Apprenticeships
How apprenticeships work
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.
As an apprentice, you will:
- Be an employee earning a wage and getting holiday pay
- Work alongside experienced staff
- Gain job-specific skills
- Get time for training and study related to your role (at least 20% of your normal working hours)
Apprenticeships take from 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels:
| Level | Equivalent Education Level | |
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 | A-Level |
| Higher | 4, 5, 6 and 7 | Foundation Degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor's or Master's Degree |
Some apprenticeship qualifications may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.
Thinking about applying for an apprenticeship but don't know what to expect? Take this short course (1 hour) and see if it’s the right pathway for you! Further short courses on T-Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ) can be found here.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025, 10-16 Feb
There's lots going on during National Apprenticeship Week to promote and inform students and parents/carers about apprenticeships. Please use the links below to find out more:
- Apprenticeship & Career Guide: https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/best-apprenticeship-employers/guide
- Online webinars that are being held each day – Students need to register for these: https://nationalapprenticeshipweek.co.uk/events/ and
https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/events/exploring-the-range-of-apprenticeships/ and https://naw.appawards.co.uk/events/map
- Student zone: https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/zones/student/
- Application step by step guide – See attached and advice on CVs, application letters and interviews here: https://parents.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/career-application-advice
- Rapid reads: https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/resources/?type=rapid-reads#top-of-page
- Meet the employers: https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/meet-the-employer/
- Stories and reviews by real apprentices:
https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/search-reviews and
https://parents.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/student-success-stories - Sign up to vacancy alerts:
https://mailchi.mp/amazingapprenticeships.com/vacancies - Guidance for Parents/Guardians:
https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/zones/parent/ - Choices magazine:
https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/resources/?type=parents-packs#top-of-page - Arcade games for students to get involved in:
https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/apprenticeship-arcade/ - The National Apprenticeship Show: https://nationalapprenticeshipshow.org/london-se/
What else is going on:
- https://nationalapprenticeshipweek.co.uk/
- https://bigassembly.org/
- https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers
- https://unifrog.ivent-pro.com/events/apprenticeshipfair/login
- https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/
- https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/skills-for-life
- https://www.youtube.com/live/JDG-isiJypk
- https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/naw/?utm_source=DFE&utm_medium=page&utm_campaign=NAW2024_toolkit
Finally, many employers advertise their apprenticeships on their own websites. Look under vacancies and “early career vacancies”.
Useful websites
Higher & Degree Apprenticeship Listing 2024
Apprenticeships Guide 2024National Apprenticeships Week
Information, Advice and Guidance - The National Apprenticeship Service
Best 100 Apprenticeship Employers
Understanding Apprenticeships film
Rate My Apprenticeship - Top apprenticeship employers and training providers
Amazing Apprenticeships - Resources
Amazing Apprenticeships Employers and Vacancies
Network Rail Advanced Apprenticeship
Resources
Apprenticeships - short course
Higher Technical Qualification - short course
A Guide to Apprenticeships for Care Experienced Young People/Care Leavers
Apprenticeship Levels Explained
What is a Degree Apprenticeship?
Higher & Degree Apprenticeships Information
For further information regarding Careers & Work-Related Learning
please contact Mrs Robinson
