An essential guide to apprenticeships

Learn more about apprenticeship schemes, including available levels, how they're structured, and the varied number of sectors that offer them

How are apprenticeships structured?

The structure of the apprenticeship and what you'll learn depends on the role you're training for and the level it's set at.

However, all apprentices follow an approved study programme, which means you'll gain a nationally recognised qualification, including:

• Functional skills - GCSE-level qualifications in English, maths and IT.
• National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) - from Level 2 (comparable to five GCSEs) up to Level 7 (similar to a postgraduate degree).
• Technical certificates - such as BTEC diplomas, City and Guild Progression Awards.
• Academic qualifications - including a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND), foundation degree or the equivalent of a full Bachelors degree.

For more information on how these courses compare, see our guide to undergraduate qualifications.

Also, apprenticeship-level structures and qualifications vary across the UK. If you aren't based in England, explore apprenticeships in:

• Northern Ireland
• Scotland
• Wales.

What are the apprenticeship levels?

• Intermediate (Level 2) - equivalent to five good GCSE passes.
• Advanced (Level 3) - equivalent to two A-level passes.
• Higher (Levels 4/5) - equivalent to the first stages of higher education, such as a foundation degree.
• Degree (Levels 6/7)- comparable to a Bachelors or Masters degree.

What types of apprenticeships are available?

Most job sectors provide apprenticeship opportunities in the UK, including:

• Accounting apprenticeships - in areas such as bills and expenses, payroll and taxes. There are also banking apprenticeships.
• Business apprenticeships - where you'll work in business administration, business development, consultancy and leadership.
• Construction apprenticeships - for property and construction roles such as building, planning and quantity surveying.
• Engineering apprenticeships - in civil, mechanical and electrical engineering.
• Healthcare apprenticeships - in areas such as dentistry and nursing. You could also consider social care apprenticeships.
• Hospitality apprenticeships - if you're planning on working with food as a chef or technologist or if you're interested in a customer-facing role.
• HR apprenticeships - for those looking to progress in support, consultancy and management roles.
• IT apprenticeships - in information security and software development.
• Law apprenticeships - offered at paralegal, legal executive and solicitor levels.
• Marketing apprenticeships - in digital marketing, social media and PR.
• Media apprenticeships - to work in the television, radio and film industries.
• Retail apprenticeships - for those in buying, merchandising and management roles. Plus, there are also sales apprenticeships.
• Sports apprenticeships - programmes are available in coaching, physiotherapy and sports management.
• Trade apprenticeships - to start your career as an electrician, car mechanic, plumber or roofer.
• Transport apprenticeships - in various logistics, road, railway, automotive and airline industry roles.

You can search for apprenticeships in your local area at GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship.

How long are apprenticeships?

The length of your apprenticeship will depend on factors such as:

• the level of the apprenticeship
• your chosen sector
• employer requirements
• and your individual ability.

However, apprenticeships 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 discover how long your course will last, as some won't follow this structure.

What is the apprentice wage?

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 £6.40 per hour (from April 2024).

Apprentices aged 19 or over and who've completed their first year will be able to claim the National Minimum Wage (NMW). This is £8.60 per hour (for those aged 18-20) and £11.44 (for ages 21 and above).

For more information, see GOV.UK - Become an apprentice.

This pay rate is a guideline, as some employers pay you a higher wage.

Discover the best paying apprenticeship sectors in 2025.

What are the working hours?

These will vary depending on your employer, but you won't be able to work more than 40 hours per week or any fewer than 30. You'll typically work between 35 and 37.5 hours per week.

While most apprentices can expect a 9am to 5.30pm work day with an hour's break for lunch, those in hospitality or healthcare roles, for instance, should expect to work antisocial shifts.

Is there an age limit for apprenticeships?

There's no upper age limit to be an apprentice. You can apply for your chosen apprenticeship if you're aged 16 or over and have the required credentials.

What are the entry requirements?

• 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.

When should I apply?

While apprenticeships are available throughout the year, the recruitment cycle for many bigger employers typically runs from September to March, with start dates in August or September.

For example, applications were accepted for the BBC's 2025 degree apprenticeships from October or December 2024, depending on the programme. These were apprenticeship roles with a start date of 1 September 2025.

Look at what apprenticeships are being advertised for the role you're looking to pursue or discover when a recruiter plans to take on new apprentices.

What's the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship?

The terms 'apprenticeship' and 'internship' are sometimes mistakenly used interchangeably.

To ensure you're applying for the right positions, it's important to understand the differences between these opportunities.

Apprenticeships are:

• formal employment programmes, and as such you'll sign a contract with your employer
• long-term and take between one and four years to complete
• more suited to those with a clear idea of the sector they'd like to work in and the career path they'd like to follow
• usually undertaken by school and college leavers
• designed to provide specific work-based training. Apprentices learn by actually doing the job
• a way for apprentices to gain formal qualifications such as NVQs, foundation degrees and technical certificates
• paid, as at the very least you'll receive the NMW
• a direct route to employment, with the majority of apprentices guaranteed a job on completion of their programme.

Internships are:

• informal arrangements, as it's typical that no employment contracts are signed
• short-term, limited periods lasting between one week and 12 months
• geared towards providing an insight into a role - perfect for those who may be unsure of what career direction to take
• typically undertaken by college or university students and those starting their careers
• work-based learning opportunities, which focus more on providing interns with transferable skills and experience for their CV rather than job-specific skills or formal qualifications
• temporary, with no guarantee of employment on completion.

Learn more about what's involved in an internship.

Find out more

• Discover how to apply for an apprenticeship.
• Consider whether to go to university or do an apprenticeship.
• Read about National Apprenticeship Week.