A job where you learn, gain experience and get paid

To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you’ll need to be aged 16 or over, living in England and not be in full-time education. The level of apprenticeship you start will depend on the qualifications you have, the job you’re applying for, and the apprenticeship standard the employer wants to use.

When you become an apprentice, all you'll need to cover is the cost of your everyday expenses, such as your commute and food. All your tuition and assessment fees will be covered by your employer and the government - so it won’t cost you a penny! If you're a care leaver aged between 16-24, you'll receive a £1,000 bursary payment to support you during the first year of your apprenticeship.

How much you earn will depend on the employer, location and type of apprenticeship you choose. If you're aged between 16-18, or in the first year of your apprenticeship, you're entitled to the minimum apprentice rate. This is currently £4.15 per hour - but most employers pay considerably more than this. If you're aged 19 or over and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you’ll be entitled to the national minimum wage for your age.

You’ll typically be expected to work between 30 and 40 hours per week depending on your contract. Within these working hours, you’ll spend 20% of your time training ‘off the job’, giving you time to study. An apprenticeship can take between one and six years to complete, depending on the level of apprenticeship you’re studying. You’ll complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship to understand both your learning and competence within the role. If you don’t have an English and/or Maths qualification, you’ll need to achieve your Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications as part of your apprenticeship.