What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a job with an accompanying learning programme. On this page there is general information about apprenticeships and how they work.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job where someone can learn, gain experience, and get paid. Apprentices are employees with a contract and holiday leave. By the end of the apprenticeship, they will have the skills and knowledge needed for their chosen career.
Apprentices:
- Learn and train for a specific job.
- Get paid and receive holiday leave.
- Gain hands-on experience in a real work environment.
- Study a minimum number of hours - with a college, university or with a training provider.
- Complete assessments during and at the end of the apprenticeship.
- Follow a career path with long-term potential.
Employers benefit because apprenticeships are also a great way to facilitate growth and development within their current workforce.
How long does an apprenticeship last?
All apprenticeships must last at least eight months, and some can take up to five years depending on the level of the apprenticeship, the industry and your current abilities. Prior recorded learning or attainment can be taken into account to reduce the length of an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships are viable for both full-time or part-time employees, and the training provider will confirm the expected duration and hours to be completed.
Apprenticeship levels
Apprenticeships range from level 2 to level 7 and have equivalent educational levels:
- Level 2 - Intermediate - equivalent to GCSE
- Level 3 - Advanced - equivalent to A Level
- Level 4-7- Higher - equivalent to foundation degree and above
- Level 6-7 - Degree - equivalent to bachelor's or master's degree
Level 7 apprenticeships from January 2026 will be funded for apprentices aged under 22 (up to the age of 25 if the apprentice has an Education, Health and Support Plan (EHCP) or is care experienced).
You can do more than one apprenticeship in your lifetime and progress to higher levels.
Who can do an apprenticeship?
Apprentices must:
- Be 16 or older - the apprenticeship cannot start until after the last Friday in June of the school academic year (September to August) of an individual's 16th birthday.
- Live in England
- Not be in full-time education
Someone can start an apprenticeship whether they're new to work, changing careers, or developing in their current role.
They can still do an apprenticeship if they already have qualifications, including a degree, as long as the apprenticeship offers new learning.
Non-UK nationals must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years to be eligible for an apprenticeship and not resident for the purposes of education. There are some people with immigration status that do qualify for apprenticeships and who only need to have been ordinarily resident since they were granted leave to remain. For more details on this please visit the NRPF Network Apprenticeships page.
Qualifications needed to start an apprenticeship
Entry requirements vary by employer and apprenticeship level. For example:
- Level 2 apprenticeships may not require GCSEs
- Higher or Degree apprenticeships may require Level 3 qualifications
Functional skills requirements for apprentices:
- For apprentices aged 16 to 18, studying Maths and/or English is mandatory if they don't already have an equivalent qualification. For those on a Level 2 apprenticeship, they must achieve Level 1 in Maths and/or English and work towards Level 2, but they don't need to pass Level 2. For apprentices on a Level 3 or higher, achieving Level 2 in Maths and/or English is required to complete the apprenticeship.
- For apprentices aged 19 and over, Maths and/or English is optional unless it is required by the apprenticeship standard. If the employer chooses to include it, the apprentice must participate in learning and attempt the assessments. However, they are not required to pass to complete the apprenticeship.
Foundation apprenticeships
Foundation apprenticeships are designed for young people aged 16-21, or up to 24 if they have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP), are care experienced, or are a prison leaver.
Support and funding:
- Employers and providers may receive additional payments for training young people or care leavers.
- Care leavers can receive a £3,000 bursary - visit our Support for care experienced apprentices page for more information.
- Learning support is available for apprentices with learning difficulties or disabilities.
- English and Maths training is funded separately and must be delivered alongside the apprenticeship if required.
