Apprenticeships
What’s an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a genuine job, with training, meaning you can earn while you learn and gain the necessary skills and professional competencies in your chosen career. You’ll be employed to do a real job while studying for a formal qualification, usually for one day a week either at a college or a training centre. By the end of your apprenticeship you will hopefully have gained the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your chosen career.
What can you earn?
From April 2025, the minimum wage for apprentices is £7.55 per hour (see this page for up-to-date figures), but many employers pay more than this. This is dependent on the sector, region and apprenticeship level.
Here are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you’re in and your employment contract should confirm your rate of pay:
The rates change on 1 April every year and from April 2025, the rates are:
- £12.21 (aged 21 and over)
- £10 (aged 18 to 20)
- £7.55 (aged under 18)
- £7.55 (apprentice rate)
Check you’re being paid the minimum wage with the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator.
Apprenticeship levels
| Name | Level | Equivalent education level |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 | 5 GCSE passes |
| Advanced | 3 | 2 A-level passes |
| Higher | 4, 5, 6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 & 7 | Bachelor’s or master’s degree |
Thinking about an apprenticeship?
Is your child considering an apprenticeship as their next step? Choices magazine is the ultimate parent and carer guide to apprenticeships and technical education! It is completely free of charge – find this month’s edition here: amapps.uk/parent-magazine and sign up to receive it each month, direct to your inbox: amapps.uk/choices
Amazing Apprenticeships’ Parent and Carer zone is also a great place to explore apprenticeships and technical education: amazingapprenticeships.com/zones/parent/