Careers - GUIDE TO APPRENTICESHIPS

Duration An apprenticeship can run from anything from one year to a possible five or six depending on the level of apprenticeship. Entry Requirements Entry requirements vary depending on your programme. Entry requirements for intermediate apprenticeships vary, with some employers asking for two or more GCSEs, although you may not need any formal qualifications. If you don’t have GCSEs in English and maths, you are usually required to take qualifications in these subjects as part of the apprenticeship. Degree and higher apprenticeships may require a specific amount of UCAS points or grades in certain subjects, for example you may need A-Levels in biology or chemistry to apply to be a laboratory technician or a BTEC in Engineering to apply for an Aerospace Engineer. Some sectors may also look at your prior work experience or achievements outside of your studies when selecting candidates. Changes to the minimum English and maths requirements now mean that people with a learning difficulty or disability can now access a level 2 intermediate apprenticeship as long as they can achieve an entry level 3 qualification during their apprenticeship. A Disability Confident Employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria as defined by the employer. For more details, search Disability Confident on GOV.UK What can you earn? The national minimum wage (NMW) for apprentices is £7-55 per hour from April 2025. The Apprentice NMW applies to apprentices aged under 19 or 19 and over and in the first year of your apprenticeship.

All apprentices are entitled to be paid the National Minimum Wage which currently stands at £7-55 per hour, this rate applies to apprentices aged 16-18, however students on higher and degree apprenticeships can earn as much as £300-£500 a week. Additionally, your employer and the government pay your tuition fees therefore you do not have to apply for a university loan. If you are in care or a care leaver there is an additional bursary available, please see the link for further information Apprenticeships care leavers’ bursary guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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