About Apprenticeships
About Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a real job where you earn a wage while gaining skills, qualifications and valuable work experience. It is a popular alternative to staying in full-time education, allowing you to learn on the job while working towards a recognised qualification.
As an apprentice, you are employed from day one, with the same rights and benefits as other employees, including a salary and holiday pay. Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of sectors, from construction and engineering to healthcare, digital and business.
Key facts about apprenticeships:
You are employed and paid a salary
Your training is fully funded (no tuition fees)
You gain real work experience in your chosen career
You spend time learning with a college, university or training provider
At least 20% of your working time is dedicated to training and study
You achieve a nationally recognised qualification
How Apprenticeships Work
Apprenticeships combine practical, hands-on work with structured learning.
As an apprentice, you will:
Work for an employer and earn a wage
Learn job-specific skills from experienced staff
Spend time in training (for example at college, university or with a training provider)
Build knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for your career
Work towards a qualification aligned to your job role
Apprenticeships typically last between 1 and 5 years depending on the level and role.
Who is Involved?
There are three key parts to an apprenticeship:
The apprentice
You are employed by an organisation and take part in both work and training.
The employer
The employer provides your job, salary and day-to-day experience, and supports your development in the workplace.
The training provider
This could be a college, university or specialist provider. They deliver your training, support your learning and help you achieve your qualification.
Apprenticeship Levels
Apprenticeships are available at different levels, depending on your experience and qualifications:
Level 2 – Intermediate (equivalent to GCSEs)
Level 3 – Advanced (equivalent to A Levels)
Level 4–5 – Higher (foundation degree level)
Level 6–7 – Degree (bachelor’s or master’s degree level)
This means you can start at entry level and progress all the way to a degree while working.
The following websites contain further information about apprenticeships:
The Find an Apprenticeship website is a government website that is sued to search and apply for apprenticeship vacancies. The website displays live vacancies that are open for applications but can also be used to receive alerts for future vacancies.
The Greater Manchester Apprenticeship & Careers Service (GMACS) helps young people explore and design their next steps before leaving school.
The site brings together different stages of the career planning process, helping students navigate the choices open to them and develop the tools to start working life. It showcases what Greater Manchester can offer and provides a direct way to apply for courses, jobs and apprenticeships.
The Amazing Apprenticeships website is commissioned by the National Apprenticeship Service and provides a range of inspirational and informative resources, helping to explain apprenticeships whether you’re a young person, parent or teacher.
