How Apprenticeships Work

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

As an apprentice you’ll:

  • be an employee earning a wage and getting holiday pay
  • work alongside experienced staff
  • gain job-specific skills
  • get time for training and study related to your role

Apprenticeships take 8 months to 5 years to complete depending on their level.

You do not necessarily have to have GCSE English and Maths to do one.

Levels of Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels:


LevelEquivalent educational level 
Intermediate2GCSE
Advanced3A level
Higher4,5,6 and 7Foundation degree and above
Degree6 and 7

Bachelor’s or master’s degree

Important Information

All education and training providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, so they are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled students.

Employers are expected to provide reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

Access to Work is available to support individuals in their workplace.

Employers may also be able to access alternative sources of support.

For More Information

Croydon College and John Ruskin College offer apprenticeships.

There is more information here about how apprenticeships work.

Plus, you can search and apply for vacancies across the country.