Understanding apprenticeships

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a real job with training built into it. You are employed by an organisation and will usually work alongside experienced colleagues while learning how to carry out a particular occupation.

You should receive an employment contract and an agreed rate of pay, paid time to complete your apprenticeship training, practical experience in a genuine job, and support from your employer and training provider. You are also entitled to holiday pay and the employment rights that apply to other employees, plus an assessment of the skills and knowledge you have developed.

Apprenticeships can take between eight months and six years to complete. The exact length depends on the occupation, apprenticeship level, working hours and any relevant experience you already have.

What happens during an apprenticeship?

Most of your time will be spent carrying out your job. The rest will include structured training related to your apprenticeship. This is often known as off-the-job training. It does not mean unpaid training or training that is unrelated to your work. It can include lessons, workshops, online learning, practical exercises, workplace projects, mentoring or time spent developing new technical skills.

Training might take place every week, once a month or in longer blocks. It may be delivered at your workplace, online, at a college, through a university or at a specialist training centre. The amount of required training depends on the apprenticeship standard. Your employer and training provider should explain the schedule before you begin, and the training should take place within your paid working arrangements.

At the beginning of the apprenticeship, you, your employer and your training provider should agree a training plan. This sets out what you will learn, how the training will be delivered, what each party is expected to do and how questions or complaints will be handled.

Who can apply?

To start an apprenticeship in England, you will normally need to be aged 16 or over, live in England, not be in full-time education when the apprenticeship begins, and meet the requirements of the particular employer and apprenticeship.

There is no general upper age limit. Apprenticeships can be suitable for school leavers, graduates, existing employees and people looking to change careers. Having an existing qualification does not automatically prevent you from applying. You can hold a degree and still begin an apprenticeship, provided the programme gives you significant new knowledge and skills.

Individual employers may ask for particular qualifications, experience or skills. Some roles require GCSE English and maths, while others place more emphasis on your attitude, interests and potential. Always read the vacancy carefully rather than assuming you will not qualify.

Understanding apprenticeship levels

Apprenticeships are available at several levels. Level 2 is foundation or intermediate and broadly equivalent to GCSE level. It can provide an entry route into an occupation and may be suitable for someone with limited previous experience.

Level 3 is advanced and broadly equivalent to A-level study. Level 3 apprenticeships are common in areas such as business, technology, engineering, marketing, healthcare and construction.

Levels 4 and 5 are higher. These sit above A-level standard and can be comparable to qualifications such as a Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma or foundation degree.

Level 6 is higher or degree level and is equivalent to a bachelor's degree. Some Level 6 apprenticeships include a full bachelor's degree, while others lead to a different professional or occupational qualification at the same level. Level 7 is equivalent to master's degree level. Some programmes include a master's degree or professional qualification.

It is important to check the individual vacancy. Not every Level 6 or Level 7 apprenticeship is a degree apprenticeship. The vacancy should state clearly which qualification, if any, is included.

How much will you be paid?

Apprentices are paid employees. Your salary will depend on the employer, occupation, location, level and your previous experience.

From 1 April 2026, the statutory apprentice minimum wage is £8 per hour. This rate applies if you are under 19, or aged 19 or over and still in the first year of your apprenticeship. Once you are aged 19 or over and have completed the first year, you must receive at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for your age.

The minimum hourly rates from April 2026 are £8 for apprentices who qualify for the apprentice rate, £8 for workers under 18, £10.85 for workers aged 18 to 20, and £12.71 for workers aged 21 and over. These are legal minimums rather than recommended salaries. Many employers pay apprentices considerably more, particularly for technical, professional, higher and degree apprenticeships. Minimum wage rates normally change each April, so check the current rate before accepting a position.

You must also be paid for the training that forms part of your apprenticeship and for any required English or maths study completed during your normal working hours.

Will you have to pay for the training?

You should not have to pay the cost of your apprenticeship training. Training is funded through the employer and the apprenticeship funding system. This also applies to degree apprenticeships, meaning you do not take out a tuition fee loan for the degree included in the apprenticeship.

You will still need to manage normal living costs such as travel, accommodation, meals and work clothing unless the employer offers additional support. Apprentices are generally not eligible for conventional student finance while completing a degree apprenticeship because they are employed and their tuition is funded through the apprenticeship.

What employment rights do apprentices have?

As an apprentice, you are an employee. Your contract should explain your salary, working hours, workplace, holiday entitlement and the expected duration of your employment.

Almost all workers are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave. For someone working five days a week throughout the year, this will normally mean at least 28 days. An employer may include bank holidays within this allowance, or may offer them in addition. You may also be entitled to workplace benefits such as a pension, sick pay, parental leave, staff discounts or travel support, depending on your employer and circumstances.

How are apprentices assessed?

You will be assessed to confirm that you have developed the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the occupation. The exact process varies between apprenticeships. It may involve practical observations, workplace projects, written work, tests, presentations, interviews or professional discussions.

Apprenticeship assessment arrangements are currently being updated, so some programmes will continue to use an end-point assessment while revised programmes may include assessments at different stages. The vacancy or training provider should explain how your particular apprenticeship will be assessed.

How do you apply?

Applying for an apprenticeship is usually similar to applying for a job. You may be asked to submit an application form, CV, covering statement or answers to questions about your interests and experience. If your application is successful, the employer may invite you to an interview, assessment day or practical exercise.

You can apply directly through employers, training providers and recognised apprenticeship vacancy services. The government's Find an Apprenticeship service lists vacancies across England.

Before applying, check the actual job duties, the salary and weekly working hours, the apprenticeship level and qualification, the location and travel costs, how and where training will be delivered, the employer's entry requirements, the intended start and completion dates, and whether there is an opportunity for continued employment. Do not apply only because the word 'apprenticeship' appears in the title. The job itself should interest you, because you will be spending most of your week doing it.

Questions to ask before accepting an apprenticeship

Before accepting an offer, ask the employer or training provider what you will be doing during a normal working week, which apprenticeship standard you will complete, what qualification you will receive, how much time is set aside for training, where the training will take place, who will support you at work, how your progress will be reviewed, how you will be assessed, whether your salary will increase during the programme, and what usually happens to apprentices after they complete it.

A reputable employer should be able to answer these questions clearly. Be cautious if an organisation expects you to pay for the training, describes the role as an apprenticeship but offers no recognised training, refuses to explain who the training provider is, or expects all study to be completed unpaid in your own time.

Is an apprenticeship right for you?

An apprenticeship may suit you if you want to begin earning, gain practical experience and work towards a recognised occupation at the same time. It can be particularly useful if you learn well through practical work and want a direct connection between your training and your future career.

However, apprenticeships require commitment. You will be balancing the responsibilities of a job with assignments, training and assessment. You will need to manage your time, meet workplace expectations and keep up with your learning.

A university course may offer more time to explore a subject academically, while an apprenticeship places you in a specific occupation from the beginning. Neither route is automatically better. The right choice depends on your interests, finances, preferred way of learning and career plans.