Apprenticeships in 2024: How to earn while you learn

The theme of the 2024 Apprenticeship Week is ‘skills for life’. This is a great way to explain how an apprenticeship can boost you onto your chosen career path. An apprenticeship provides the chance to combine the benefits of employment with training for a relevant qualification. You earn a wage while training for the job you want and gaining hands-on experience.

Apprenticeships aren’t only for school leavers. While level 1 (entry level) is occasionally available, most apprenticeships start at level 2 as a minimum. There’s a wide range of apprenticeship levels depending on your age and education:

• Level 2 (intermediate) is equivalent to 5 GCSEs or NVQ level 2. Suitable for school leavers who don’t enter further education.
• Level 3 (advanced) is equivalent to 2 A levels or NVQ level 3. General eligibility for this level includes 2 GCSEs usually in English and maths.
• Level 4 (higher) is equivalent to an HNC, foundation degree, or first year of an undergraduate degree. You’ll need a combination of GCSES and A levels, or equivalent.
• Level 5 to 7 (degree). Level 5 is equivalent to an undergraduate degree, whereas level 7 is equivalent to a master’s degree. You’ll need a combination of GCSEs and A levels, or the equivalent to apply. Employers may also ask for relevant work experience and qualifications.

You also need to be at least 16 years old, resident in the UK country where the apprenticeship takes place, and not in full-time education when you start the placement.

As an apprentice, you’ll be paid the relevant national minimum wage rate and entitled to holiday pay and other employee rights.

You can apply for an apprenticeship through:

• the government website for your UK country
• job boards, like JobLookup
• company websites
• UCAS
• career fairs
• your school or college careers adviser

What are the benefits of becoming an apprentice?

Why would you choose an apprenticeship over a course at college or university, or simply starting work?

  Earn as you learn

You’ll be eligible to receive the national minimum wage for an apprentice. There’s no need to apply for a student loan or work a night/weekend job to support yourself.

  Employee rights and benefits

As an apprentice, you’ll have the same employee rights as any member of staff. This includes statutory sick pay and protection against discrimination. You’ll also receive employee benefits such as paid leave.

  The right skills and qualifications

You’ll receive working experience and training towards a relevant qualification for your career of choice.

  It’s free

UK apprenticeships are paid for by the government and participating employers. You don’t have to pay to become an apprentice.

What has changed for apprentices in 2024?

If you’re interested in starting an apprenticeship, these are the four main changes that have happened since 2022:

• English and maths: To complete a level 2 apprenticeship, it’s no longer necessary to attempt level 2 English and maths tests, no matter when you started your apprenticeship. This means less stress and worry if you’re not strong in these subjects.
• Recognition of prior learning: You can receive credit for the skills and knowledge you already have. So even if you’ve learned something outside formal education, it may still count towards your apprenticeship entry.
• Off-the-job training: Before 2022, apprentices were required to spend a minimum of 20% of their contracted time on off-the-job training. Now, that 20% is of a 30 hour baseline. This means that apprentices must spend a minimum of six hours on off-the-job training.
• National minimum wage: In April 2024, the national minimum wage for apprentices will increase to £6.40 per hour.

These changes are designed to make apprenticeships more accessible, flexible, and supportive for young people.

Wrapping it up

Apprenticeships are an excellent choice for young people who have a clear career path in mind and want to earn a wage while being trained. This popular option is available at a range of levels, starting straight from school or entering at degree level. As long as you’re at least 16, want to study in your UK country of residence, and won’t be in full time education when you start, entering an apprenticeship can be an ideal way to train for your career of choice while gaining on-the-job experience.