An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain hands-on experience, and earn a salary. By the end of it, you'll have the qualifications, skills and knowledge to excel in your chosen role.
You can become an apprentice if you're:
In total, there are four types of apprenticeships available ranging from Level 2 (intermediate) through to Level 7 (master’s level) in more than 1,500 different job roles.
| Level | Equivalent education level | |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 | A-Level |
| Higher | 4, 5, 6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor's or master's degree |
The type of apprenticeship undertaken will depend on both the needs of the employer and the job role as well as your previous experience and qualifications. Depending on the level, some apprenticeships may:
- Require previous qualifications such as an English or Maths GCSE
- Give extra training in the English or Maths skills needed so you're at the right level
Sunderland College will guide you to the most appropriate level for you.
- An apprenticeship is a real job
- Apprenticeships last a minimum of 12 months
- Apprentices do not pay for their training
- Apprentices will spend the majority of their time on-the-job
- Apprentices are paid a salary
- Apprentices range from Level 2 to Level 7
- Apprentices will receive paid off-the-job learning
- There are thousands of apprenticeships in more than 170 industries
Deciding if an apprenticeship is a good fit for you is a big decision and can feel quite daunting. It's great to start thinking about what you enjoy and how you prefer to learn. Consider if you like hands-on learning and are alright with working, studying and learning on the job as, to have an apprenticeship, you must be employed by a business in the relevant job role to gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours associated with the apprenticeship programme.
What you will earn depends on the industry, location and type of apprenticeship you choose. If you're aged 16 to 18 or in the first year of your apprenticeship, you're entitled to the apprenticeship minimum hourly rate of £6.40, which will be rising to £7.55 per hour in April 2025. If you're 19 or over and have completed the first year of apprenticeship, you're entitled to the National Minimum Wage. This is the minimum you will earn - many employers pay a lot more and offer their apprentices a competitive salary.
Apprenticeships are funded from contributions made by the government and your employer. This means you will not have any student loans or tuition fees. You'll just need to cover the cost of your day-to-day expenses, such as lunch and travel. If you're 16 to 24 and a care leaver, you'll receive a £1,000 bursary payment to support you in the first year of your apprenticeship.
