Higher apprenticeships are available in England at levels 4 and 5.
- Level 4 apprenticeships are equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, or a Higher National Certificate (HNC).
- Level 5 apprenticeships are equivalent to a foundation degree, or a Higher National Diploma (HND).
If you want to gain further qualifications, you can go on to complete a degree apprenticeship–the equivalent to an undergraduate or master’s degree.
A day in the life of a Sales Apprentice
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Meet Sheona, a Level 4 sales apprentice at Coca-Cola Europacific partners.
What are the entry requirements for a higher apprenticeship?
To be eligible for a higher apprenticeship, you need to be:
- aged 16 or over
- living in England
- not in full-time education
An apprenticeship is a real job, so you’ll also need to meet any other criteria set out by the employer. Entry requirements are different depending on the employer and the industry you’re going into.
If you don’t already have GCSEs in English and maths, you generally need to take Functional Skills as part of the apprenticeship, which is an alternative to GCSEs.
Some employers may be looking for people who have taken relevant subjects or apprenticeships. For example, a lab-based apprenticeship may require a science A level.
To find out what level might suit you,look at current apprenticeship vacanciesand their entry requirements. You’ll then be able to decide if you might be more suitable for a different level.
I’d say having a behind the scenes view of how it all works has been most beneficial to my development. I enjoy the theory and study element, but it’s seeing everything as it’s applied in my day job that really makes the theory sink in.
How do higher apprenticeships work?
An apprenticeship is like a job, but with an added element of study. You’ll spend most of your time doing on-the-job training, and the rest studying with your college or training provider.
At the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll have an assessment to check you can confidently perform your role. If you pass, you’ll be awarded your apprenticeship. The assessment is nothing to worry about, you’ll have been building up to it throughout your time at the apprenticeship.
£19,319* The average salary of an apprentice. *Glassdoor 90% Percentage of apprentices who stay in employment after their apprenticeship. *Gov.uk 2 – 5 Average number of years it takes to complete a higher apprenticeship.
Pros of an apprenticeship
- You’re an employee and get paid a salary, a holiday allowance, and sick pay.
- You’ll gain professional experience in your chosen career and put what you learn into practice daily.
- You won’t have to pay any study costs, as they’re co-funded by your employer and the Government.
- Many apprentices end up staying with the same company they did the apprenticeship with after qualifying.
Cons of an apprenticeship
- It’s a real job! You’ll have to get to work on time and do what’s expected of you.
- Learning and studying on the job can be tough. Your employer will support you, but you’ll need to take responsibility.
- With an apprenticeship, life is very different to going to uni. While there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people, it won’t be like going to uni.
- You’ll get paid, but like any other job, you’ll be paying tax and national insurance. You’ll need to learn to live on a budget.
How do I apply for a higher apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is like a job, so you apply directly through the employer. You’ll need to submit a CV and answer some questions about yourself. If you get through the first stage, you’ll be invited to an interview and may have to complete an assessment centre. You might find this guidance useful:
You can search for higher apprenticeships using our Career Finder tool.
The ultimate guide to finding an apprenticeship
Get more advice on how to find and apply for an apprenticeship in our ultimate guide.
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Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article about apprenticeships and career guidance:
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UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service): UCAS is a central organization in the UK that manages applications to higher education institutions. It plays a crucial role in the application process for universities and conservatoires.
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Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs): These are advanced-level qualifications that provide specialized knowledge and skills in specific industries. The article mentions HTQs as part of the exploration process for individuals considering their options beyond traditional university routes.
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Degree Apprenticeships: The article discusses level 4 and level 5 apprenticeships, which are equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree and a foundation degree, respectively. It also highlights that one can progress to a degree apprenticeship, equivalent to an undergraduate or master’s degree.
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Entry Requirements for Higher Apprenticeships: The article outlines the eligibility criteria for higher apprenticeships, including age, residency, and not being in full-time education. It emphasizes that apprenticeships are real jobs and that entry requirements vary based on the employer and industry.
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A Day in the Life of a Sales Apprentice: The article includes a video featuring a level 4 sales apprentice at Coca-Cola Europacific partners, providing a firsthand look at the experiences of an apprentice in the field.
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Testimonials from Apprentices: Personal experiences from apprentices, Eshan and Marley, are shared. Eshan emphasizes the benefits of a behind-the-scenes view in his development, while Marley underscores the importance of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn in the apprenticeship journey.
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How Higher Apprenticeships Work: The article explains that apprenticeships are a combination of on-the-job training and study. It describes the assessment at the end of the apprenticeship and provides reassurance that it is a culmination of the skills developed during the program.
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Pros and Cons of Apprenticeships: The article presents the advantages and challenges of pursuing an apprenticeship. Pros include being an employee, gaining professional experience, and having study costs covered. Cons involve the responsibilities of a real job, the need for time management, and differences compared to university life.
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Average Salary and Employment Rate for Apprentices: Statistics on the average salary of apprentices and the percentage of apprentices who stay in employment after completing their apprenticeship are provided, adding a quantitative perspective to the discussion.
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How to Apply for Higher Apprenticeships: The article guides individuals on the application process for higher apprenticeships, emphasizing that applications are made directly through the employer.
This comprehensive guide provides valuable information for individuals exploring apprenticeship opportunities, covering aspects from eligibility and entry requirements to the day-to-day experiences of apprentices and the application process.
