Apprenticeships Information for Learners & Parents/Carers

How do apprenticeships work?

Apprenticeships are a job with training. They offer a mixture of on and off-the-job training which gives the apprentice the skills and the qualifications they need to progress in their chosen career. While you are on an apprenticeship, your employer pays you a salary and supports you in your training.

Apprenticeships are available to anyone over 16 and living in England. There are different entry requirements depending on the sector and the job.

Levels of apprenticeships

There are various levels of apprenticeship, depending on the current skills and qualifications an apprentice has.

• Intermediate apprenticeship (level 2) – Equivalent to 5 GCSE passes
• Advanced apprenticeship (level 3) – Equivalent to 2 A-level passes
• Higher apprenticeship (level 4, 5, 6 and 7) – Equivalent to a foundation degree and above
• Degree apprenticeship (6 and 7) – Equivalent to a bachelor’s or a master’s degree

* From September 2017 the new minimum English and maths requirements needed to complete an apprenticeship have been adjusted to Entry level 3 functional skills for a defined group of people with learning difficulties and disabilities.  See here for more information.

This guide gives a useful guide to the differences between three popular pathways for young people once they have finished Year 11 at school – looking at apprenticeships, traineeships and T Levels.

Useful websites for information about apprenticeships

Become an apprentice
A handy overview of everything about apprenticeships, including how to become an apprentice, what you can expect, levels of apprenticeships, pay and training, how to make an application and more.

Find an apprenticeship
The government site for searching and applying for current apprenticeship vacancies at all levels across England.

Apprenticeship in Sussex
Search local training organisations in Sussex to find the ones that can help you find the apprenticeship that you are looking for.

Apprenticeship Guide
Summaries of every apprenticeship offered in England, plus general careers advice and real-life stories.

Amazing Apprenticeships
Amazing Apprenticeships work in partnership with the government’s National Apprenticeship Service to provide free, high-quality resources to make it easier for teachers, parents and governors to find out more about apprenticeships.

Limitless Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are for anyone who wants to earn and learn. Watch stories from some apprentices who are now limitless thanks to their apprenticeship.  This site encourages young people to apply for apprenticeships regardless of who they are and their journey.

Useful websites for general information about training or work

National Careers Service
Information, advice and guidance for people of all ages on learning, training and work.

If you are not yet ready to start an apprenticeship, there are other training programmes and routes into work that could work for you. Find out more about pre-employment training and traineeships.