Apprenticeships

What is an apprenticeship?

Structure

Open to anyone aged 16 and over, an apprenticeship combines salaried work with structured training on and off the job. Apprentices gain valuable experience, developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for their chosen occupation. Apprentices spend most of their time learning on the job, while also completing structured off-the-job training provided by a training organisation. In England, at least 20% of an apprentice's paid working hours must be dedicated to this off-the-job training, which supports their progress towards a nationally recognised qualification or occupational standard. 

Apprenticeships can be offered by national or local employers, who may recruit directly or may also choose to advertise vacancies and deliver training via a local further education college or independent training provider. A good starting point to connect with local providers is through your local Careers Hub.

Levels

Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries and at different levels, from intermediate (Level 2) and advanced (Level 3) to higher (Levels 4 and 5) and undergraduate/master's degree-level (Levels 6 and 7). Each apprenticeship follows an employer-designed standard, ensuring apprentices develop the skills needed for their role. Entry requirements vary depending on the level and training. Students aged 16-18 who do not already have GCSEs in Maths and English may need to work towards these, or an equivalent functional skills qualification as part of their apprenticeship. In February 2025, the government announced that the requirement to take English and Maths qualifications would be optional for apprentices aged 19 or over.

Accelerated apprenticeships

In some cases, it may be possible to work towards an accelerated apprenticeship, which is shorter than the standard timeframe by at least three months. Accelerated apprenticeships are designed for those with prior experience or relevant qualifications, allowing for faster progression through the apprenticeship programme. They may also be suitable for employees looking to upskill or change their career.

Latest news on apprenticeships

Some of the latest information on apprenticeships that may be of specific interest to career development professionals includes:

• The government plans to replace the current Apprenticeship Levy with a 'Growth and Skills' Levy: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-overhauls-apprenticeships-to-support-opportunity which:

          - will provide more flexibility to employers as to how to spend their levy

          - will allow for shorter apprenticeships

          - will see the introduction of Foundation Apprenticeships 

          - will focus on critical sectors to address skills gaps

          - may see the removal of funding for level 7 apprenticeships 

• The functions of IfATE (The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education) will be transferred over to Skills England, a new body that will bring together key partners to meet the skills needs of the next decade. Skills England will manage the Growth and Skills Levy, which will be used to help employers fund training and apprenticeships: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/skills-england
• UCAS has announced plans to attach tariff points to apprenticeships, for the 2026 cycle: https://www.ucas.com/providers/overview-ucas-tariff-points-apprenticeships
• From January 2025, employers have more flexibility over Maths and English requirements for apprenticeships. They can decide whether learners aged 19 or over at the start of their apprenticeship need to complete a level 2 Maths and English qualification; however they will still be assessed on core skills needed to demonstrate competency relevant to their occupation. This flexibility does not apply to learners aged 16-18, who will still be required to achieve English and Maths qualifications.