Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. As an apprentice you’ll:
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- earn a wage and get holiday pay
- get time for study related to your role (usually one day a week) in the work place
Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.
Levels
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
| Name | Level | Equivalent educational level |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 | A level |
| Higher | 4 ,5, 6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor’s or master’s degree |
Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.
How much do apprentices earn?
The amount you earn depends on the sector, region and apprenticeship level.
- There is a minimum wage for apprentices if you are under 19 or in your first year of an apprenticeship but many pay above this minimum
- Some Higher apprenticeships and Degree apprenticeships pay significantly more than the minimum wage
Who can apply?
You can become an apprentice if you are over 16 years old. There are different entry requirements depending on the sector and job. You will need to be:
- committed;
- motivated;
- enthusiastic; and
- reliable with a ‘can-do’ attitude.
How long do they last?
Apprenticeships last for at least one year. Many can take longer if they are:
- at a higher level; or
- in certain sectors such as engineering.
After the apprenticeship
Apprentices can move on to:
- full time employment;
- a higher level apprenticeship; or
- vocational or academic study, including university degrees.
Advice and information
For more information on apprenticeship vacancies in your area
- Visit the Government's Apprenticeships website
- See information on the London Borough of Hackney Apprenticeship Programme for apprenticeship opportunities offered by the London Borough of Hackney.
- Visit London Borough of Hackney's Apprenticeship blog for entries from staff who have been involved in an apprenticeship.
- See information about apprenticeships in Hackney schools on individual school websites or (if the school has requested it) on the Hackney Education jobs page
- For help with searching or applying for apprenticeships see our careers services.
Live apprenticeship vacancies
Visit the Gov.uk website to search for an apprenticeship.
Traineeships
If you are not quite ready for an apprenticeship, traineeships can provide a good progression route.
Supported internships
Supported internships are for young people aged 16-24 with learning difficulties or learning disabilities, who would like to get a job and need extra support to do this. To be eligible you need a Statement of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), a Learning Difficulty Assessment, or an Education Health and Care Plan.
- Find out more about how supported internships work
- See what is available in Hackney
As supported internships are funded by the local authority, interested Hackney residents aged 16-19 should check their eligibility for a supported internship by contacting to the Hackney Careers Service. For those over 19 looking for a supported internship or other routes into work, contact the Hackney Supported Employment Service.
T Levels
T Levels are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent in size to 3 A levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.