Apprenticeships have existed in one form or another in Britain for several hundred years. Originally aimed at providing skills-based training of artisans and for trades and industry, they have seen a revolution in their scope and the level of qualifications that can be achieved through this route in recent years.
Apprenticeships are available at Intermediate (Level 2; equivalent to five good GCSE passes), Advanced (Level 3; equivalent to two A-level passes), Higher (Level 4/5; equivalent to a Foundation Degree) levels and Higher Degree Apprenticeships, which include a full bachelor’s or master’s degree.
They provide the opportunity to gain on-the-job work experience whilst completing theoretical learning, at varying levels at a college or through a private training company. The system also provides training in functional skills and addresses gaps in literacy and numeracy skills for those that require it.

It is important to be committed
All apprenticeships are a minimum of 12 months duration, but the length of time an apprenticeship will take varies depending on the sector chosen, previous qualifications held, the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer’s requirement.
Since an apprenticeship will take between one and four years to complete, depending on the type of framework chosen, it’s important that you’re committed enough to see it through. Training is made up of several components, all of which have to be passed. Combining work and study is certainly not an easy option, but does provide the balance between earning an income, the opportunity for career development, and progression and the acquisition of qualifications that is increasingly attractive to many.
There are now nearly three hundred types of apprenticeship available, covering the following framework areas:

• Agricultural and land-based industries
• Beauty and wellbeing
• Business and IT
• Charity and volunteering
• Construction
• Creative, media and the arts
• Customer service and retail
• Energy
• Engineering and electrical
• Finance
• Health and care
• Hospitality and travel
• Manufacturing, processing and logistics
• Marine
• Public services
• Sport and fitness
• Vehicles and transport

A Higher Degree Apprenticeship offers the attraction of acquiring a degree without the cost of tuition fees, whilst at the same time earning a salary and obtaining experience in the workplace. The delivery of apprenticeships is rapidly evolving, with the Open University now providing the learning component of Higher Degree Apprenticeships in management, digital and technology, and healthcare, for example.

Keep checking what is available
Other educational providers are likely to develop higher degree apprenticeship options, so it’s important to keep checking what is available. Remember, however, that all such schemes are highly competitive and that the apprenticeship is provided by an employer. Guidance is available on how to search for an apprenticeship and then how to apply on the Government’s website.
Providers of apprenticeships are truly diverse and increasingly comprehensive in terms of the types of jobs available, ranging from brick laying to accountancy. Providers include local businesses, the armed forces, the Civil Service, the BBC, national retailing chains, car manufacturers, prestigious engineering and technology companies, and some of the ‘big four’ accountancy companies in the UK. For further information visit:

• www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk
• www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
• www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk