6th Form Careers - Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are now available up to degree level and beyond.
Apprenticeships
NAW 2026 Apprentices, Learners and Parents Toolkit
A tailored guide designed for apprentices, individuals and parents to get involved in NAW2026.
Apprenticeships are a job with training, enabling you to earn while you learn and gain nationally recognised qualifications. For example, you might work for four days of the week, and study at an FE college, designated training centre or university on the fifth day.
Over 100 UK universities are currently offering a range of degree apprenticeships. NB: Competition for Degree Apprenticeships is fierce so consider having a back-up plan.
Apprenticeships can take between one to five years to complete depending on the level of the qualification you are studying and the job you are training to do. Gaining work related skills and qualifications makes you very employable. Although at the end of your Apprenticeship there are no guarantees of a job, many apprentices are employed by their apprenticeship provider or other employers.
To apply for an Apprenticeship register on www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship. You can search by keyword – job role, location, apprenticeship type. Also check the websites of companies that interest you as they may advertise their own vacancies and prefer you to apply direct. Gloucestershire College Apprenticeship Team are also happy to help you secure an Apprenticeship. Check their website to find out more www.gloscol.ac.uk
Entry to higher apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship requires a level 3 qualification such as, A levels, a BTEC Diploma or NVQ. You will also need to have a level 2 qualification such as an intermediate apprenticeship or five good GCSE passes (grades 4–9).
Apprenticeship Levels Explained
In England, there are currently five levels of apprenticeship: Intermediate, Advanced, Higher, Degree and Masters. They all involve a work-based learning programme and lead to nationally recognised qualifications.
- Intermediate apprenticeships are level 2 qualifications and are equivalent to GCSE passes at grades 4–9
- Advanced apprenticeships are level 3 qualifications and are equivalent to A level passes
- Higher apprenticeships lead to qualifications at level 4 and 5 (equivalent to a higher education certificate, higher education diploma or a foundation degree)
- Degree apprenticeships involve gaining a university degree while you work (level 6)
- Masters apprenticeships (Level 7 equivalent to a master's degree)
Types of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of career sectors. Check the website to find out more and to view current vacancies www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
National Minimum Wage for Apprentices
The rates change on 1 April every year.
| Date | 21 and over | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2025 | £12.21 | £10.00 | £7.55 | £7.55 |
| April 2026 | £12.71 | £10.85 | £8.00 | £8.00 |
Alternatives to Higher Apprenticeships and Degree Apprenticeships
If you are interested in going into work and are planning on taking A levels or equivalent before you start, there are several other options you could consider. Programmes labelled as school leaver programmes also involve earning and learning; sponsored degrees sometimes do the same, or may involve going to university full time but receiving financial support for your studies. Read this article on alternatives to university to find out more.
