Apprenticeship requirements after school
Entry requirements for apprenticeships vary, so check vacancies to see what qualifications, skills and experience may be required. Most require good GCSEs in English and maths. Apprenticeships can be very competitive – they are not an easy option.
Apprentices earn a wage. Check out the legal minimum wage for your age. Many employers pay more than this.
Apprenticeships are for anyone who is above school leaving age (you reach you official school leaving age on the last Friday in June in year 11).
For more information on apprenticeships and to view and apply for vacancies, see the national apprenticeship site.
Apprenticeships after level 3 college or sixth form courses
A year 13 student finishing level 3 studies may think they should just be looking at higher and degree apprenticeships. However, it is not uncommon for young people with level 3 qualifications to take a ‘side step’ and apply for advanced apprenticeships (in fact, some advanced apprenticeships do require A-levels or equivalent).
Higher and degree apprenticeships are still relatively new and although vacancies are increasing, there are currently more advanced apprenticeship vacancies.
Degree apprenticeships are the newest type. They involve work and attending university. Entry requirements are similar to degree programmes. Like all apprenticeships, you earn a salary – and there are no higher education tuition fees either.
Degree apprenticeships are available in a range of job areas, with more to come, e.g.
- solicitor
- quantity surveying
- aerospace engineering
- nuclear science
- dental technician
- bespoke tailoring
- operations manager
- nursing
- broadcasting technology
- cyber security
For more information visit the apprenticeships page.