Prospects.ac.uk

An essential guide to apprenticeships

AuthorDaniel Higginbotham, senior editor
Posted on

Learn more about apprenticeship programmes, including the levels they're available at, how they're structured, the sectors you can go into and how much you can earn

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid role that provides hands-on work experience while studying for a formal qualification.

On an apprenticeship, you're employed to do a real job, with classroom-based learning incorporated into the programme. This means you'll usually spend one day a week at a further education (FE) college, university or training centre.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you'll have gained the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your chosen career or progress to the next level.

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:

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:

What are the apprenticeship levels in England?

What types of apprenticeships are available?

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

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 employers may not 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 £7.55 per hour (from April 2025).

Apprentices aged 19 or over and who've completed their first year will be able to claim the National Minimum Wage (NMW). This is £10 per hour (for those aged 18-20) and £12.21 (for those aged 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 2026.

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 workday 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 must 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, in addition to 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 are typically accepted for the BBC's apprenticeship programmes during two recruitment cycles in October and December for roles starting the following September.

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 they 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