What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job, with training, which means you can earn, learn and gain a recognised qualification.
Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16.
Apprenticeships are government or employer funded so you cannot be in full time education at the same time as completing an apprenticeship.
Employers will ask applicants to have specific qualifications, often these include GCSE English & maths at grade 4 -9. Depending on the specific job, sector or level employers will specify other qualifications and skills they are looking for from applicants.
The National Minimum Wage for apprenticeships from 1 April 2026 is:
£8.00/hour (£296.00/week based on working 37 hours) or £15,392 but many employers pay more than this.
You’re entitled to the apprentice rate if you’re an apprentice aged:
- Under 19
- 19 or over, and in the first year of your current apprenticeship agreement
- If you’re 19 or over and have completed the first year of your current apprenticeship, you’re entitled to the minimum wage for your age.
All apprenticeships include training that leads to industry recognised standards and qualifications.
As an apprentice you will spend 80% of the time in the workplace and 20% working towards
Have you got what it takes to be an apprentice?
With over 650 different apprenticeships available there are plenty to choose from. Employers are looking for different skills; they need people from different backgrounds with different experiences and abilities.
Above and beyond your qualifications what else do you have to offer?
Do you currently have a PT job? Have you completed a work experience placement? Have you visited any employers and completed any activities or work shadowing? Do you currently volunteer regularly or have ever been involved in giving up your time to support charities or good causes in your local community? All of the above will improve the quality of your application and future interview as you will be able to provide examples of skills and competencies employers are looking for:
Listening
Presenting
Problem Solving
Creativity
Staying Positive
Aiming High
Leadership
Teamwork
Following instructions
Working to deadlines
You can also use your hobbies and interests outside of school – if you play sport, are you a member of a team or performing arts group, creative with a passion for fashion, You may be a cadet, or caring and currently a member of St Johns Ambulance whatever you do employers will be keen to read or listen to your story.
You need to put together a professional set of tools used when applying for apprenticeships. Firstly, an excellent CV that showcases you and your talents, a cover letter or email. Other employers may ask you to complete an application form and contact you by phone for an initial chat prior to inviting you for a full interview – this is no time to be shy!
Where to search and apply for apprenticeships:
Amazing Apprenticeships is an easy to use website where you can access information, case studies and videos all FREE within the resources tab https://amazingapprenticeships.com/
Useful Information
Amazing Apprenticeships Guide to Apprenticeship Standards
Institute of Apprenticeships https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/
The place to visit for information on the full standards & funding.
Find Training Providers https://www.gov.uk/employers-find-apprenticeship-training
How is the training & assessment linked to apprenticeships paid?
- Apprenticeship Levy: Organisations with annual payrolls over £3 million have to pay the apprenticeship levy to fund apprenticeship training and development. Levy funds expire after two years if unspent.
- Non levy paying employers (small/medium organisations) pay 5% of the training & assessment costs associated with each apprenticeship and the government covers the rest up to the funding band maximum.
The National Apprenticeship Service: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Get my first job: https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/
Not going to university: https://notgoingtouni.co.uk/
Rate my apprenticeship: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Target Careers: https://targetcareers.co.uk/
Unifrog: https://www.unifrog.org/
Log in using your school email and password or single sign on. From Year 11 students can use Talent Pool to link with employers locally, the Apprenticeships Tool to search for vacancies or Know How library for more information about apprenticeships.