The UK Careers Fair logo
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
HomeAboutEventsNewsJobsLondon
Exhibit With UsGet a Ticket
Contact Us
Job Guides
5 min read

Apprenticeships - What are they?

Here’s all you need to know about apprenticeships and how they work.
Written by
Olivia Batten
Guest Post
Published on
September 27, 2022

Apprenticeships have become one of the most popular choices for those looking to gain qualifications through work - also known as on the job training. The combination of education and employment can equip you with many skills and land you in a great position with some of the best employees in your chosen industry.

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are open to everyone over the age of 16 who is not enrolled in full-time education. However, don’t be put off if you are older. Apprenticeships for over 25’s are increasingly common and could be the perfect option for those considering a career change.

The main aim of an apprenticeship is to be employed in a real job while studying for a formal qualification, therefore gaining practical experience and receiving a recognised qualification too. You will usually split your time by working for most of the week and studying one day a week at a college or training facility, but even apprenticeship is different.

You will follow an approved programme of study, however, your employer will have some input on how your training is structured. Your training will usually include the following features:

● A detailed training plan

● Progress reviews

● Practical training on the job

● Theoretical study at a college or training facility

● Assessments and coursework

● Ongoing mentoring and support throughout your apprenticeship

What sectors offer apprenticeships?

One of the best thing about apprenticeships is that they’re available in over 170 industries so there is something to suit everyone’s career interests. Some of these opportunities are within the following industries:

● Accounting, finance and banking

● Business administration, consultancy and business development

● Transport and logistics

● Human resources

● Marketing, social media and PR

Apprenticeship levels

Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers they can suit all ages and levels of experience. There are four current levels of apprenticeship that all lead to nationally-recognised qualifications:

● Intermediate apprenticeships - equivalent to GCSE passes at grades A*–C (4–9 on the new system).

● Advanced apprenticeships - equivalent to A level passes.

● Higher - equivalent to the first stages of higher education, such as a foundation degree.

● Degree - an apprenticeship that’s comparable to a Bachelors or Masters degree.

What happens at the end of the apprenticeship?

Depending on the type of qualification you are studying for, most apprenticeships take between one to five years to complete. By the end of your apprenticeship, you'll hopefully have gained the skills and knowledge needed to either succeed in your chosen career or progress onto the next apprenticeship level. Many apprentices will secure a permanent position with their employer at the end of their training.

At the UK Careers Fair, we bring candidates and employers together. If an apprenticeship sounds like the perfect option for you, keep up to date with our latest events for your chance to meet with some of the UK’s best employers. Find out more today.

Weekly newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter to keep updated with the latest insights for the freshest trends and know-how in the career realm.
By submitting, you are agreeing to receive our weekly newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time if you no longer wish to receive these updates.
Read about our privacy policy.
Thank you! You're now subscribed to the latest news from The UK Careers Fair.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Latest News

Dive into our latest insights for the freshest trends and know-how in the career realm, updated daily.
Graduate Advice

Creating A Budget For University

Joanna Clare
|
Content Manager
September 24, 2023
5 min read
Location Guides

Living And Working In Darlington

Joanna Clare
|
Content Manager
September 21, 2023
5 min read
CV Advice

References And Their Role On A CV

Joanna Clare
|
Content Manager
September 20, 2023
5 min read

Upcoming Events

Check out our full and comprehensive list of upcoming events.

Gillingham Careers Fair
September 27, 2023
Portsmouth Careers Fair
September 27, 2023
Swindon Careers Fair
September 28, 2023
Lincoln Careers Fair
September 28, 2023
Cambridge Careers Fair
September 29, 2023
Northampton Careers Fair
September 29, 2023
Derby Careers Fair
October 4, 2023
Ipswich Careers Fair
October 4, 2023
Swansea Careers Fair
October 5, 2023
Bolton Careers Fair
October 5, 2023
Birmingham Careers Fair
October 6, 2023
Preston Careers Fair
October 6, 2023
York Careers Fair
October 11, 2023
Belfast Careers Fair
October 11, 2023
Taunton Careers Fair
October 12, 2023
Loughborough Careers Fair
October 12, 2023
Guildford Careers Fair
October 13, 2023
Inverness Careers Fair
October 17, 2023
Bristol Careers Fair
October 18, 2023
Aberdeen Careers Fair
October 18, 2023
Liverpool Careers Fair
October 18, 2023
Dundee Careers Fair
October 19, 2023
Wigan Careers Fair
October 19, 2023
Reading Careers Fair
October 20, 2023
Stirling Careers Fair
October 20, 2023
Nottingham Careers Fair
October 25, 2023
Bournemouth Careers Fair
October 25, 2023
 TAKE ME THERE