Everything you need to know about: Apprenticeships

What are apprenticeships?

An apprenticeship is a great opportunity to train for a recognised qualification in a job to gain specific skills, while at the same time earning a wage, and even getting holiday pay.

There are literally thousands of different job apprenticeships that you can apply for, in all kinds of businesses and industries. You may well already have some idea of the kind of work you’d like to do.

But before you decide on a particular apprenticeship it’s important to do some research first to learn all you can about what will be involved, and will it really be right for you?

Ask a potential employer for details of the training you’ll receive in your interview. Are the qualifications you’ll earn likely to get you where you want to go in life?

Take time to consider what the apprenticeship really offers. Will the qualification support your long-term career goals? Can you see yourself working in this industry? Also, what potential is there for growth and advancement within the organisation itself?

Is the apprenticeship something you can pursue locally? How much will you be paid? How long will it take to complete?

You can also read reviews of apprenticeships on sites like RateMyApprenticeship.co.uk.

How do apprenticeships work?

To start an apprenticeship you need to be 16 or over, living in England, and not in full time education.

As an apprentice you’ll be working with experienced staff, like any other employee, but at the same time you’ll be training on the job, besides being involved in dedicated study for at least 20% of your working hours. You will be paid for these hours in training.

There are various levels of apprenticeship, equivalent to general education levels.

If you already have any relevant experience, you could spend less time training. For instance, you may have a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in a relevant subject, have industry or sector experience, or have completed training of some description.

What are the entry requirements?

For Level 2 apprenticeships, applicants need to be 16 years old when they start. You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still in school, but you won’t be able to begin until you’re at least 16 by the end of the summer holidays.

For Level 3 apprenticeships, applicants aged 16-18 usually need to have completed a Level 2 apprenticeship or have three or more GCSE-equivalent qualifications. If you don’t have GCSEs or Functional Skills in English and maths, you will need to complete these during your apprenticeship training. For adults aged 19 or over, the business you work for can decide whether you will need to complete English and maths qualifications as part of your training.

How much are apprentices paid?

The minimum hourly wage for apprentices in the UK is £7.55. This rate applies to apprentices aged 16 to 18, and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year of an apprenticeship.

Once an apprentice turns 19 and has completed their first year, they are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age. For example, an apprentice aged 21 who has completed their first year is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £12.21, or an apprentice aged 19 who has completed their first year is entitled to £10.

What apprenticeships are there?

The most popular apprenticeships for new apprentices starting in 2023-24 were in business, administration and law. These were followed by health, public services and care.

You can choose from anything like engineering, nursing or construction, to a career in marketing, law or project management, hospitality, accounting and professional services, manufacturing – it all really depends on your personal interests and aspirations, or if you already know the career you want.

Then again you might be already working in your chosen career and want to improve on your skills.

You may also be interested to know that the British military forces and the civil services were two of the biggest employers of new apprentices in England in the financial year 2023-24.

How long do apprenticeships last?

Apprenticeships typically last between one and five years, higher levels of apprenticeship generally take longer to complete.

• Level 2 (Intermediate) Apprenticeships: These usually take around 12-18 months.
• Level 3 (Advanced) Apprenticeships: These typically last for two years.
• Level 4 & 5 (Higher) Apprenticeships: These can range from two to five years, depending on whether they’re full-time or part-time.
• Level 6 & 7 (Degree) Apprenticeships: These often take 4-5 years.

You’ll be interviewed for the apprenticeship before you start, and need to pass an assessment showing what you’ve learned before you can finish.

Where to find apprenticeships

You can browse all accredited apprenticeship vacancies on Find an apprenticeship. You can also use this website to see different types of apprenticeships available across various sectors.

Another really good place to search for apprenticeship vacancies and apply for them is The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

If you already decided where you’d like to work, simply go on the employer’s website and make an application.

For more information about post-16 career options, visit the National Careers Service website.

YMCA helped 1,182 young people undertake an apprenticeship last year.

You can get lots of help through YMCA’s Training & Education work when looking for employment opportunities, gaining qualifications and skills, and fulfilling your potential.

We can help with CV writing, interview skills, self-confidence and motivation, and connecting you to local companies for apprenticeship and employment opportunities.

In fact, YMCA assists 23,886 people with Training & Education programmes every year. This includes help with basic life skills training, literacy and numeracy skills, ICT skills, financial and budgeting training, work and experience skills, alternative education provision, and further education.