How to Apply for an Apprenticeship and What Will You Get Paid?

Apprenticeships offer a route into work and further qualifications for people who want to learn while earning. An apprenticeship combines paid work with study towards a recognised qualification. Apprentices usually spend most of their time working and part of their time completing training with an employer, college, university or online provider. Apprenticeship pay rates in the UK are set by law. If you are under 19, or in the first year of your apprenticeship, you must be paid at least £8 per hour. Those over 19 who have completed their first year are entitled to the appropriate national minimum wage: £10.85 for those aged 19-20, and £12.71 for those aged 21 and above. Employers can choose to pay more than the legal minimum. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, apprenticeship levels range from Intermediate (Level 2, equivalent to GCSEs) through Advanced (Level 3, equivalent to A-levels) to Higher and Degree levels (Levels 4-7, equivalent to foundation and full degrees). In Scotland, the equivalent levels are Foundation, Modern, Graduate and Technical apprenticeships. Apprenticeship vacancies can be found and applied for on the government's Find an Apprenticeship website. The service lists thousands of live vacancies across all industries including business, engineering, construction, healthcare, digital, hospitality and creative sectors. Applicants create a profile and apply directly through the platform.