What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a modern, hands-on way to learn new skills and build real-world experience. For learners, it's a paid full-time job, and for businesses, apprenticeships offer a way to upskill existing employees and bring in new talent.
In this guide, we’re breaking down all you need to know about apprenticeship programmes in the UK.
Apprenticeships in a nutshell
- An apprenticeship is a paid job, which includers both on-the-job experience and study-based learning.
- There are dozens of apprenticeship standards, many in exciting and in-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber security and data.
- Unlike university, with an apprenticeship there's no tuition fees or student loans.
- Anyone can become an apprentice. Apprenticeships are for school leavers, career changers, upskillers and everyone in between.
In this video, one of our specialist Digital Learning Consultants, Thomas Eaves (TJ), shares what apprentices can expect from their training journey.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is essentially a paid job that comprises on-the-job experience and study-based learning.
Becoming an apprentice means that you gain industry experience and learn the essential skills needed for the world at work, whilst at the same time working towards and recognised qualification.
You will have a line manager, take home salary and access to employee benefits, just like any other job. But with the added benefit of a structured learning programme alongside your work experience.
QA apprentices for example receive both instructor-led learning time and access to our self-paced platform, allowing you to develop your skills in your own time.
Apprenticeship programmes are aligned to jobs that are in-demand in the real world. This means there are lots of opportunities to use an apprenticeship to kickstart a career in AI, data and cyber security, and other areas of technology where businesses lack skills and personnel.
One of the most attractive parts of becoming an apprentice is the fact that there are no tuition fees or student loans. You will earn money, won't rack up student debt and the course will be paid for by an employer through government funding from the growth and skills levy.
Did you know? 70% of our apprentices feel more confident and better prepared for work life than most people their age.
What is a degree apprenticeship?
A degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 or Level 7 apprenticeship programme that allows learners to earn a degree whilst they work.
Degree apprenticeships are funded by employers, allowing learners to study towards their qualification, whilst earning a salary.
What is a modern apprenticeship?
A modern apprenticeship is the common name for an apprenticeship programme in Scotland.
How long does an apprenticeship last?
The length of each apprenticeship varies and can be anywhere from 1-5 years depending on the programme.
A short form version of apprenticeships, called apprenticeship units, are also available and have a much lower time commitment. These units are aligned to existing apprenticeship standards and allow learners to complete specific segments of an apprenticeship in weeks or months.
How much do apprenticeships get paid?
Apprenticeships pay at the very least the apprenticeship minimum wage, which is £7.55 per hour for 16-18 year olds, £10 per hour for 18-20 year olds and £12.21 for over 21s.
Did you know? QA apprenticeship vacancies on average pay between £15,000 and £18,000, with some starting as high as £25,000 to £30,000.
Who are apprenticeships for?
It's a common myth that apprenticeships are just for young people leaving school. In fact, the average age of an apprentice at QA is now over 30.
This is because more and more businesses are utilising apprenticeship funding to upskill their existing employees into exciting new fields, such as data and AI. An apprenticeship programme is not just for career-starters, but also career-changers, and those looking to learn new skills, earn a promotion or focus on a technical specialism.
Another myth is that apprenticeships are only for those who don't do well at school. In reality, apprenticeships are simply an alternative route into skilled employment, with many employers preferring apprentices to candidates with degrees, due to their on-the-job experience.
While the average cost of student debt post degree is around £40,000-£50,000, tech apprentices can earn anywhere between £15,000 and £30,000 per year.
Did you know?: 90% of QA apprentices went straight into full-time jobs after completing their apprenticeships
How are apprenticeships funded?
In the UK, apprenticeships are funded by the UK government through the Growth and Skills Levy. Apprenticeship funding varies depending on the size of an organisation and whether that organisation pays into their digital account.
Therefore, as a learner, your apprenticeship programme is fully-funded through an employer and the growth and skills levy.
What types of apprenticeship are there?
There are now apprenticeship standards across a number of different specialisms, with qualifications at different levels depending on the experience of the learner.
Here are some of the apprenticeship roles that QA train in:
- AI and Digital Support Level 3
- Multi-Channel Marketer Level 3
- Junior Software Developer Level 3
- AI Automation Level 4
- Business Analyst Level 4
- Cyber Security Engineer Level 4
- Cyber Security Risk Analyst Level 4
- Data Analyst Level 4
- Digital Product Manager Level 4
- Network Engineer Level 4
- Project Manager Level 4
- Software Engineer Level 4
- Data Engineer Level 5
- AI Engineer Level 6
Here are some of the most popular apprenticeship specialisms right now:
AI Apprenticeships
The UK government expects that 3.9m jobs will involve AI skills by 2035. As businesses look to future proof their workforce for this seismic change, AI apprenticeships are playing a huge role in closing skills gaps across many industries.
Cyber security apprenticeships
Recent data shows that 49% of UK businesses have a skills gap in basic cyber security. Apprenticeships in cyber security are one way that businesses can address this issue, helping them to hire new talent in a field with staggering skills gaps. This in-demand field offers opportunities for fast career growth, as well as specialisation into different areas of cyber, such as IT support, penetration testing and analysis.
Data apprenticeships
The amount of data that organisations collect is going to reach record levels in the coming years. To handle this data, they need individuals with the skills to harness and handle it effectively and correctly. This is why data apprenticeships are some of the most in-demand in the UK right now.
IT and Cloud Apprenticeships
As IT and cloud operations become more complex, the demand for apprentices in IT, cloud, security and networking is only increasing. Businesses are crying out for individuals who understand Microsoft Azure and AWS, and connect, manage and protect their vital cloud infrastructures.
Project Management apprenticeships
PMI, one of the world's leading accreditors of project management certifications, believes that businesses will need 25 million new project management professionals by 2030. Project management apprenticeships are helping organisations to close this gap, by bringing in the new project leading talents that they desperately need.
What are the different levels of apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship levels range from Level 2 (GSCE equivalent), up to Level 7 (degree/masters equivalent), with each level requiring different experience and entry-level requirements.
The different levels of apprenticeship allow learners to align their ideal courses with their career trajectory. Level 2 and Level 3 are often best suited to school leavers or those completely new to an industry, while upper levels offer the opportunity to learn new skills and support career progression.
Why choose an apprenticeship?
For learners there are many benefits of choosing an apprenticeship programme:
- Completely debt free learning and you'll earn a full-time salary.
- A blend of flexible digital learning and hands-on experience.
- A foot in the door with industry experts and potential employers.
For employers, there are a number of reasons to start an apprenticeship programme, such as:
- Use funding to build a cost-effective workforce.
- Bring in new in-demand skills, like data and AI.
- Reap the rewards of new hires that are ready from day one.
How does an apprenticeship compare to university?
There are two big differences when comparing university and apprenticeships.
Firstly funding. Apprenticeships are fully-funded and provide you with a salary whilst you work and learn. University is usually funded through student loans, which can take decades to fully pay off.
Secondly, university is solely study-based learning through lectures, practical and digital learning and exams. Apprenticeships offer a blend of in-person and online learning, as well as on the job experience.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are applied for in the same way as a job. You can submit an application online, prepare a CV and attend an interview with the employer.
Learn more about of the process of applying for an apprenticeship.
What is an end-point assessment
An end-point assessment is the final stage of an apprenticeship. It measures whether the apprentice has gained the skills, knowledge and behaviours set out in their apprenticeship standard.
When were apprenticeships first introduced in the UK?
The UK has a long history of apprenticeships, dating back to the middle ages. Apprenticeships in their current form began in the 1990s with the introduction of the modern apprenticeship, when it was legislated that apprentices be considered employees with a real wage.
Since then apprenticeships have undergone several evolutions to where they are now. In 2024/25 there were over 350,000 apprenticeship starts in the UK, and a broad range of programmes covering vital employment areas, such as digital technology, manufacturing and engineering and health, public services and care.
QA has been providing apprenticeship programmes in the UK since 2008 and has since trained over 30,000 apprentices in AI, data, IT, cyber security and degree apprenticeships.
When is national apprenticeship week?
National Apprenticeship Week is an annual weekly event dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of apprenticeships. National Apprenticeship Week, or NAW, takes place in February and features a wide number of events where employers and candidates can get involved and learn more.
I'm an employer, how do I hire an apprentice?
There is lots of support available for employers that are looking to hire an apprentice. There are several steps that you need to take first, such as looking into the available apprenticeship funding options, including the growth and skills levy, as well as understanding what type of roles you need most.
You find out more by talking to our experts, who can help you get started on your apprenticeship hiring journey.
Can existing employees go on an apprenticeship programme?
Yes, apprenticeships are not just for new employers or new hires. Apprenticeship training and funding can be used to help existing members of your team move into new roles or progress their career.
The internets most asked questions about apprenticeships
QA Apprentice Mo answers some of the most searched questions about apprenticeships on the internet. Are apprenticeships hard to get? Are they even worth it? Get the answers to these questions and more, right here from a real Data Analytics Apprentice!
Apprentice learner stories
Keren's story
Keren chose a Digital Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship because her hands-on approach didn’t align with the traditional university route.
Working as a Business Analyst at NatWest, she’s able to apply her learning directly to her role, gaining real-world experience and financial freedom while continuously growing her skills.
Paige's story
From running her own candle business on Etsy to creating campaigns and analysing data at MKM Building Supplies, Paige’s Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship has unlocked a career she’s passionate about.
Combining creative skills with a newfound love for analytics, she’s proven that hands-on learning can open doors, and even help save for a car and a house.
A word from our Chief Learning Officer
"Apprentices are bold, resilient people who get stuck in, learn on the job and aren’t afraid to take on new challenges. What we do is give them the tools to make an impact, and I believe that’s why taking on apprentices is not a risk in troubled times. It’s a solution."
