Apprenticeships
What is an Apprenticeship?
On an apprenticeship, you're employed to work whilst studying for a formal qualification. By the end of your apprenticeship, will have gained the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your chosen career or progress onto the next apprenticeship level.
An Apprenticeship is a popular choice of progression because you are able to earn and learn at the same time.
There are Apprenticeships on offer in most professions and range from intermediate to degree levels
Apprenticeship Levels
Please click on each level to be taken to a dedicated information page
Length of Apprenticeships
The length of your apprenticeship will depend on a number of factors, such as the level of the apprenticeship, your chosen sector, employer requirements and your individual ability.
That being said, apprenticeships will usually last between one and six years. Their length follows a basic framework:
intermediate apprenticeships typically last between one year and 18 months
advanced apprenticeships are usually studied over two years
higher and degree apprenticeships take three-to-six years to complete.
It's worth checking directly with your chosen employer before applying to check how long your course will last, as some won't follow this structure.
Apprenticeship Pay
If you're aged under 19 and an apprentice, or 19 or over and still in your first year as an apprentice, you'll be entitled to the apprenticeship wage of £4.81 per hour. Apprentices aged 19 or over and who've completed their first year will be able to claim the National Minimum Wage (NMW). From April 2022, this has been set at £6.83 per hour (for those aged 18-20), £9.18 (21-22) and £9.52 (23 and above). For more information, see GOV.UK - Become an apprentice.
This pay rate is stated as a guideline - some employers pay you a higher wage. You'll also be entitled to sick pay, any additional benefits your employer offers to its other employees, such as healthcare plans and childcare vouchers, and at least 20 days of paid holiday per year. Visit GOV.UK - Calculate holiday entitlement to work out your exact entitlement.
Working hours vary depending on your employer, but you won't be able to work more than 40 hours per week or any fewer than 30. Typically, you'll work between 35 and 37.5 hours per week. The sector you're entering will determine the nature of your daily working hours. While most apprentices can expect to work a 9am-5.30pm day with an hour's break for lunch, those in hospitality or healthcare roles, for instance, should expect to work antisocial shifts.
Apprenticeship Age Limits
There's no age limit on being an apprentice. As long as you're over 16 and have the right credentials, you'll be eligible to apply for your chosen apprenticeship.
If you start your apprenticeship after you turn 19, you may be entitled to additional government funding. Find out more about what's on offer at Student Finance England - Advanced Learner Loan.
Entry Requirements
As each type of apprenticeship offers a different-levelled qualification on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), their entry requirements will vary. Generally speaking, they are as follows:
To apply for an intermediate apprenticeship, you'll just need to be over 16 years old and no longer in full-time education.
For an advanced apprenticeship, you're likely to be asked for prior work experience and at least three 9-4 grade GCSEs or equivalent - such as an intermediate apprenticeship qualification.
As higher apprenticeships are the equivalent of a foundation degree, HNC or first year of a Bachelors, you'll usually need at least five 9-4 grade GCSEs, as well as some Level 3 qualifications in relevant subjects, to apply. Your Level 3 qualifications could be AS-levels, a BTEC National or a Level 3 NVQ.
Degree apprenticeships will have the tightest entry requirements. These may include three A-levels in a specified grade range or a higher apprenticeship qualification, on top of at least five 9-4 GCSE grades. It's also likely you'll be required to have prior work experience.
Apprenticeships.pdfStep by Step Guide to Apprenticeships.pdfWhy Choose an Apprenticeship.pdfApprenticeshp Vacancies
Apprenticeship with BAE Systems - 2024
With a wide range of Apprenticeships to choose from, across a whole range of Engineering and Business disciplines, BAE Systems has opportunities that will inspire you. The programmes are grouped according to the qualifications you will need at all the levels -
Intermediate - Level 3
Advanced - Level 4
Higher - Level 5
Degree - Level 6
Click here to access the level that is right for you and you will find a rundown of all the Apprenticeships including locations where they are offered, and to apply.
Register your interest with IBM Future Apprenticeships and Degree Apprenticeship. You might also be uncertain about whether to start work, complete apprenticeship or go to university after College, then consider taking a Gap year to do a Placement. IBM offers a Futures 12-month Placement Scheme in Business, Technology and Design which you may like to donsider.
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships vacanices