Apprenticeships

What’s an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a genuine job and under all circumstances an apprentice will be employed from day one. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

An apprentice will:

  • Work alongside experienced staff

  • Gain job-specific skills

  • Earn a wage and get holiday pay

  • Be given time for study related to their role (the equivalent of one day a week)

MYPATH Guide to Apprenticeships

What levels are there?

All apprenticeships include elements of on the job and off the job training, leading to industry recognised standards or qualifications. Some apprenticeships also require an assessment at the end of the programme to assess the apprentice`s ability and competence in their job role.

Intermediate - Level 2 - Equivalent to 5 GCSE passes at grade A*– C or 9 – 4

Advanced - Level 3 - Equivalent to 2 A level passes/Level 3 Diploma/ International Baccalaureate

Higher - Level 4, 5, 6 and 7 Equivalent to a Foundation degree and above

Degree - Level 6 and 7 - Equivalent to a Bachelor’s or master’s degree

What can they earn?

The national minimum wage (NMW) for apprentices is £5.28 per hour from April 2023. The apprentice NMW applies to apprentices aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. Apprentices aged 25 and over, and not in the first year of their apprenticeship, will be entitled to the National Minimum Wage. This is the legal minimum pay per hour, most receive more.

Why apply?

  • Earn a real wage

  • Be trained in the skills employers want

  • Set yourself up for the future – apprentices enjoy marked salary increases when they complete their training, and those completing a higher apprenticeship could see increased earnings of an estimated £150,000 over their lifetime.

How to apply?

At any one time on Find an apprenticeship, in a variety of careers and industries across England, there are between 12,000 - 20,000 apprenticeships vacancies online available at gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship. You can search by keyword (job role, occupation type or apprenticeship level) and by location. In addition, some employers advertise vacancies on their website. Once the right job comes up, simply register on the website and follow the step by step instructions to apply for the role.