For Students

How Apprenticeships Work

Apprenticeships allow you to combine work and study, gaining real-world experience while studying towards a formal qualification.

• You'll be employed in a real job.
• You'll study part-time, usually one day per week at a college or training centre.
• At the end of your apprenticeship, you'll have the skills, knowledge and qualifications needed to succeed in your chosen career.

What You'll Learn

This depends on the role you're training for, but all apprentices follow an approved study programme, leading to nationally recognised qualifications:

• Functional Skills – GCSE-level English, Maths and IT.
• NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) – Level 2 to Level 5.
• Technical Certificates – e.g. BTEC, City & Guilds, etc.
• Academic Qualifications – e.g. HNC, HND, Foundation Degree, or even a full Bachelor's.

You'll also build transferable soft skills, such as:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Digital literacy
• Numeracy

Apprenticeship Levels

Types of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are available across most sectors, including:

• Business – Accounting, Marketing, HR, Recruitment, Sales
• Construction – Plumbing, Bricklaying, Quantity Surveying
• Engineering – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical
• Healthcare – Nursing, Dental, Youth Work, NHS Roles
• IT – Cybersecurity, Software Development
• Law – Paralegal, Legal Executive, Solicitor
• Media – Journalism, Events, Costume Design

Length of Apprenticeships

The length of your apprenticeship will depend on a number of factors, such as the level of the apprenticeship, your chosen sector, employer requirements and your individual ability.

That being said, apprenticeships will usually last between one and six years.

Their length follows a basic framework:

Always check with the employer as some programmes vary.

Pay and Working Hours

If you're under 19, or 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship, you're entitled to the apprenticeship minimum wage, which is £7.55 per hour (as of April 2025).

Once you turn 19 and complete the first year of your apprenticeship, you must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for your age group:

• Ages 18–20: £8.60 per hour
• Ages 21 and over: £11.44 per hour (National Living Wage)

This pay rate is stated as a guideline - some employers will pay you a higher wage. You'll also be entitled to sick pay, any additional benefits your employer offers to its other employees, such as healthcare plans and childcare vouchers, and at least 20 days of paid holiday per year. Use the GOV.UK Holiday Calculator to work out your exact entitlement.

Your working hours will vary depending on your employer, but you won't be able to work more than 40 hours per week or any fewer than 30. Typically, you'll work between 35 and 37.5 hours per week. The sector you're entering will determine the nature of your daily working hours - while most apprentices can expect to work a 9am-5.30pm day with an hour's break for lunch, those in hospitality or healthcare roles, for instance, should expect to work antisocial shifts.

Entry Requirements

As each type of apprenticeship offers a different-leveled qualification on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), their entry requirements will vary. Generally speaking, they are as follows:

• To apply for an intermediate apprenticeship, you'll just need to be over 16 years old and no longer in full-time education.
• For an advanced apprenticeship, you're likely to be asked for prior work experience and at least three 9-4 grade GCSEs or equivalent - such as an intermediate apprenticeship qualification.
• As higher apprenticeships are the equivalent of a foundation degree, HNC or first year of a Bachelors, you'll usually need at least five 9-4 grade GCSEs, as well as some Level 3 qualifications in relevant subjects, to apply. Your Level 3 qualifications could be AS-levels, a BTEC National or a level 3 NVQ.
• Degree apprenticeships will have the tightest entry requirements. These may include three A-levels in a specified grade range or a higher apprenticeship qualification, on top of at least five 9-4 GCSE grades. It's likely you'll be required to have prior work experience.

You can apply at any time of year when vacancies open.
No upper age limit – as long as you're 16+ and meet the criteria.

If you start your apprenticeship after you turn 19, you may be entitled to additional government funding - find out more about what's on offer at Student Finance England - Advanced Learner Loan.

What are T-Levels?

T-Levels (Technical Levels) are two-year technical qualifications designed for students aged 16 to 18 who want to develop practical skills alongside classroom learning. They are equivalent to three A-Levels and are developed in collaboration with employers to ensure students gain the knowledge and experience needed for skilled employment or further study. T-Levels focus on preparing students for specific industries and include a substantial work placement as part of the course.

Choosing Your T-Level Course

T-Levels are career-focused qualifications, so it is important to choose a course that aligns with your interests and future career goals. Each T-Level is linked to a specific industry sector, such as construction, digital, or health. Students typically study one T-Level rather than multiple subjects, as the course is intensive and designed to provide in-depth technical knowledge and skills within a chosen field.

How T-Levels are Structured

T-Levels are studied over two years and combine classroom learning with practical experience. Each course includes:

• Technical knowledge and skills specific to the industry
• An industry placement lasting at least 45 days
• Assessments through exams, coursework, and practical projects

Grades are awarded as Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, Pass, or Fail. The strong emphasis on real-world experience means students must be organised, motivated, and able to balance academic study with workplace learning.

Popular T-Level Subjects

T-Levels are available across a range of industry sectors.

Construction & Engineering

• Design, Surveying and Planning
• Building Services Engineering
• Onsite Construction
• Engineering and Manufacturing

Digital & Technology

• Digital Production, Design and Development
• Digital Support Services
• Digital Business Services

Health, Education & Care

• Health
• Education and Early Years
• Science

Business & Services

• Management and Administration
• Accounting
• Finance
• Legal Services

Entry Requirements

To enrol on a T-Level course, you’ll typically need:

• At least five GCSEs at grades 9–4
• A minimum grade in GCSE Maths and English (often grade 4 or above)
• Some courses may require higher grades or relevant GCSE subjects, depending on the industry area

What Can You Do After T-Levels?

Completing a T-Level opens up several progression routes. Many students move directly into skilled employment within their chosen industry. Others progress to higher or degree apprenticeships, or continue their education at university in a related subject. T-Levels are recognised by universities and employers as a strong technical qualification that demonstrates both academic understanding and practical experience.

T-Levels vs Other Qualifications

We are fortunate to have several outstanding post 16 providers in our local area offering a huge array of vocational and academic courses to extend learning in a diverse range of sectors.  Look at the links below to learn more about what is on offer in the local area and add their open days to your calendar:

Local Sixth Form

King James’s School

Harrogate Grammar School

Rossett High School

St John Fisher Catholic High School

St Aidan’s Church of England High School

FE Colleges

Askham Bryan College 

Harrogate College

Leeds City College

York College

What are A-Levels?

A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are subject-based courses typically studied over two years after completing GCSEs. Designed for students aged 16 to 18, they are widely recognised by universities and employers, making them a common route for those aiming to pursue higher education or skilled employment. Most students choose to study three or four A-Level subjects, and these qualifications are often a key requirement for entry into university degree programmes.

Choosing Your A-Level Subjects

A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are subject-based courses typically studied over two years after completing GCSEs. Designed for students aged 16 to 18, they are widely recognised by universities and employers, making them a common route for those aiming to pursue higher education or skilled employment. Most students choose to study three or four A-Level subjects, and these qualifications are often a key requirement for entry into university degree programmes.

How A-Levels are Structured

A-Levels follow a linear structure, meaning all exams are taken at the end of the second year of study. Subjects are graded from A* to E. While most are assessed through written exams, some A-Levels also include coursework—this is particularly common in subjects like English and Art. Because of the exam-heavy format, strong independent study and revision skills are essential to succeed.

Popular A-Level Subjects

There is a broad selection of A-Level subjects across different academic disciplines.

Sciences & Maths

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Further Mathematics
• Computer Science

Humanities & Social Sciences

• History
• Geography
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Religious Studies
• Economics
• Politics

Languages & Arts

• English Language / Literature
• French, Spanish, German
• Art & Design
• Music
• Drama

Entry Requirements

To enrol in A-Level courses, you’ll typically need:

• At least five GCSEs at grades 9–4
• Some subjects have specific GCSE requirements. For example:
  • A-Level Maths: usually requires a grade 6 or above in GCSE Maths
  • Sciences: often require a strong grade in double or triple science

What Can You Do After A-Levels?

Completing A-Levels opens the door to several pathways. Many students progress to university to study for a degree. Others may choose higher or degree apprenticeships, enter skilled employment directly, or pursue further vocational qualifications. Taking a gap year to travel, volunteer, or gain work experience is also a popular option before continuing with education or training.

A-Levels vs Other Qualifications

You can also mix A-Levels with BTECs at some sixth forms and colleges.