Apprenticeships are training programmes where you gain experience by doing the job alongside experienced employees, with a small amount of classroom time. These apprenticeships are run by companies looking for new people to train up and work for them.
Doing an apprenticeship is a great way to gain work experience and get into the workplace. You'll be working alongside other people doing the same job as you.
Many large and small companies offer apprenticeships, including BT, Tesco, the Royal Navy and Transport for London.
What do I need to do to get an apprenticeship?
Nearly all apprenticeships require at least a 4 (or a C) in GCSE English and Maths. You'll usually do a job interview for the apprenticeship, where they ask you questions about why you're interested in the opportunity.
You may also need other qualifications, depending on the level of the apprenticeship. If the apprenticeship is a level 4 or 6, for example, you'll need a level 3 qualification, such as A-Levels or BTECs.
If the apprenticeship you're looking at is level 3, then you only need 4 or 5 GCSEs. This will vary depending on the company, so make sure to check before applying.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You'll gain work experience in that industry alongside other employees who will help you with any difficult tasks. | Not all industries or career paths provide apprenticeships. |
| You'll be paid a salary - at least £12,000-£16,000 - but this depends on the individual apprenticeship. Level 4 and 6 apprenticeships tend to pay at least £20,000. | Apprenticeships might not be as well-recognised as a degree in some industries. |
| You won't have to pay any tuition fees or maintenance loans. |
How do I start applying?
As long as you have the qualifications (or are a few months away from completing them), you can start applying for apprenticeships. Many companies, large and small, offer apprenticeships. You can find these on their websites or on job boards.
Below are some links to a few of the largest UK employers of apprentices: