Prospects.ac.uk

IT apprenticeships

AuthorDaniel Higginbotham, senior editor
Posted on

If you enter the tech or digital industries through an IT apprenticeship, you'll get to learn on the job, earn a salary and achieve recognised professional certifications

What are the different levels for an IT apprenticeship?

What areas do IT apprenticeships cover?

They may take the form of general IT, tech or digital apprenticeships that allow you to focus on a particular area, such as:

Programmes may then allow you to specialise even further. For example, computer science degree apprenticeships enable you to develop skills as a programmer while you decide whether to go into:

  • data analysis
  • forensics
  • tech consulting.

If you have a passion for gaming and are interested in game design or development apprenticeships, explore video game careers.

There are also apprenticeships for those considering cyber security training.

Which companies offer tech apprenticeships?

As technology underpins everything we do, it is found across all sectors.

Many UK organisations offer IT apprenticeships, from innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to leading multinational companies.

Just like with tech graduate schemes, IT apprenticeships are commonplace at leading tech employers, including:

  • Accenture - Level 6 apprenticeships are available in technology and consulting. Depending on the programme, they last up to four years.
  • Capgemini - select from degree apprenticeships in digital and technology or digital user experience (UX). They take three years and four years to complete, respectively.
  • Cisco - choose from degree apprenticeships in a range of specialisms, including network or software engineering, cyber security, and project management.
  • FDM Group - the Level 6 Digital Tech Solutions Apprenticeships enables you to work on numerous projects in areas such as IT support, robotics process automation, information security, and software development.
  • Fujitsu - apply for a degree apprenticeship in business consulting, software development, cyber security or network engineering.
  • Google - UK programmes include the 15-month Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship and the two-year Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship.
  • IBM - they take on a number of apprentices each year for their digital and technology solutions programme.
  • Microsoft - in partnership with GetMyFirstJob, Get Into Digital is a platform that has been set up to connect job seekers with tech apprenticeships focusing on Microsoft technology.
  • Samsung - technical apprenticeships are available at advanced, higher and degree levels.
  • Softcat - with support from the technical team, you can achieve a Level 3 qualification in 18 months.

You'll also find examples of technology-focused apprenticeships in the following industries:

What are the requirements for being an IT apprentice?

Despite the perception that apprenticeships are for young people, there's no upper age limit. Apprenticeships are relevant to anyone who can demonstrate competence in line with an apprenticeship standard.

If you want to start an apprenticeship, you shouldn't already hold qualifications equivalent to the apprenticeship. However, you can start a scheme at the same or a lower level if you need to acquire new skills and the training content differs from any prior funded training.

For instance, to join TfL's two-year Level 3 IT Solutions Technician apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 years old with two GCSEs at grade 4 (C) and above, including maths and English language.

On the other hand, Capgemini's three-year Level 6 Digital and Technology Degree Apprenticeship requires three A-levels at grade C or above, plus five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths.

Finally, Rolls-Royce's four-year Level 7 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship expects five GCSEs, including maths at grade 5 (B) and English language and three other subjects at grade 4 or above.

The car manufacturer also seeks candidates with 104 UCAS Tariff points (either obtained or predicted) from three A-levels at grades BCC, including:

  • maths
  • a science-based subject
  • business or IT.

Other accepted qualifications include a Level 3 Extended BTEC Diploma at grade DDM in business or IT, provided it includes a further maths element.

What does an IT apprenticeship involve?

An apprentice should be employed for at least 30 hours per week, where they'll complete a minimum of 12 months' training. Most IT and digital apprenticeships last up to four years.

Apprentices undertake training both on and off the job, but all must complete at least 20% of off-the-job training to meet the programme's requirements. This training must be structured and reviewed to help the apprentice develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard.

Off-the-job training must be 'away' from the workplace, but does not have to be 'outside' the workplace. It can include a range of methods, such as:

At the end of the training period, the apprentice takes an end-point assessment (EPA) managed by an independent assessor. The IT and digital EPAs include:

  • portfolio work
  • an employer's reference
  • a project
  • interview with the assessor.

At the end of the process, the apprentice is graded.

The BCS Digital IT Apprenticeship Standards, set out by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, provide more information. They cover key IT and digital apprenticeship roles at Levels 3 and 4, including:

If you complete an IT/digital apprenticeship through BCS, you can apply for recognition to attain the professional RITTech standard and get added to their register. Registration lasts three years, and you'll also have one free year as a BCS Associate member.

How much will I be paid?

All apprentices are paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW), which currently stands at £7.55 per hour for apprentices under 19, and those aged over 19 who are in their first year (as of April 2025).

If you're over 19 and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you must be paid the minimum wage for your age. However, as individual employers determine salaries, you could be earning considerably more than this.

Here's what annual salaries are on offer to tech apprentices in 2026:

  • Accenture - £32,028 for its Career Changer Level 6 AI Engineer Apprenticeship.
  • Amazon - £33,500 (at Level 6).
  • Aviva - £25,100 for its Technology and Change Delivery Apprenticeship.
  • BAE Systems - up to £26,000 for its degree apprenticeships.
  • Barclays - £25,000 for its apprenticeship programmes.
  • BBC - £22,950, for its degree apprenticeships.
  • BT Group - £21,620 to £23,810 depending on the scheme.
  • Capgemini - £20,000 for its Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship.
  • Home Office (Civil Service) - £38,419 to £41,109 for its Level 4 Cyber Security Technology Apprenticeship based in Salford.
  • Jaguar Land Rover - £26,092 for its Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship.
  • KPMG - £23,000 (UK regions) and £25,000 (London).
  • MBDA - £18,000, plus a £3,000 joining bonus.
  • Microsoft - £25,200 for its customer technical solutions and cyber security programmes.
  • Nestlé - £25,125 for its various apprenticeships.
  • Rolls-Royce - £22,990 for its Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship.
  • TfL - £25,294 for its Level 3 IT Solutions Technician.
  • Virgin Media O2 - £27,000 to £30,000 for its technology-focused programmes.

In 2026, tech companies and leading employers typically pay IT apprentices £18,000 to £26,000, though salaries can reach £41,000 and above.

As an apprentice, you'll be paid for your normal working hours and any training in your scheme. You're entitled to 20 days of paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.

To check apprentice rates and the NMW, visit GOV.UK - Become an apprentice.

For detailed information about how apprenticeships work, pay rates, entry requirements and the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship, see our essential guide to apprenticeships.

How do I apply for a tech apprenticeship?

Most applications are made online by completing an application form, though methods vary; check with the organisation first.

Apply for apprenticeships as you would for a job. Thoroughly research the company you're interested in and ensure your CV is up to date. You'll need to tailor your application to fit the role by including evidence of relevant experience and examples of when you've demonstrated the required competencies.

For IT and digital roles, you could provide examples of any programming you've done or systems you've built - either in your spare time or as part of a university project.

Some organisations may ask you to sit situational judgement, numerical and psychometric tests as part of their initial recruitment process.

You may then need to attend an assessment centre or undergo telephone or video interviews before reaching the final interview stage.

Read more about how to apply for an apprenticeship.

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