What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships allow you to gain on-the-job training whilst studying for a qualification at the same time. When you do an apprenticeship, you are an employee of the company that trains you, and every apprentice is guaranteed a minimum wage linked to their age.

Apprenticeship Levels Explainer (this is a general guide)

  • Intermediate: Usually need minimum of GCSE Grade 3 or equivalent in Maths and English (ideally better)
  • Advanced:  Need GCSE Grade 4+ or equivalent in Maths and English.  Depending on the type of apprenticeship, it is sometimes necessary to have completed an intermediate apprenticeship, relevant full-time course or have relevant work experience as well.
  • Higher/Degree: These are an option for people that already have a level 3 qualification.

Success At School: All About Apprenticeships

Success At School: How much is the Apprentice wage?

Apprenticeships are available at all academic levels – whether you are leaving school after at the end of GCSE, A-level or after a college course, there are apprenticeships available at varying levels.

Success At School: 7 Apprenticeships You Never Knew You Could Do

Higher Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships come at different levels, depending on the type of work you want to train for. 

A higher apprenticeship is your ticket to a high-skilled job. Higher apprentices work towards level 4 apprenticeships, which means you’ll complete your course with the equivalent of a foundation degree or above. An advanced apprenticeship is equivalent to A-levels. You will usually require at least 2 A-levels to start one.

This means higher apprenticeships allow you to train for highly skilled jobs, such as bank manager, advertising guru and even scientist. This is why you study for more advanced qualifications when you do this higher level apprenticeship.

Success At School: Higher Apprenticeships – Should I do one instead of University?

Degree Apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships guarantee you a university degree, as well as on-the-job training for a high-skilled job. You will be learning from experienced colleagues at work alongside studying a bachelor’s or master’s degree with a University or College. It gives you the academic grounding of a degree along with sought-after employability skills employers say graduates don’t have. And 8 out of 10 parents think it’s better than an Oxbridge degree!

Degree Apprenticeships: What are they and are they for me?

Local Apprenticeship Opportunities

It is essential that all young people are offered the right guidance for their choice of future career. There are many apprenticeship opportunities out there and the website below offers specific support: Type in your postcode to find local opportunities.

Gov.UK: Apprenticeship search

Amazing Apprenticeships is a first-rate resource, which includes resources, events and webinars.  Although it is primarily aimed at schools, colleges and parents, the content is really good and relevant to all. 

Amazing Appreticeships.

There is an excellent section called ‘Vacancy Snapshot’ where you can research companies in career sectors that you are especially interested in.

Aim Group are an organisation, which promotes apprenticeships.  While vacancies are advertised on their website, they do not operate as a direct training provider.  The website has a useful breakdown of apprenticeships by career sector.  They also offer additional support to young people and parents as well as free school/ college engagement. They have a regular blog, which is updated frequently

The Aim Group

Please use the link below to explore useful information on apprenticeships: