Your Guide to Apprenticeships

Image of a young man sitting outside on a wall, ready for an apprenticeship.

Did you know you can combine paid work and free qualifications by doing an apprenticeship? Explore jobs and advice below.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid training programme that combines working for a salary with learning that leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

Aged 16? You can apply for an apprenticeship and get paid to do a job and build work experience while getting qualified (with no tuition fees!)

Apprenticeships last a minimum of a year and can last up to four years depending on the apprenticeship.

Types of Apprenticeships

There are 4 types of apprenticeships, and you ca get them in any industry:

  • Intermediate (Level 2) – equivalent to 5 GCSEs
  • Advanced (Level 3) – equivalent to 2 A-levels
  • Higher (Level 4/5) – can lead to Level 4 qualification, foundation degree, or HND
  • Degree (Level 6/7) – equivalent to bachelor’s or master’s degree

Apprenticeship Advice: What You Need To Know

Find a host of guides, tips and resources to help you get to grips with how apprenticeships work and what’s in it for you.

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Find An Apprenticeship Near You

See latest apprenticeships from Youth Friendly Employers below. Sign in to see all apprenticeships in YOUR area.

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Explore Apprenticeships With Free Online Courses

In Apprenticeships

We’ve partnered with The Careers & Enterprise Company to help apprentices during training.

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Explore Apprenticeships

Thinking about doing an apprenticeship? This introductory course is a great place to start.

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Sign up as a Young Professional (or login) to get free access to these online apprenticeship courses

Your Apprenticeship Stories

What are apprenticeships REALLY like? Hear from apprentices in their own words!

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WorldSkills UK

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WorldSkills UK helps you discover technical education and apprenticeships which gives you the skills and knowledge needed to kickstart your career.

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Association of Apprentices

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Network in the apprenticeship community, access resources, attend events, and get ahead in your apprenticeships. Become a member for free!

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Explore Youth Friendly Employers Offering Apprenticeships

These Youth-Friendly Employers & Training Providers offer fantastic opportunities including Apprenticeships!


In Apprenticeships – Advice For Current Apprentices

Are you in an apprenticeship or about to start one? We’ve got you covered.

Information for Employers

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Recruiting apprentices? Become a member to get access to support, advice, resources and insight, and promote your opportunities.

Our expertise will help you reach, engage and nurture both future talent and young talent with apprenticeships and so much more.

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Information for Educators

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Are you a teacher or careers leader helping learners transition to their next career step?

Join our Careers Education Community today! Membership and resources are free – from lesson plans to online courses covering skills and employability, apprenticeships, work experience and more.

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