Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. 

As an apprentice you will: 

Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level. 

Levels of Apprenticeship  

 Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.  

NameLevelEquivalent educational level
Intermediate2GCSE
Advanced3A Level
Higher4,5,6 and 7Foundation degree and above
Degree6 and 7Bachelor's or master's degree

Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma. 

Who can apply 

You can apply for an apprenticeship while you are still at school. To start one, you will need to be: 

  • 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays; 

  • living in England; 

  • not in full-time education. 

How to apply 

There are 3 steps to applying for an apprenticeship. 

  1. Search for an apprenticeship (external link)

  2. Create an account (external link), or sign into your account if you already have one

  3. Complete and submit your application

The National Careers Service (external link) has advice on writing applications and what to do at interviews. 

If you are unsuccessful 

You can ask for feedback if you do not get selected for an interview or for the apprenticeship. 

You can complain if you think you were not successful because you were discriminated against, or your treatment in the interview or application process was unfair. 

Apprenticeship helpline 

nationalhelpdesk@apprenticeships.gov.uk 

Telephone: 0800 015 0400  

8am to 10pm, 7 days a week 

If you need more experience 

If you feel you are not ready for an apprenticeship, a traineeship (external link) is a course designed to prepare you for one.