Guide to apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a great way to get paid while you learn on the job. They lead to a qualification as well as work experience and skills building for your CV. Find out more.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a training scheme where an employer pays you to learn on the job. They combine study with practical training.
What do you get as an apprentice?
As an apprentice you will:
- Work and train with experienced staff
- Gain skills that are specific to your job
- Get a salary
- Get holiday pay
- Get apprenticeship study time (usually one day a week)
Who can apply for apprenticeships?
You can apply for an apprenticeship if you’re still at school. You can also apply for an apprenticeship if you’re returning to work after parenthood or retirement.
You’ll need to be:
- 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays
- Living in England
- Not in full-time education
How long does an apprenticeship take?
Apprenticeships take between one and five years to complete. It depends on what level of apprenticeship you do.
Levels of apprenticeship
Apprenticeships come in levels so you can apply for one that fits your level of education and experience. The table below shows how it works:
| Name | Level | Equivalent education |
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 | A level |
| Higher | 4,5,6,7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6,7 | Bachelor’s or master’s degree |
For example:
- You could leave school to do a Level 2 apprenticeship.
- If you’ve done your GCSEs or the equivalent, you might look for a Level 3 apprenticeship.
- If you’ve done your A levels or the equivalent, you might look for an apprenticehsip that is Level 4 or above.
Some apprenticeships will give you an additional qualification, like a diploma.
How to find apprenticeships
You can use the government’s Find An Apprenticeship service to find thousands of apprenticeships all over the country.
You can visit the career sites of your favourite employers to see if they offer apprenticeships. For example, McDonald’s offers an Apprenticeship Programme and a Management Degree Apprenticeship Programme.
You can also look on job boards, ask at your local job centre about opportunities, or search online for apprenticeships in your area to see what’s out there.
How to apply for apprenticeships
Usually you just have to follow the instructions when you find an apprenticeship you would like to apply for.
Check you have the required education level and work experience they ask for.
Use our CV tips to get your CV in shape and get interview ready.
If you are successful in your application and get to interview stage, this might be face to face with an employer, or it might take place in groups as assessment centres. The employer will let you know. Many employers like McDonald’s give clear details of their application process so you know just what to expect.
Apprenticeship helpline
nationalhelpdesk@apprenticeships.gov.uk
Telephone: 0800 015 0400
8am to 10pm, 7 days a week
An apprenticeship can be a great way to get started in a whole new world of work through paid practical training.