Apprenticeships

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

As an apprentice you will:

• work alongside experienced staff
• gain job-specific skills
• earn a wage and get holiday pay
• get time for study related to your job role (usually one day a week)
• some apprenticeships can also give you an extra qualification

Levels of apprenticeship

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels:

Name	Level	Equivalent educational level
Intermediate	2	GCSE
Advanced	3	A level

Who can apply for an apprenticeship?

You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school. To start one, you must be:

• 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays
• living in England
• not in full-time education

The National Careers Service has advice on writing applications and what to do at interviews.

You can find additional information about apprenticeships available in your area here.

A Parents Guides to Apprenticeships – fact sheet