What are apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are real jobs that allow young people to earn a wage whilst they learn. They can take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on the level and go all the way to degree level. Students can apply for an apprenticeship whilst still in school but must be 16 or over to start one.

An apprenticeship is open to anyone over the age of 16 meaning regardless of your professional experience or age, you will be provided with the opportunity to learn and train for a nationally recognised qualification alongside your day to day employment, which means you can both earn and learn!

An apprenticeship allows you to gain experience of a workplace environment, where all the work you do counts. Alongside this practical hands-on experience, you will also be involved in classroom learning to help you achieve your qualification.

Watch the Careerpilot video to learn more about young people's experiences on higher apprenticeship programmes
Case study

Mark, aged 40

Mechanic and Garage Owner

Mark was deregistered age 14. He describes formal education as ‘not being for him’.

Mark loved to do practical things and was always tinkering with engineering projects in his shed. He hung around a local garage and made the tea in return for some time being shown how to do things. This led to an informal apprenticeship as he showed willing and aptitude.

Mark has no formal qualifications but he now owns a garage specialising in emergency breakdowns and is just about to add a second one to his business portfolio.

Want to learn more about apprenticeships?

Guidance