Intermediate Apprenticeships

Intermediate apprenticeships sit at Level 2, roughly equivalent to five GCSE passes. They're a popular first step for school leavers at 16, offering a hands-on alternative to staying in the classroom.

Entry requirements

Requirements vary by employer; some ask for two or more GCSEs, while others need no formal qualifications at all. If you don't already have GCSEs in English and Maths, you'll usually study these alongside your main qualification.

How it works

You'll split your time between paid work and study with a training provider, typically at least 30 hours a week, for a minimum of 30 weeks a year. Some employers train in-house; others send apprentices to an external college or provider, either one day a week or via full-time study blocks.

What you'll gain

On completion, you're awarded a Level 2 Competence qualification plus a knowledge-based qualification (such as a BTEC), both broadly equivalent to five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C). This qualifies you to progress onto an advanced apprenticeship.

Advanced Apprenticeships

Advanced apprenticeships are Level 3, roughly equivalent to two A level passes, and the step up from intermediate level. They suit both school leavers and those who already hold Level 3 qualifications (including A levels) and want to build practical, work-based experience. Competition for places can be high as a result.

Entry requirements

You'll generally need to have completed an intermediate apprenticeship, or hold at least five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C) including English and maths.

How it works

As with intermediate level, you'll combine paid employment with study at a further education college or training provider,  at least 30 hours a week including study time, organised either as a weekly study day or full-time block release. Advanced apprenticeships typically run for two to four years.

What you'll gain

Completion brings a Level 3 National Vocational Qualification alongside a knowledge-based qualification, for example a Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma, BTEC, NVQ, diploma, or foundation degree, broadly equivalent to two A levels. This opens the door to higher apprenticeships.

What is a 'competitive salary'?

When a vacancy lists pay as 'competitive', it means the employer is paying at or above the market rate for similar apprenticeships in that industry. It's worth comparing against similar advanced apprenticeship listings to judge what that means in practice.

Higher Apprenticeships

Higher apprenticeships are Level 4 or 5, the stage above advanced and intermediate. You'll work for an employer, receiving on-the-job training while studying towards a qualification alongside it.

Who they're for

Higher apprenticeships are aimed at those aged 18 and over. If you've just finished your GCSEs, an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship is the more typical starting point. Completing an advanced apprenticeship makes you eligible to apply, and finishing a higher apprenticeship can lead on to a degree apprenticeship or university degree.

Entry requirements

Requirements vary, but most employers look for a minimum of two A levels, or a completed advanced apprenticeship, along with GCSEs in English, maths and sometimes science. Requirements differ between employers, so it's worth applying even if your grades don't tick every box.

What you'll gain

On completion you'll receive a Level 4 (or above) competence qualification plus a knowledge-based qualification, such as a Higher National Diploma or foundation degree.

Why choose this route

A higher apprenticeship lets you work towards advanced qualifications, in some cases a full university-equivalent qualification, without the accompanying debt, while earning a wage throughout. Many school leavers who take this path go on to out-earn graduates over the course of their careers.

Degree Apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships combine full-time work with part-time study to deliver a full bachelor's (Level 6) or master's (Level 7) degree, a debt-free, industry-designed route into a career that bridges the usual choice between university and employment.

How they work

Degree apprenticeships follow Apprenticeship Standards, which set out the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the occupation, and conclude with an End Point Assessment. Programmes run for a minimum of 12 months, with apprentices spending at least 20% of their time on off-the-job training agreed between employer and university. Funding comes through the employer's levy contribution or government co-investment.

Why choose this route

• Debt-free: a full degree without tuition fees or maintenance loans
• Earn while you learn: paid employment from day one
• Employability: the large majority of degree apprentices move straight into work or further training after completing their scheme
• Relevant skills: programmes are designed with employers and professional bodies, so you graduate with the practical skills employers want

What's available

There's a wide and growing range of degree apprenticeship programmes, covering Level 6 to 8 qualifications across many sectors. The Institute for Apprenticeships maintains the full, current list.

Entry requirements

Requirements vary by programme. Many employers ask for the equivalent of three A levels (A*–C), but not all do; some set a UCAS points threshold instead, which opens the route to candidates with BTEC qualifications, and others accept candidates who've completed a lower-level apprenticeship. Always check the specific employer or university's entry criteria, as you may be eligible for more than you'd expect.