What levels are available?
There are various levels of Apprenticeship you can undertake depending on your current skills and qualifications:
- Level 2 Intermediate (equivalent to 5 GCSEs)
- Level 3 Advanced (equivalent to 2 A-Levels)
- Level 4, 5, 6 and 7 Higher (equivalent to a Foundation degree or above)
| Level | What does it mean? |
|---|---|
| Level 2 | GCSE grades 4-9 or A*-C, Level 2 Diplomas, Traineeships and Intermediate Apprenticeships |
| Level 3 | A Levels, AS Levels, Advanced Apprenticeships, Foundation Entry Degrees and Access to Higher Education Diplomas |
| Level 4 | Higher Apprenticeships, Higher National Certificates (HNCs) |
| Level 5 | Higher Apprenticeships, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), Foundation Degrees |
| Level 6 & 7 | Degree Apprenticeship, Bachelor’s and Master’s |
Adult apprenticeships
Adult apprenticeships have been designed for those who are 19+, whether you are already in your chosen career and have signed up to an apprenticeship through your employer or you have been matched with an employer to start a career in your chosen occupation.
We offer a wide range of apprenticeships, including higher apprenticeships developed by employers for employers to help businesses grow the leaders of the future.
Higher and degree level apprenticeships
Higher Level Apprenticeships offer an excellent alternative to the traditional route to gaining higher level qualifications, by offering you practical industry skilled training combined with study.
Higher Apprenticeships are available from level 4 to 7 and are equivalent to a foundation degree and above e.g. a professional qualification.
Degree apprenticeships are available at levels 6 and 7 (full bachelor’s and Master’s).
The facts
Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England and are available at intermediate, advanced, higher and degree levels.
All apprenticeships are genuine jobs so all apprentices earn a salary. You must be paid at least the national minimum apprenticeship wage and many employers pay significantly more. Apprentices should work enough hours each week so that they can undertake sufficient, regular training and on-the-job activity.
Entry requirements depend on the sector and prior skills. If you have achieved A-levels you may still be expected to start at intermediate or advanced level as some sectors, such as engineering, require you to build up your occupational skills.
How are they structured?
Higher and degree apprenticeships combine work with study and may include a work-based, academic or combined qualification or a professional qualification relevant to the industry. Levels 4 and 5 are equivalent to a Higher Education Certificate/Diploma or a foundation degree, level 6 is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree and level 7 is equivalent to a Master’s degree. Typically, higher apprentices study part-time at college, university or with a training provider. Apprenticeships take between one and five years to complete.
Read the Government's comprehensive guide to higher and degree apprenticeships.
Who Can Study a Higher Level Apprenticeship?
Anyone aged 18 or over can study for a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship. To be eligible you will need to have achieved one of the following qualifications or be able to demonstrate that you have suitable relevant and recent occupational experience:
- A levels
- Vocational Level 3 qualifications
- An Advanced Apprenticeship
What are the benefits?
Studying a Higher Level Apprenticeship will allow you to:
- Develop your professional career
- Work and earn whilst studying
- Gain industry relevant qualifications
Need to Convince Your Employer?
If you think that a Higher Apprenticeship route is right for you, we are happy to discuss the options with you and your employer. Your employer may find reading the Government’s Guide to Higher and Degree level Apprenticeships useful.
