If you’re thinking about what to do after school or college, you’ve probably heard plenty about university. But university isn’t the only way to start a career.
An apprenticeship gives you the chance to get a real job, earn a salary and gain a recognised qualification at the same time.
For some careers, it can be a brilliant way to get started. But how do apprenticeships actually work, what can you do an apprenticeship in, and how do you know whether one is right for you?
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job that includes training.
You’ll work for an employer, learn how to do your job and spend part of your working time completing structured training. Depending on the apprenticeship, that training could be delivered by a college, university or specialist training provider.
Do I need experience to get an apprenticeship?
Employers aren’t normally expecting you to arrive knowing everything already. Instead, they may be looking for enthusiasm, reliability, communication skills and a genuine interest in the role.
Think about what you’ve learned through school, college, hobbies, volunteering, clubs, sport or other activities. You may have more useful skills than you realise.
What can you do an apprenticeship in?
Almost anything.
The idea that apprenticeships are mainly for traditional trades is seriously outdated. There are now apprenticeship opportunities across a huge range of industries.
You can start an apprenticeship after your GCSEs, after your A levels or later on. Some apprenticeships can even lead to a full bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Before deciding apprenticeships aren’t for you, have a look at what’s actually available. You might be surprised.
Do apprentices get paid?
How much you earn will depend on the employer, apprenticeship and location. There is a legal minimum wage for apprentices, but many employers choose to pay more.
You’ll also normally receive employee benefits such as paid holiday.
One of the biggest attractions of an apprenticeship is that you can start earning and building work experience straight away.
What qualification will I get?
That depends on the apprenticeship you choose.
A degree apprenticeship can allow you to study towards a university degree while being employed.
Your apprenticeship training is funded rather than you taking out a standard university tuition fee loan to pay for the course yourself.
Is an apprenticeship easier than university?
Not necessarily. It’s just different.
As an apprentice, you’re balancing a real job with your training and studies. You’ll be expected to turn up on time, meet deadlines, work with colleagues and take responsibility for your work.
Can I still go to university?
Yes.
Looking at apprenticeships doesn’t mean closing the door on university.
You can explore both routes and decide which works best for you when you know what your options are. Higher and degree apprenticeships can involve studying at university anyway — you’re simply combining that study with employment.
Are apprenticeships difficult to get?
Some can be competitive, particularly degree apprenticeships with large, well-known employers.
But don’t let that put you off.
There are apprenticeship opportunities with employers of all sizes, and new vacancies appear throughout the year.
How do I know if an apprenticeship is right for me?
Think about what kind of experience you want over the next few years.
You’ll begin building real workplace experience from day one.
You’ll put what you learn into practice at work.
You’ll receive a salary throughout your apprenticeship.
You don’t need your whole life planned out — just somewhere you’d like to start.
Being an apprentice means joining a real organisation and taking on real responsibility.
And if you’re not sure yet? That’s completely normal.
You don’t need to decide your entire career at 16, 18 or 21. Your next step just needs to be a good step for you.
Before you apply
Don’t apply for an apprenticeship just because the job title sounds interesting.
If the answer is yes, it might be time to apply.
Start exploring
You don’t have to choose between “university or nothing”.
There are apprenticeship opportunities across the UK covering industries and careers you might never have associated with apprenticeships.
Have a look at what’s out there. Search different job titles. Explore industries you haven’t considered before.
You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do before you start looking. Sometimes seeing the right opportunity is what helps you figure it out.