Many people think apprenticeships are only for school leavers. In England, anyone aged 16 or over can apply, there is no upper age limit and apprenticeships are available in hundreds of careers, from engineering and construction to accountancy, digital and healthcare. If you are changing career, an apprenticeship can let you earn while you learn.

What an apprenticeship is

An apprenticeship is a real job combined with structured training. You are employed, you get a contract and a wage, and you spend part of your working time learning, usually with a college or training provider. At the end, you take an assessment and gain a nationally recognised qualification.

How long and at what level

Most apprenticeships last at least a year and some last up to five or more years, depending on the level and the occupation. They range from intermediate level up to degree level. Higher and degree apprenticeships can lead to a full degree or professional qualification without student fees, because the cost is shared between the employer and government funding.

Pay

Apprentices must be paid at least the apprentice rate of the minimum wage, which applies to apprentices under 19 and to those aged 19 or over in their first year. After the first year, apprentices aged 19 or over must receive at least the minimum wage for their age. Many employers pay more. The rates change every April, so check the current figures on GOV.UK.

Training time

Apprentices spend at least 20 percent of their paid working hours on off-the-job training. That can include classroom learning, online study, practical training, workshops and mentoring. It should be paid time and part of your normal working hours.

Holiday and conditions

Apprentices have the same employment rights as other employees, including paid holiday. Your contract should give your hours, pay, holiday and the training plan.

Changing career with an apprenticeship

Adults often worry about taking a lower wage. Look at the pay and the progression, and think about how your existing experience counts. Some employers actively recruit mature apprentices because they bring workplace skills. If you already hold a degree, you can often still do an apprenticeship if the training is substantially different from what you have already done. Check the entry requirements for the specific standard.

Finding vacancies

Search for apprenticeships on the government's Find an apprenticeship service. You can set up alerts and apply through the site. You can also approach employers directly, because they may sponsor an existing member of staff onto an apprenticeship. Check the employer is real and that the apprenticeship leads to a registered qualification.

Questions to ask before you apply

  • What qualification will I get and who awards it?
  • What is the pay at the start and after the first year?
  • How many hours a week will be off-the-job training?
  • Who is the training provider and what support is offered?
  • What happens after I qualify?

Beware of scams

You should never pay to apply for an apprenticeship. An apprentice does not pay training fees. If someone asks for money, stop and report it.

Sources

Apprenticeship rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The figures above apply to England.

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We write for jobseekers, check important claims and link to official sources where rules may change.