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Apprenticeship FAQs

Wondering where to start with apprenticeships? We’ve put together some frequently asked questions about applying for vacancies, how they work, salary and benefits, and degree apprenticeships.

Applying for apprenticeships

How do I apply for apprenticeships?

Apprenticeship applications are usually advertised by the employer. You will apply directly to a company and usually, this consists of a CV and a cover letter. Sometimes, you may be asked to fill out some application questions instead.

Can I apply for apprenticeships as an international student?

Yes, although apprentices must live and be eligible to work in the UK. Applicants born overseas but who live in the UK must meet additional eligibility criteria which can be found on the Department for Education website. 

Do I need to have studied relevant subjects when applying for an apprenticeship?

Entry requirements are different depending on the role you’re interested in. For example, Level 2 apprenticeships generally need no formal qualifications, while you may need GCSEs and A Levels for a degree apprenticeship. 

Some apprenticeships may want you to have studied specific subjects. For example, if you want to go into engineering you may need to have studied STEM subjects. However, always check the vacancy carefully for their specific requirements. 

Remember, it’s not all about qualifications. Employers will be looking for willingness to learn, passion, and transferrable skills you could bring to the role. Companies don’t hire apprentices looking for the finished article; the programme is designed for you to learn the job from scratch.

Can I apply for multiple apprenticeships?

Can I apply for multiple apprenticeships?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of applications you can make. Apprenticeships aren’t restricted to a cycle like traditional degrees, so you can apply at any time. 

If you are doing multiple applications, make sure you tailor your application per vacancy. Copied and pasted cover letters are much less personable. 

Find out more about how to apply.

What time is best to apply?

Apprenticeships can be advertised at any time of the year. They’re not restricted to an application cycle like traditional degrees. Make sure you read each vacancy carefully and ensure you understand any deadlines and next steps. 

How far in advance do I need to apply?

Each employer is different. Some employers may advertise apprenticeships up to a year in advance, whereas others may be a month before the start date. Make sure you read each vacancy carefully and ensure you understand any deadlines and next steps. 

It’s good to start looking around a year before you want the apprenticeship to start.

Do I need work experience to get an apprenticeship?

Work experience can look great on a CV as it shows you’ve got passion for the subject and have gone the extra mile to demonstrate it. When applying for jobs, it’s all about showing you have the transferrable skills to do the role. So, although work experience is very beneficial, this could also be demonstrated through volunteering, part-time jobs, or academic achievements. It’s whatever is most relevant to the position that you’re applying for.

Remember, the apprenticeship is designed to give you work experience, so nobody will be expecting you to already work in the industry.

Where can I find apprenticeship vacancies?

There are lots of places you can find apprenticeship vacancies including:

  • UCAS’s Career Finder tool
  • Companies own career sites - you want to work in a specific sector, you may want to look at well-known companies, as well as smaller employers who work in the sector to see if they have additional vacancies.
  • UCAS Discovery Exhibitions, where you can meet apprenticeship recruiting companies and universities

You might want to look through our employer profiles to get a feel for who offers what.

Degree apprenticeships

How do I apply for degree apprenticeships?

You can search for degree apprenticeships on UCAS Career Finder. You can also find them on our course search tool by using the ‘degree apprenticeship’ filter. You don’t apply for degree apprenticeships via UCAS. We will redirect you to the employer’s or provider’s website to follow their application process

Can I go straight from further education to a degree apprenticeship?

Yes, you can start an apprenticeship as long as you’re 16 and have met the entry requirements. This might be having qualifications like A Levels or T Levels, or this might be demonstrating personality traits to show you can do the role. Check each vacancy carefully to see what the entry requirements are. 

Do the NHS offer degree apprenticeships?

Yes, the NHS have a variety of degree apprenticeships. Common courses include nursing, podiatry, or dental nursing. The Medical Doctor degree apprenticeship is also launching in 2023

You can find all current NHS degree apprenticeships at NHS Careers.

What do ‘non-degree qualifications’ mean on a degree apprenticeship vacancy?


Non-degree qualification requirements are qualifications that aren’t part of the degree, but which you need to achieve during the apprenticeship in order to achieve the full degree. 

An example of this would be an accounting apprenticeship that leads to a BSc degree but includes an ACA certificate as well which you need if you intend to practice as a chartered accountant.

Can I defer a degree apprenticeship place?

No, degree apprenticeships don’t work in the same way as applying to traditional uni courses. Any timescales for starting a degree apprenticeship would be part of negotiations between you and the employer.

How apprenticeships work

Is there a guaranteed job at the end of an apprenticeship?

Not necessarily, an employer doesn't have to offer you permanent employment once the apprenticeship ends. Employers are keen to invest in future talent and most apprentices do end up with a permanent role. However, there is no obligation for an employer to offer you a permanent role.

Can I study an apprenticeship abroad?

No, as 50% of your study time has to take place in the UK. 

Can I move from one employer to another but continue with my apprenticeship?

Yes. You can change jobs and continue the same apprenticeship. You won't have to start your studies all over again. However, your new employer would need to offer apprenticeships already and your training provider will have to agree that the new employer is suitable.

How many hours would I work a week as an apprentice?

As an apprentice, you will work at least 30 hours per week with your employer and undertake part-time study. Each employer will arrange this differently, so you should check the initial contract when you get the apprenticeship offer to make sure you know what’s expected of you. This is also a good question to ask in an interview.

Will I be expected to travel?

If you need to travel, this will be outlined in your contract. Make sure you read all the documentation you’re given carefully so you know what’s expected of you. Some apprenticeships work on a rotation basis, meaning you could move around different departments or locations. Again, check your contract for more information. 

Who chooses which uni, college, or training provider I study with?

An employer will have a specific training provider that they’re partnered with to deliver the apprenticeship. This might be a college, or a university if it’s a degree apprenticeship. When you look at the apprenticeship online, it will tell you which training provider this is or you can contact the employer if you’re not sure. If you’re interested in doing a degree apprenticeship with a specific university, you can visit our course search tool and use the ‘degree apprenticeship’ filter. 
 

How many days will I get to study?

Apprentices must spend 20% of their working time studying for their qualification. How this is structured is up to the employer, the apprentice, and the training provider to work out. The two common options are: 

  • One day per week: four days working and one day of study per week
  • Block release: where you study for a week or two weeks at a time and then work for a week or two weeks at a time

Will I have time for a social life as an apprentice?

An apprenticeship is a commitment, and you’ll need to manage working, studying, and your social life. It’s by no means an ‘easy’ option compared to a traditional degree. Remember, you’ll be supported by your employer and training provider to manage your workload, to make sure you’re getting the necessary time you need.

Can I do multiple apprenticeships in a row?

Yes, this is very common. For example, if you started on a Level 4 apprenticeship in England, you may want to transition onto a degree apprenticeship once you finish the Level 4 course.

Salary and benefits

How much do I get paid as an apprentice?

As an apprentice, you are entitled to a minimum of £5.28 per hour, but many companies offer more than this. Each apprenticeship will pay differently depending on the company, the industry, and where you are in the UK. You should check vacancies for specific information or contact the employer if the salary isn’t listed.

Find out more about funding and finance for apprenticeships.

Do I get sick pay and holiday pay?

Yes. Apprentices are entitled to all the same benefits as a permanent employee, including a  salary, paid annual leave, and sick pay. 

Why do London apprenticeships offer higher salaries?

London wages are typically higher due to something referred to as “London Weighting”. The salaries for London and sometimes other large cities are higher to assist with the increased cost of living within that city.

Do employers help with travel fees?

Some employers will reimburse travel fees. If you have to stay overnight, for example, to go to your training provider, this will be covered. However, not all employers will cover day-to-day travel to work, so you’ll need to manage your money. You may be entitled to travel discounts as an apprentice depending on where you live. Have a look into local schemes to see what’s available.

Can I live in student accommodation as an apprentice?

As an apprentice, you’re not entitled to live in student accommodation. You will need to find your own accommodation if you’re planning to live away from home. If you live in a household which is all made up of apprentices, you may be entitled to discounts on Council Tax.