What Are The Types of Apprenticeships? Overview & Benefits

Apprenticeships can be an alternative to going to college or sixth form at the end of Year 11 or an alternative to going to university at the end of Year 13. There are different types and levels of apprenticeships, which are often called different names. Within this blog, we will go through each to help you understand which is the right level for you.

An intermediate apprenticeship is the same level as a GCSE or Level 2 functional skills qualification. These are suitable for students who are leaving Year 11 and do not have enough GCSE passes to go straight onto a Level 3 course.

There is a wide range of industries and employment areas in that you can complete an Intermediate apprenticeship within. This includes hands-on roles such as electrician or construction, office-based roles such as business admin or digital marketing and vocational roles such as hairdressing.

For Intermediate apprenticeships, your employer will partner with a local college or private training provider who will provide your qualification as part of your course.

• Intermediate apprenticeships provide hands-on training and experience in a chosen field, allowing apprentices to develop practical skills and knowledge.
• Apprentices receive on-the-job training, working alongside experienced professionals, allowing them to gain practical experience and apply their skills in a real-world setting.
• Upon completion, apprentices receive a certification that demonstrates their skills and knowledge, and can help advance their career.
• Intermediate apprenticeships can lead to better job prospects and higher earning potential than entry-level positions, and can provide a strong foundation for further career development.
• Intermediate apprenticeships often include support from mentors and trainers, who can provide guidance and feedback, and help apprentices progress in their chosen field.

Advanced qualification is the same level as A Levels, Level 3 BTec or T Level qualification. These are suitable for students who are leaving Year 11 and have enough GCSE passes to move straight to Level 3. Different employers will ask for different GCSE grades within their job advert. Entry requirements for Level 3 courses are higher than for Level 2 courses.

Level 3 apprenticeships can also be a good option for students leaving Year 13 who want to take a sideways step into a particular career. For example, you may have completed a BTEC Level 3 Sport course and then moved into a Level 3 Carpentry Apprenticeship.

For Advanced apprenticeships, your employer will partner with a local college or private training provider who will provide your qualification as part of your course.

• Advanced apprenticeships build upon the skills and knowledge acquired in intermediate apprenticeships, providing opportunities for more advanced training and development.
• Advanced apprenticeships offer on-the-job training and practical experience in a specialized field, allowing apprentices to deepen their expertise and expand their skill set.
• These apprenticeships can lead to higher level jobs and increased earning potential, and can serve as a stepping stone to further career advancement.
• Upon completion, advanced apprentices receive a certification that is recognized and respected within their industry, and demonstrates their mastery of specialized skills.
• Advanced apprenticeships often include mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals, allowing apprentices to learn from experts in their field and receive support and feedback as they progress in their careers.

A Higher apprenticeship is equivalent to an HNC (Level 4) or HND (Level 5). These are good stepping stones for students who have completed Level 3 qualifications but are not yet ready to commit to a full degree apprenticeship programme.

You can only access Higher apprenticeships if you have passed your Level 3 qualifications, so this is only an option for students leaving Year 13 - not Year 11.

You have slightly more options for Higher apprenticeships in terms of subject or employment area. There are more options available that you cannot complete at Level 2 or 3. These include; Facilities Management, Information Security, Intelligence Operations, Legal Services and Sustainable Resource Operations.

• For Higher apprenticeships, your employer will partner with a local college, university or private training provider who will provide your qualification as part of your course.
• Higher apprenticeships can lead to higher-level jobs and increased earning potential, providing a path to financial stability and career success.
• Completing a higher apprenticeship demonstrates a high level of skill and knowledge, and can help establish a reputation as a professional in one's field.
• Higher apprenticeships can provide a clear pathway for career advancement, opening doors to more senior roles and greater responsibility.
• Higher apprenticeships provide opportunities for deeper training and specialization in a chosen field, allowing apprentices to hone their expertise and become leaders in their field.

This is the highest level of apprenticeship in the UK, equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree (Level 6) or Master's Degree (Level 7). These programmes are usually very competitive and require you to have passed your Level 3 qualifications to a good standard. The employer's job advert will tell you exactly what grades you need to apply for their apprenticeship programme.

There are a few subject areas that are only available at Level 6 / 7, including Broadcasting Technology, Construction Management and Professional Aviation Pilot Projects. The large majority of professions are accessible at a Higher Degree level.

For Degree apprenticeships, your employer will partner with a university that will provide your qualification as part of your course.

You can explore current apprenticeships at all levels and types here. If you're not sure which employment area to focus on, this blog will help.

• In Apprenticeships, level 6 / 7 degree programs offer opportunities to develop a range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
• A degree is recognized and respected within the industry, and demonstrates mastery of advanced knowledge and skills.
• Degree programs provide a comprehensive education in a chosen field, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of the subject.
• A degree can increase career opportunities and earning potential, and can lead to higher-level jobs and increased responsibility.
• Degree programs provide opportunities to build relationships with peers, faculty, and alumni, allowing students to build a network of contacts in their chosen field.

Apprenticeships provide an invaluable opportunity for people to gain professional experience in a specific industry. Depending on the program, they may learn both theoretical concepts and hands-on skills that can be used throughout a successful career. 

There are many types of apprenticeships, such as the traditional brick-and-mortar apprenticeship, distance apprenticeships, internships, and virtual apprenticeships. 

While each type has its advantages and disadvantages, all of them offer real world education opportunities that can help students as they pursue their goals. With dedication and hard work, these experiences can be leveraged into rewarding jobs that lead to fulfilling careers.

Financial support is available in the form of additional payments such as travel expenses, accommodation costs and mentorships - this is generally provided by the employer rather than government bodies. Additionally, most employers will pay their apprentices a salary while they undertake their studies, as well as offer other benefits such as flexible working hours or discounts/incentives depending on their policy.

Yes - although most applications depend on individual skills