All apprenticeships are real jobs which include elements of on the job and off the job training, you will earn a salary. Which also means apprentices get holiday pay! You must be paid at least the national minimum apprenticeship wage (£4.15 April 2020) but many employers pay much more.
Apprentices work enough hours each week (maximum 40h) to learn skills - 'on-the-job'. Some apprenticeships include a final assessment to evaluate ability and competence.
Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England. There is no upper age limit.
Apprenticeship levels start from Level 2 which are the equivalent to 5 GCSE passes (grade C or above or 9 - 4), all the way up to Level 6 & 7 which are the equivalent to a Uni degree!
Each level has different entry requirements depending on the employer so we can't list them here. Please refer to the individual apprenticeship for specific entry criteria.
| NAME | LEVEL | Equivalent educational Level |
| Intermediate | 2 | 5 GCSE passes (grade C or above or 9 - 4) |
| Advanced | 3 | 2 A level passes/Level3 Diploma / International Baccalaureate |
| Higher | 4,5,6 and 7 | Foundation degree and diploma |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor's or Master's degree |
The national minimum wage (NMW) for apprentices is £4.15 from April 2020. The NWM applies to apprentices aged under 19, or aged over 19 and in the first year of their apprenticeship.
| Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
| April 2020 | £8.72 | £8.20 | £6.45 | £4.55 | £4.15 |
This is the legal minimum pay per hour, most companies pay more.
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they're either:
Example: An apprentice aged 22 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £4.15.
Example: An apprentice aged 22 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £8.20.
