Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn while you work. You get paid and gain skills to help you in your career.
What is an apprenticeship?
- You work with experienced staff
- You learn new skills on the job
- You study part-time with a college or training provider
- You earn a wage and get holiday pay
- You get a qualification at the end
Who can do an apprenticeship?
Anyone aged 16 or older and living in England can apply.
There are different types of apprenticeships depending on your skills and qualifications.
How to apply
You can search and apply for apprenticeships online
Find an apprenticeship through the Gov.uk website
Levels of apprenticeship
| Level | What it’s like | Example qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | Level 2 | 5 GCSEs |
| Advanced | Level 3 | 2 A Levels |
| Higher | Levels 4–7 | Foundation degree |
| Degree | Levels 6–7 | Bachelor’s or Master’s |
What can you study?
Apprenticeships are available in lots of areas, like:
- Law
- IT and media
- Fashion and design
- Engineering
- Business and accounting
- Health and care
- Transport and construction
How much does it cost?
You don’t have to pay to do an apprenticeship.
Training is free for 16–18 year-olds.
For ages 19–24, the government pays half and the employer pays the rest.
How much do apprentices get paid?
The minimum wage is £3.50 per hour, but many employers pay more.
Some apprentices earn up to £500 per week, depending on the job and level.
How long does it take?
Most apprenticeships take 1 to 4 years to finish.
It depends on the job and how fast you learn.
What happens after?
Over 90% of apprentices get a job when they finish.
You can keep working, move up in your job, or go on to university or further training.
Internships
An internship is a short-term job that helps you learn about work.
You don’t always get paid, but you do get:
- Experience in a real workplace
- A chance to learn new skills
- Help to decide what job you might like
- Something useful to put on your CV
You don’t always get paid, but you do get:
- Experience in a real workplace
- A chance to learn new skills
- Help to decide what job you might like
- Something useful to put on your CV
Who can do an internship?
Internships are for people aged 16 and over.
They are great if you’ve just finished school, college or university.
How to apply
You can look for internships online or ask your school, college or careers adviser.
Some websites to try:
Find an internship on the Gov.uk website
How long do they last?
Internships usually last a few weeks to a few months.
Some are part-time, and some are full-time.
What kind of work can I do?
You can find internships in:
- Offices
- Shops
- Museums
- Charities
- Hospitals
- Tech companies
- Local councils