🛠️ What are apprenticeships?

❓ What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a real, paid job with training. You work for an employer and spend part of your time learning, usually with a college or training provider. At the end you get a qualification.

📏 Levels

• Foundation apprenticeship: a starting point for people new to work, usually around 8 months, in sectors such as construction, health and social care, digital, hospitality and retail
• Intermediate (Level 2): like GCSEs
• Advanced (Level 3): like A levels
• Higher and degree (Levels 4 to 7): up to degree level

👥 Who can do one?

• Anyone aged 16 or over in England who isn't in full-time education
• Foundation apprenticeships are for 16 to 21 year olds, or up to 24 for people with an EHCP or who are care leavers
• No previous qualifications are needed for foundation apprenticeships
• You'll work on English and maths if you need to

💷 Pay

Apprentices are paid at least the apprentice rate (£8.00 an hour from April 2026) if they're under 19 or in their first year. After that, the normal minimum wage for their age applies. Many employers pay more.

🔎 How to find one

• Find an apprenticeship on GOV.UK
• Employers' own careers sites, such as the NHS, councils and big retailers
• Ask your careers adviser

➡️ Where next?