Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are based in the workplace, so you will need to be employed to start one. You’ll have a formal contract of employment with your employer and your time will be split into 80% work and 20% learning. This learning can be delivered either by a day release to college, or in the workplace as protected study time.

Apprenticeships can take between 12 and 48 months to complete, depending on the level and qualification you are studying.

Many more young people are now choosing an apprenticeship as an alternative to university. An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to gain a qualification that is held in the same regard as, and often is equivalent to a degree, without racking up debt from university fees and accommodation costs.

Degree apprenticeships are rising in popularity, and employers are increasingly keen to recruit people who have been embedded in a workplace and possess the associated skills and behaviours that can be obtained from completing an apprenticeship.

You have to be at least 16 years old to complete an apprenticeship, but you’ll be pleased to know there is no age limit! So, whether you’re leaving school or college, or fancy a career change, an apprenticeship could be for you.

While some apprenticeship programmes require you to attend college on day release alongside other apprentices, many are now delivered directly to you during your working week. Your employer will be required to allocate you protected study time, which will consist of online learning, completing assessments and meetings with your Programme Tutor from college.

One of the key benefits of studying an apprenticeship is that you can earn while you learn. All apprentices are entitled to be paid the national minimum wage for apprenticeships. This rate of pay can be different depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you are in and will change every year in April.

Although the minimum rate of pay is set by the Government, salaries can vary considerably between employers, with many apprenticeship roles paying above minimum wage. Apprentices also receive at least 20 days paid holiday per year, along with bank holidays, just like any other employee.

The national minimum wage for apprentices is £8 (from April 2026). This rate applies to apprentices under 19 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year. Apprentices must be paid at least the national minimum wage rate if they’re an apprentice aged 19 or over and have completed their first year.