Check if an apprenticeship is right for you

What's in it for me?

Apprenticeships combine real work with training and study. You’ll apply what you learn directly on the job, gaining hands-on experience and skills.

Get paid to learn

Apprentices are employees too, which means you'll get a salary, employee rights like sick leave and holiday, while learning and gaining experience. You’ll earn at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices or the National minimum wage, depending on how old you are when you start.

As an apprentice, you do not have to pay for any training you have. Your employer will pay for this for you.

No student debt

Apprentices do not pay tuition fees, so there’s no student debt to worry about. You’re still entitled to student discounts though and can get an NUS card.

Get qualifications

You’ll get a qualification and training that’s recognised and valued by employers throughout England and the UK. You’ll do this all during your working hours, so you can fit it into your life, whatever your circumstances.

Gain confidence and networks

We need apprentices to help build skills across England. Gain confidence through contributing, and build your knowledge and skills for future jobs.

Want to join a network and help others? There’s networks you can join to connect with others and inspire future apprentices.

Will I be able to do one?

There are hundreds of different apprenticeships that suit all different types of people.

If you don’t have any experience, a foundation apprenticeship might be right for you. You’ll get training and support for the skills you need, and be helped to fit into the working world.

If you do have experience or previous qualifications there’s also apprenticeships for you. See what experience you need for an apprenticeship.

Who can do an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers, they’re for everyone.

You’ll need to be: 

• 16 or older 
• not in full-time education 
• living in England.

Foundation apprenticeships

Anyone between 16 and 21 can start a foundation apprenticeship. 

If you're between 22 and 24, you can start if you: 

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan 
• are in care or have been in care 
• are in prison or have been in prison.

You cannot apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you’re 25 or over. 

How long will it take?

That depends on the course. The shortest length an apprenticeship can be is 8 months, or it can be up to 6 years long.

What will I do as an apprentice?

Time to learn

During an apprenticeship, you’ll learn new skills and apply them in a real work environment. You’ll get training from a registered training provider, such as a college or a university.

Get qualified

You’ll get a qualification and training that’s recognised and valued by employers throughout England and the UK. You’ll do this all during your working hours, so you can fit it into your life, whatever your circumstances.

What’s out there for me?

Hundreds of different courses

There are hundreds of apprenticeships. Browse by your interests. This can help you choose what’s right for you.

Not sure it sounds right?

Find another option

The National Careers Service provides careers information, advice and guidance. They can help you make decisions at all stages in your career.

Explore further education

UCAS can help you decide if a university course is right for you.

• 99%

  of apprentices said apprenticeships helped them develop skills that helped them in their career

  Apprenticeships evaluation 2021: Learners research report

• 75%

  of apprentices got a promotion or pay rise after finishing their apprenticeship

  Apprenticeship Evaluation 2023 Learner and Non-completer Surveys Research Report

• 86%

  of apprentices were satisfied with their apprenticeship programme

  Apprenticeship Evaluation 2023 Learner and Non-completer Surveys Research Report

• 95%

  of apprentices were employed after their apprenticeship when surveyed

  Apprenticeship Evaluation 2023 Learner and Non-completer Surveys Research Report

• "Being an apprentice has been the best time of my life, I've been able to do things that I'm passionate about. I've been able to meet so many different people. I've built up my confidence. It's been the best experience it could have been."

• "As an apprentice in the NHS, you do feel you're supported. I've never felt so looked after. I couldn't just go and do a nursing degree, so the apprenticeship gave me that opportunity to get my foot in the door."