production Assistant
Education | Early Years Educator, Teaching Assistant
Law | Solicitor Apprenticeship (Level 7)

The government's Find an Apprenticeship service (findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk) lists live vacancies by location, sector and level.

How does an apprenticeship compare to A-Levels?

Factor | Apprenticeship | A-Levels
Location | Employer's workplace + training provider | Sixth form or college
Income | Paid (minimum £7.55/hr from April 2025, age 16–17) | Unpaid; maintenance loan if over 19
Qualification | Vocational/professional certificate or degree | Academic Level 3 (or degree)
University pathway | Via degree apprenticeship or later application | Direct undergraduate entry
Duration to degree | 3–4 years (degree apprenticeship) | 2 years A-Levels + 3 years university = 5 years
Cost to student | None (aged 16–18 in England) | A-Levels free; university = tuition fees + living costs
Career focus | Single sector from day one | Broad options at degree entry

Neither route is superior — the right choice depends on your child's learning style, career clarity and appetite for academic versus practical learning.

What is a degree apprenticeship?

A degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 (or Level 7) programme that leads to a full bachelor's or master's degree, awarded by a university, while the apprentice works for an employer full-time. The employer and the government fund the university fees; the apprentice earns a salary throughout.

Key features:

The university is a genuine partner: the degree is accredited by and awarded by that university, with the same standing as a campus-based degree

The apprentice attends university (usually one to two days per week, or in block study weeks) alongside their job

On completion, the apprentice holds a degree and has typically three to four years of professional experience — a powerful combination

Degree apprenticeships are available in nursing, engineering, software development, law, accounting, architecture and many other fields. Competition for places is high; employers often recruit through the same timelines as UCAS (autumn of Year 13).

What do employers look for in apprenticeship applications?

Most Level 3 (Advanced) Apprenticeship employers ask for:

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths

Genuine interest in and knowledge of the sector

Evidence of work ethic, reliability and communication skills

Unlike university applications, there is no central application system (except for a few national schemes). Your child applies directly to individual employers through their websites or through Find an Apprenticeship. Applications open throughout the year — many for September starts advertise from January onwards.

Frequently asked questions

Can an apprentice go to university afterwards?

Yes. Completing a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship gives UCAS Tariff Points and satisfies most universities' entry requirements. Many apprentices continue to degree level — either through a Degree Apprenticeship or by applying to traditional full-time university. Some employers even fund further study as part of a career development agreement.

How much does an apprentice earn?

From April 2025, the minimum wage for apprentices is £7.55 per hour. This applies to all apprentices under 19, or those over 19 in their first year. After the first year, apprentices aged 19+ are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for their age group (£11.44/hr for ages 21+). In competitive sectors such as technology and finance, many employers pay significantly above the minimum.

Is an apprenticeship right for a pupil who hasn't decided on a career yet?

It can be, but the sector-specific nature of apprenticeships means that a pupil with very broad interests or no clear direction may find that A-Levels or a T-Level offer more time to explore options before committing. That said, Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeships in broad fields — such as Business Administration — provide useful exposure without locking a young person into a narrow specialism.

Can apprentices be made redundant?

Yes — apprentices have employee status and can, in rare circumstances, be made redundant if an employer closes or significantly restructures. In this situation, the National Apprenticeship Service helps the apprentice find a new employer to complete their programme. Redundancy of apprentices is uncommon and the protections in place make it an unlikely risk for most families to worry about.

Whether your child is aiming for university, an apprenticeship, or exploring their options, AI Tutors helps them build the academic skills to succeed — visit aitutors.me to learn more.