Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week with QA
Apprenticeship Levels Explained
In England, there are 6 apprenticeship levels, all of which align with nationally recognised qualification standards.
In this guide, we break down what each level is equivalent to, and which programmes are available at each level.
How many levels of apprenticeship are there?
In England, apprenticeships range from Level 2 to Level 7 and broadly cover equivalent qualifications from GSCE level to Master’s level degrees.
In Scotland, the structure is slightly different. The SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) offers programmes ranging from Level 5 to Level 12, offering progressive routes through school right through to degree and work-based study. Learn more about Apprenticeships in Scotland here.
What is the difference between each level?
The level of each apprenticeship corresponds with a different stage of education. Each level also requires a varying amount of prior experience or qualifications. Apprenticeship levels progress upwards, with Level 2 being entry-level programmes and Level 7 being for university level study and work-based upskilling.
Apprenticeship Levels
In this section, we explain every level of apprenticeship available and its equivalent qualification.
What is a Level 2 Apprenticeship?
A Level 2 apprenticeship is for those at the very start of their career. It is best suited to school leavers and is equivalent to 5 GSCE passes. Level 2 apprenticeships have the fewest entry requirements and are aimed at those who are looking to build foundational skills.
Equivalent qualification: 5 GSCE passes
What is a Level 3 apprenticeship?
Level 3 apprenticeships are equivalent to two A Levels and are predominantly targeted at school leavers who are looking to begin their career. For school leavers, a level 3 apprenticeship offers an alternative to college or sixth form. They are also suitable for career changers who are looking to enter a new field of work.
How much are Level 3 apprentices paid?
Level 3 apprentices are entitled to the national minimum wage for apprentices, but some programmes may offer more.
Level 3 apprenticeship example programmes:
Equivalent to: Two A Levels or a Level 3 Diploma
What is a Level 4 apprenticeship?
Level 4 apprenticeships are the first step on the higher apprenticeships ladder, and are equivalent to first-year university study. Level 4 courses tend to be more focused on technical specialisms and are suited to those who want to progress on a specific career path.
Level 4 courses attract a mix of new talent looking to enter the workforce, and existing employees looking to reskill or upskill in their current role.
How much are level 4 apprentices paid?
Level 4 apprentices are entitled to the national minimum wage for apprentices, but are likely to pay more than level 3 programmes due to added responsibility and advanced skillset.
Level 4 apprenticeship examples programmes:
Equivalent to: Higher National Certificate or 1 year of university study
What is a Level 5 apprenticeship?
Level 5 apprenticeships are equivalent to a Higher National Diploma or a Foundation Level Degree, and provide a step up in terms of difficulty, responsibility and technical knowledge compared to level 4 programmes.
Level 5 apprenticeships attract those who want to continue their apprenticeship journey, having completed level 4, as well as business and employees who want to deepen their technical knowledge and advance in their career.
How much are level 5 apprentices paid?
Level 5 apprentices are entitled to the national minimum wage for apprentices, but are highly likely to be paid more than this due to their existing experience and skillset.
Level 5 apprenticeship example programmes:
Equivalent to: Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree level.
What is a Level 6 apprenticeship?
Level 6 programmes are degree apprenticeships, and are equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree. These courses are aimed at professional-level roles, and are suitable for those looking to solidify their expertise and develop their workplace responsibilities.
Level 6 apprenticeship example programmes
Equivalent to: Bachelor's Degree
What is a Level 7 apprenticeship?
Level 7 is the highest level on the apprenticeship framework. This qualification is equal to a master’s degree and is designed for professionals progressing into specialist, strategic or leadership roles.
Equivalent to: Master’s degree
What next after an apprenticeship?
Completing an apprenticeship is an incredible achievement and shows that you have a desire for continuous learning and for gaining professional experience. After completing your apprenticeship, there many options you can consider to continue your learning.
Popular options include:
Move into a higher-level apprenticeship
Depending on the level of apprenticeship completed, you may want to continue your journey up the apprenticeship ladder. Level 3 apprentices for example, may want to progress into higher-apprenticeships with the aim of earning a Degree or Master’s degree.
Professional training
Apprentices might also consider alternative qualifications, such as recognised certifications, diplomas or chartered accreditations. Earning a professional certification, such as PRINCE2 Project Management or the BCS Business Analysis Complete International Diploma can help you to learn new skills and progress further in your career.
Enter full‑time employment
A large proportion of apprentices gain permanent roles with their training employer, benefitting from full-time practical experience. Many employers offer in-role learning, through an LMS or self-paced platform.
Go to university
Although there are options to earn a Degree or Master’s through an apprenticeship, you can also decide to pivot towards full-time university study.
How apprenticeships work
One of our specialist Digital Learning Consultants, Thomas Eaves (TJ), shares what apprentices can expect from their training journey.
In this video, TJ breaks down how apprentices balance on‑the‑job experience with structured learning, and highlights the personalised support they’ll receive from their dedicated learning consultant every step of the way.
Hear from tech apprentices
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.
"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."
