Trade apprenticeships

If you're about to leave school or college and want to learn a manual trade, such as building, plumbing or roofing, a trade apprenticeship can provide you with the skills and training to get your career off the ground

What is a trade apprenticeship?

A trade apprenticeship is a role related to a specific career, such as a plumber or electrician, that requires specialist skills and industry training. You'll be shown how to master the equipment involved and work according to the guidelines for that profession.

For instance, plumbers will discover how to install water fittings such as pipes according to national public health regulations.

Trade jobs are traditionally physically demanding and don't usually require a degree. Qualifications are often achieved by studying one day a week at a further education (FE) college.

Many trades, such as bricklaying, carpentry and roofing, are associated with construction, as the on-site workforce relies on tradespeople. However, trade professions, such as electricians or gas engineers, are standalone careers in their own right, and many choose to provide services to domestic customers directly.

Once you've completed your training, you can work for a small business or even start your own.

What apprenticeship levels are available?

While degree apprenticeships are sometimes available for engineering and management roles, most trade apprenticeships are set at the following levels:

• Intermediate (Level 2) - equivalent to GCSEs, an NVQ Level 2 or a BTEC Diploma/Certificate.
• Advanced (Level 3) - equivalent to two A-level passes.
• Higher - Levels 4 and 5, with the former equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Certificate (HNC). The latter level is comparable to a Higher National Diploma (HND) or foundation degree.

What trades can I do an apprenticeship in?

Construction industry roles

These construction trade apprenticeships are available through construction companies and sub-contractors as well as small businesses:

• Bricklayer - learn how to lay bricks, use equipment and build and repair structures, walls and foundations. Various 18-month to two-year apprenticeship opportunities are available at Levels 2 and 3 (NVQ) in housebuilding, construction and property maintenance. You can also work in domestic and commercial building extensions and restorations.
• Carpenter/Joiner - an integral role in construction, you can do a Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship in carpentry or architectural joinery. You'll use wood to create and install key components in buildings, such as doors and window frames.
• Labourer/Groundworker - with the potential to progress to groundworks supervisor and general foreman positions, an 18-month Level 2 apprenticeship can provide entry into the housebuilding industry. Your primary duty will involve preparing construction sites for structural building works through general labouring duties, including signage, drainage and concrete work.
• Plasterer - two to three-year Level 2 apprenticeships are common for those looking to develop skills in plastering, where you'll get to prepare ceilings and walls for finishing and decoration.
• Roofer - a two-year Level 2 roofing apprenticeship, where you can be referred to as a roof slater and tiler, waterproof membranes installer or roof sheeter and cladder, involves the installation and repair of roofing products and materials. Not for the faint-hearted, as you'll be working at height, this outdoor role involves installing roof coverings for a range of domestic, commercial and public buildings.
• Scaffolder - responsible for ensuring the safety of other tradespeople when working at height, you'll put up, alter and dismantle scaffolding. These 18-month Level 2 apprenticeships will train you in handling, stacking, servicing and inspecting these crucial temporary structures.
• Stonemason - spend two years learning about the traditional craft of stonemasonry. You'll get to master the conservation, repair and replacement of this natural building material, which is widely used in construction and landscaping projects.
• Welder - become a Level 3 plate or pipe welder and spend three to four years developing your skills in manually welding plates, tubes, pipes and other structural components to the highest of quality standards. Find work in areas ranging from construction to the nuclear engineering industry.

Read more about construction apprenticeships and explore the full range of property and construction sector careers.

Manual professions

Trades to consider include:

• Electrician - readily available at Levels 2 to 4, you could train in building services installation or maintenance or progress to network design and engineering. Many electricians eventually choose to work as contractors.
• Energy installer - work in renewable or nuclear energy with apprenticeships available up to higher level (Levels 4 and 5). These programmes typically require the development of plumbing, electrical or mechanical skills.
• Gas engineer - apprentices who complete a Level 3 gas engineering operative programme can command a decent wage, as major employers such as British Gas (Centrica) are always looking for new talent. You'll get to install and maintain gas appliances in domestic and commercial settings while offering advice on energy efficiency.
• Machinist - you'll spend three to four years learning to set up machines ready for production and check and repair them as and when required. The Level 3 machining technician is also known as a central lathe turner, gear cutter, and precision engineer.
• Motor mechanic/technician - on an advanced motor vehicle service and maintenance technician apprenticeship you'll learn everything about servicing and repairing cars and other light vehicles. The programme usually lasts three years but some of the bigger car manufacturers, such as Ford, have longer programmes, which include time spent at their centre of learning.
• Painter and decorator - these intermediate apprenticeships involve using a variety of materials to enhance and protect surfaces, such as wood, metal and plaster. A role well-suited for those with artistic and creative talent, you'll spend time working within domestic and industrial settings.
• Plumber - often known as plumbing and domestic heating technician apprenticeships, you'll get to install, maintain and repair all plumbing systems, including heating, water supply and sanitation.

What are the benefits of learning a trade through an apprenticeship?

• find work straight from school
• earn a wage while achieving a qualification
• develop valuable skills and learn on the job
• receive expert guidance from a mentor
• have a clear pathway to a successful career
• it provides a platform for starting your own business.

If you're still unsure what to do, learn more about choosing a career. You can also take our Job Match quiz.

Where can I find a trade apprenticeship?

Trade apprenticeships are available across England. Search for opportunities near you at GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship.

You can also find apprenticeships in:

• Northern Ireland
• Scotland
• Wales.

In addition, vacancies are listed on job sites and in local newspapers.

What are the requirements for a trade apprentice?

You can apply for an apprenticeship if you're 16 or over and not in education. There's no upper age limit.

However, the exact entry requirements are set by the employer according to the level of apprenticeship you're applying for.

Most of these apprenticeships are set at either Level 2 or 3, so you'll typically require a certain number of GCSEs, including English and maths. If you don't have these, you may need to complete functional skills qualifications for your programme.

For example, JCB's 15-month Level 2 Welding Apprenticeship seeks those aged 18 or over by the start of the apprenticeship and asks for at least two GCSEs in maths and English at 3 (D) or above.

To be eligible for Electricity North West's Level 3 Power Network Apprenticeship, you'll require GCSEs in maths and English Language at grades 4-9 (A*-C). Aside from these formal qualifications, you'll also need to enjoy working outdoors in all weathers and relish being part of a team.

What does a trade apprenticeship involve?

As an apprentice, you'll learn 'on the tools', as it's known in the industry. This refers to those carrying out manual work.

Whether you focus on housebuilding, telecommunications, gas installation, or utilities, mastering the equipment you'll work with will help you understand your chosen trade and what's required of the role.

Many trade apprenticeships, such as bricklayer or roofer, involve working outside in all weather conditions, while carpenters, electricians, and plumbers mainly work inside.

In addition to studying at college for qualifications such as an NVQ or HND, you'll get to work alongside expert craftspeople who will support the development of your practical trade skills.

For instance, a gas engineering operative will train in installing and maintaining gas boilers and other appliances in people's homes. As you grow in confidence, you can offer advice on the best products for their circumstances and how to use energy more efficiently.

How much will I be paid?

The minimum pay for a trade apprentice in the first year of your apprenticeship is £6.40 per hour (as of April 2024). After you've completed your first year, you will be eligible for the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW) rate for your age group.

For more information, visit GOV.UK - National Minimum Wage rates.

Some employers, especially larger companies, will pay over and above this rate. For example:

• the 18-month Level 2 Bricklayer Apprenticeship with Barratt Redrow pays between the apprenticeship wage (£6.40) and £12.15 per hour, depending on the apprentice's age and location
• a Level 2 Welding Apprenticeship with JCB pays £15,000 per year
• Caterpillar offers an annual salary of £13,576 for its four-year Level 3 Installation and Maintenance Electrician Advanced Apprenticeship
• an Apprentice Gas Service & Repair Engineer with British Gas receives £17,850 per year, which rises to £43,733 once qualified and performing consistently.

Apprentices typically earn £13,300 to £18,000 in the first year of their trade apprenticeship.

How do I apply for a trade apprenticeship?

Most businesses expect you to apply for the role via their website by completing an online application form. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to interview. Some larger companies may expect you to attend an in-person assessment centre.

Discover how to apply for an apprenticeship.

Will the company take me on after the apprenticeship?

As trade apprenticeships usually involve significant investment into the individual being trained, they are often viewed as a long-term role. You'll likely be offered a permanent position with the company once the programme has been completed.

However, some entrepreneurial tradespeople start their own businesses in areas such as electricity or plumbing. Once you have acquired skills specific to an industry, you can decide what you'd like to do next.

Find out more

• Read our essential guide to apprenticeships.
• Explore college courses.
• Consider getting Year 12 work experience.