Apprenticeships

The Government is committed to a substantial boost to the Apprenticeship programme, with funding in place for 360,000 Apprenticeships this year.

Along with the expanding number of places there will be a greater focus on Advanced Apprenticeships, leading to level 3 qualifications (equivalent to A levels). Higher Apprenticeships, roughly equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree, will also be expanded. In the long term, the Government wants 20 per cent of young people to be taking Apprenticeships by 2020, and for Apprenticeships to gain parity of esteem with university degrees in the eyes of businesses and employers.

This section covers a wide range of UK-wide information, including questions and answers on what apprenticeships offer , opportunities for gaining workplace experience and vocational qualifications, whilst earning a wage are considered.

All Apprenticeships include on-the-job experience and off-the-job training, leading to recognised qualifications. However there are some differences between the Apprenticeship programmes offered in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which are explained in the Need To Know section.