1. What Are Apprenticeships?
An apprenticeship is a paid job that combines:
- Employment
- Practical workplace training
- Formal learning
- Qualifications
- Professional development
Apprentices work alongside experienced staff while gaining recognised qualifications.
Apprenticeships are available in many sectors including:
- Construction
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Business
- Digital and IT
- Hospitality
- Education
- Creative industries
- Public services
Useful links:
- Apprenticeships:
https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
- Find an Apprenticeship:
2. Apprenticeship Levels
Apprenticeships are available at different levels.
Intermediate Apprenticeships (Level 2)
Comparable to GCSE level.
Advanced Apprenticeships (Level 3)
Comparable to A Levels.
Higher Apprenticeships (Levels 4–5)
Equivalent to higher education qualifications.
Degree Apprenticeships (Levels 6–7)
Combine university-level study with employment.
Useful links:
- Qualification Levels:
3. Apprenticeship Rights
Apprentices have employment rights and training rights.
These may include:
- A contract of employment
- Paid holidays
- Rest breaks
- National Minimum Wage entitlement
- Protection from discrimination
- Health and safety protections
- Training and assessment support
Apprentices should receive:
- Structured learning
- Support from their employer
- Support from their training provider
- Opportunities to complete their qualification
Useful links:
- Apprenticeship Rights:
https://www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice
- Employment Rights:
4. Supported Internships
Supported Internships help young people aged 16–24 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) move into employment.
Programmes usually include:
- Workplace experience
- Job coaching
- Employability skills
- Employer engagement
- Personal development
Supported Internships focus on helping young people gain sustainable employment.
Useful links:
- Supported Internships:
- SEND Guide:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-guide-for-parents-and-carers
5. Traineeships
While the previous national traineeship programme in England has largely been replaced by other education and employment pathways, learners may still access:
- Study programmes
- Skills bootcamps
- Supported internships
- Apprenticeships
- Further education courses
- Employment support schemes
Useful links:
- National Careers Service:
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
- Skills and Training:
6. Apprenticeship Funding
Most apprenticeship training costs are funded through government apprenticeship funding arrangements.
For learners, apprenticeship training is generally funded and apprentices are paid employees.
Support may include:
- Training costs
- Assessment costs
- Additional learning support
- SEND support funding
- Travel support in some circumstances
Useful links:
- Apprenticeship Funding:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding
- National Careers Service:
7. Apprenticeship Wages
Apprentices are entitled to be paid.
Wage rates may change annually and learners should always check the current government rates.
Useful links:
- National Minimum Wage:
https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
- Apprenticeship Pay:
https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide/pay-and-conditions
Apprentices should:
- Receive payslips
- Understand deductions
- Keep employment records
- Check wage entitlement regularly
8. Finding Apprenticeships
Young people can search for opportunities through:
GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
National Careers Service
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
Employers
Direct applications through employer websites.
Colleges & Schools
Many provide careers support and vacancy information.
Careers Advisers
Can help identify suitable pathways.
When applying:
- Tailor applications
- Prepare for interviews
- Research employers
- Understand course requirements
9. Employer Responsibilities
Employers providing apprenticeships should:
- Provide meaningful work
- Support learning
- Allow training time
- Ensure health and safety
- Prevent discrimination
- Follow employment law
- Pay wages correctly
- Work with training providers
Employers should create safe and inclusive workplaces.
Useful links:
- Employing Apprentices:
https://www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice
- Health and Safety Executive:
10. SEND & Disability Support
Young people with SEND or disabilities may be entitled to additional support.
Support may include:
- Reasonable adjustments
- Accessible training materials
- Assistive technology
- Job coaching
- Flexible working arrangements
- Additional learning support
Useful links:
- SEND Guide:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-guide-for-parents-and-carers
- Disability Rights UK:
https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/
- Access to Work:
11. Mental Health & Wellbeing
Apprentices and vocational learners may experience:
- Workplace pressures
- Training demands
- Financial worries
- Exam stress
- Confidence issues
Support may be available through:
- Employers
- Training providers
- NHS services
- Employee assistance programmes
- Mental health charities
Useful links:
- NHS Mental Health:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
- Mind:
- YoungMinds:
12. Legal Rights
Apprentices and vocational learners may have rights relating to:
Employment Rights
- Fair pay
- Working hours protections
- Holiday entitlement
- Safe working environments
Equality Rights
Protection from discrimination based on:
- Disability
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Gender reassignment
- Sexual orientation
Education Rights
- Access to training
- Assessment arrangements
- Support services
Useful links:
- Equality Act Guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance
- Equality Advisory Support Service:
https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/
- ACAS:
13. Evidence Standards
If problems arise, keep records of:
- Employment contracts
- Apprenticeship agreements
- Payslips
- Training schedules
- Assessments
- Emails
- Meeting notes
- Workplace incidents
- Reasonable adjustment requests
- Complaints submitted
Evidence should be:
- Dated
- Accurate
- Organised
- Relevant
Keep copies of all important documents.
14. Accountability & Complaints
If concerns arise:
Step 1
Raise concerns with:
- Line manager
- Workplace mentor
- Training provider
Step 2
Request written responses.
Step 3
Use internal complaints procedures.
Step 4
Seek independent advice.
Step 5
Escalate where appropriate.
Useful organisations:
ACAS
Education and Skills Funding Agency
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/education-and-skills-funding-agency
Equality Advisory Support Service
https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/
Citizens Advice
15. Advocacy & Independent Support
Useful organisations include:
National Careers Service
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
SENDIASS
https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/information-advice-and-support-services-network
Disability Rights UK
https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/
Citizens Advice
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
ACAS
16. Quick Help Directory
Find an Apprenticeship
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Apprenticeships Guide
https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Apprenticeship Funding
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding
Apprenticeship Pay
https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide/pay-and-conditions
National Minimum Wage
https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
National Careers Service
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
Supported Internships
Access to Work
https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
ACAS
Equality Advisory Support Service
https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/
Citizens Advice
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
NHS Mental Health
Key Message
Apprenticeships and vocational learning provide valuable opportunities to gain qualifications, workplace experience and career skills. Learners should receive fair treatment, proper training, safe working conditions and appropriate support. Understanding rights, keeping good records, seeking advice early and knowing how to challenge unfair decisions can help ensure positive outcomes and successful progression into employment, further study or professional careers.
Key Apprenticeship Changes & Rights
£8 Apprentice Minimum Wage
From 1 April 2026, the apprentice National Minimum Wage is £8.00 per hour. This applies to apprentices under 19 and apprentices aged 19+ who are still in the first year of their apprenticeship.
Current Minimum Wage RatesPaid Time for Training
Off-the-job training should happen during the apprentice's normal working hours. The required total is apprenticeship-specific rather than a single universal percentage for every programme.
Off-the-Job TrainingFoundation Apprenticeships
England's Foundation Apprenticeships are Level 2 and designed to help young people enter an industry. They are generally open to ages 16–21, with specified exceptions up to age 24 for people with an EHC plan, care experience or prison/prison-leaver status.
Foundation ApprenticeshipsLevel 7 Funding Restriction
Since 1 January 2026, new government-funded Level 7 apprenticeships are generally limited to ages 16–21, with exemptions for eligible care leavers and people with EHC plans who are under 25.
Level 7 Funding ChangeHow Apprentice Pay Works in 2026
Under 19
Minimum apprenticeship rate from 1 April 2026: £8.00 per hour.
19+ and First Year
Minimum apprenticeship rate: £8.00 per hour.
Age 19–20 After First Year
After the first year, the 18–20 minimum wage is £10.85 per hour.
Age 21+ After First Year
After the first year, the National Living Wage is £12.71 per hour.
Off-the-Job Training, Training Plans & Progress Reviews
An apprenticeship is not simply a normal job with a qualification attached. The training is a core part of the programme.
Training During Working Hours
Off-the-job training is carried out during normal working hours and can include classes, online learning, mentoring, assignments and projects that teach the apprenticeship's required knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Training Plan
The apprentice, employer and provider should agree a training plan setting out the planned content, training schedule, expectations and how queries or complaints will be handled.
Progress Reviews
Current Apprenticeship Service guidance says apprentices normally take part in regular progress reviews with the employer and provider, usually around every 12 weeks.
Prior Learning
Previous learning and experience should be assessed so the programme is not funded to duplicate learning the apprentice already has.
Foundation Apprenticeships – England
Foundation Apprenticeships are newer Level 2 programmes designed to help young people begin a career in an occupational sector while working and training.
Age 16–21
Anyone aged 16–21 who meets the general apprenticeship requirements can be eligible for a Foundation Apprenticeship.
Age 22–24 Exceptions
Eligibility can extend to age 24 for people who have an EHC plan, are in or have been in care, or are prisoners/prison leavers, subject to the funding rules.
No Specific Grades Required
Skills for Careers says applicants do not need specific grades or qualifications simply to apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship.
Employer Support
Eligible employers can receive additional payments for recruiting and supporting Foundation Apprentices, subject to current funding rules.
Employer Funding Support2026/27 Apprenticeship Funding – England
Ages 16–24
Current government employer guidance says the government can pay 100% of eligible apprenticeship training and assessment costs up to the funding-band maximum for apprentices aged 16–24, subject to the funding rules.
Age 25+ – Non-Levy Employer
Where co-investment applies, a non-levy employer generally pays 5% and government pays 95%, subject to the current rules.
£2,000 Hiring Payment
Non-levy employers can qualify for a £2,000 hiring payment for eligible new apprentices aged 16–24. Current rules include starts from 1 October 2026 and other eligibility conditions.
Additional £1,000 Support
Employers and providers can receive additional payments where an apprentice is aged 16–18, or aged 19–24 and has an EHC plan or specified care experience, subject to the funding rules.
£3,000 Care Leavers' Bursary – England
Eligible apprentices who are under 25 when they start and meet the legal care-leaver criteria can receive an apprenticeship care leavers' bursary.
Reasonable Adjustments, Access to Work & Additional Support
Disabled apprentices can have rights as employees and as learners. Support should be considered across both the workplace and the training programme.
Reasonable Adjustments
Employers must consider reasonable adjustments where a disabled apprentice would otherwise be substantially disadvantaged. Adjustments can include changes to recruitment, equipment, working arrangements or the workplace.
Access to Work
Access to Work can support eligible disabled people and people with health conditions in paid work, and GOV.UK expressly includes apprenticeships.
Access to Work EligibilityTraining Support
Training providers should identify additional learning-support needs during the apprenticeship and reflect relevant support in the training plan.
EHC Plan Funding Support
Current apprenticeship funding rules include additional payments for some apprentices aged 19–24 who have an EHC plan.
Other Work-Based & Vocational Routes
Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses for eligible adults in England, generally lasting up to 16 weeks and focused on skills needed in priority sectors.
Skills BootcampsSupported Internships
Work-based study programmes for young people aged 16–24 with EHC plans who need support to move towards paid employment.
Supported InternshipsFurther Education
Colleges offer vocational, technical and foundation programmes that can prepare learners for apprenticeships, work or higher-level study.
Find a CourseFoundation Apprenticeships
England's Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeships provide another work-based entry route for eligible young people.
Foundation ApprenticeshipsWho Handles an Apprenticeship Problem?
Training Problem
Start with the training provider's complaints procedure. If it is DfE-funded post-16 apprenticeship provision and the internal process is exhausted, eligible complaints can be taken to DfE.
Apprenticeship / FE ComplaintsDfE Deadline
GOV.UK says complaints to DfE under this route should normally be made within 12 months of the issue happening.
DfE Complaints ProcedureEmployment Problem
Employment issues such as wages, dismissal, holiday, discrimination or working conditions are not dealt with as ordinary DfE training complaints. ACAS can provide free employment-rights information.
ACASApprenticeship Service Help
The Apprenticeship Service offers support where an apprentice has concerns about the employer, provider, training or programme responsibilities.
Get Apprenticeship SupportApprenticeships Across the UK
England
Use Find an Apprenticeship and the Apprenticeship Service for vacancies, programme information, rights and support.
Find an Apprenticeship – EnglandWales
Wales has its own apprenticeship programme and vacancy system. Careers Wales provides apprenticeship search, degree apprenticeship and application support.
Careers Wales ApprenticeshipsScotland
Scotland uses Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships. Graduate Apprenticeships combine paid employment with university study.
Apprenticeships.scotNorthern Ireland
Northern Ireland has its own apprenticeship system, including Higher Level Apprenticeships. Vacancies can be searched through JobApplyNI via nidirect.
NI Apprenticeship Opportunities