Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are jobs with training
An apprenticeship is a job with training that is open to anyone aged 16 or over. If you know which industry you want to work in, and learn well in the workplace, the apprenticeship route could be a good choice for you.
Apprenticeships can be found in most industries and at many levels - take a look at the information below for details of the different levels available. They usually last between one and five years, depending on their level.
- Intermediate apprenticeships are at level 2. They are equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4.
- Advanced apprenticeships are at level 3. They are equivalent to 2 A level passes.
- Higher apprenticeships are at levels 4, 5, 6 and 7. They are equivalent to a foundation degree and above.
- Degree apprenticeships are at levels 6 and 7. They are equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Often, the apprenticeship is the qualification you get once you have finished your training. Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma. Apprenticeships available at higher levels may also give you a degree or professional qualification.
Watch the video below to help you understand more about apprenticeships.
Studying and working at the same time
Apprentices need to be able to manage studying and working at the same time. Around 80% of learning takes place on the job. You will also have training away from the workplace, usually around one day a week (the equivalent of at least six hours a week), which is overseen by a training provider. You will have to continue to study English and/or maths if you did not get a grade 4 or above in the subject in your GCSEs.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for apprenticeships vary because each employer will set their own. Usually, for level 3 apprenticeships you will need four or five GCSEs at grades 9-4 and for level 2 apprenticeships, you may need some GCSEs at grade 4 or above. For apprenticeships at levels 4-7, you usually need qualifications at level 3, such as A levels, a T level or a BTEC National Extended Diploma.
Earn while you learn
One of the benefits of doing an apprenticeship is that you get paid while you learn. As a minimum, all apprentices aged 16 to 18, and those aged 19 or over, in their first year, receive £6.40 an hour (from April 2024). Some receive more depending on the apprenticeship and employer. This changes every April.
Extra support is available for apprentices who are care leavers and/or have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. Also, care leavers starting an apprenticeship on or after 1 August 2023 are eligible to receive a bursary of £3,000, payable in instalments during the first year of the apprenticeship. Apprentices must be under 25 and not have received a care leavers' bursary before.
Searching for vacancies
The Youth Employment Bulletin and Weekly Opportunities Bulletin have details of apprenticeship vacancies in and they are updated weekly with new opportunities, You can find the latest bulletins on the Latest vacancies and opportunities page on izzy-info.
Also take a look at Islington Working and Islington Council Vacancies for local apprenticeship opportunities.
If you are in college or sixth form and looking for a higher or degree apprenticeship, Amazing Apprenticeships has a list of nationwide vacancies.
You can also search for apprenticeship vacancies at https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship