Apprenticeship are available to learners of all ages.  Whether you’re leaving school, or are employed and looking to upskill or train for a new career, Apprenticeships are ideal.

They provide industry skills, qualifications and experience and no matter which Apprenticeship you study, you will:

• •  gain the practical skills needed for a career.
• •  train within the sector you wish to work.
• •  be in paid employment, and earning while learning.

Four types of Apprenticeship are available:

• •  Level 2 Apprenticeships
• •  Level 3 Apprenticeships
• •  Higher Apprenticeships
• •  Degree Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at Level 2

Level 2 Apprenticeships (also known as Intermediate Apprenticeships) develop the essential skills needed for a particular career. They are equivalent to five GCSEs at Grades A*-C / 9-5. If you have Level 3 qualifications already, it may be that you will need to start at this level before progressing to higher level Apprenticeships.  For example, if you’ve studied A Levels and wish to train to become a chef, you’ll need to study at this level in order to develop the essential skills and techniques required by the catering industry. If you do not have GCSEs in English or maths at Grade A*-C / 9-5, you’ll also develop your maths and English skills through Functional Skills qualifications.

Apprenticeships at Level 3

Designed to develop skills and understanding at a higher level, Level 3 Apprenticeships (also known as Advanced Apprenticeships) are equivalent to A Levels. You can progress from Level 2 studies to a Level 3 Apprenticeship.  Alternatively, if you already have qualifications at Level 3 or higher, a Level 3 Apprenticeship will develop practical, work based skills and experience required for a particular industry and job role.

Higher Apprenticeships – Levels 4 & 5

Higher Apprenticeships combine advanced level skills with higher education qualifications. Available at Levels 4 and 5 (equivalent to a Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree) they are highly rewarding. You will need to have completed an Advanced Apprenticeship, or related Level 3 qualification, and be in a relevant job role to start a Higher Apprenticeship.

Degree Apprenticeships – Levels 6 & 7

If you want to study a bachelor’s or master’s degree, gain invaluable on-the-job training in your chosen career and earn a salary, a Degree Apprenticeship is for you! You will study for a degree as the primary part of your Apprenticeship and as the course costs are met by your employer or the Government, you will have no tuition fees to pay.