Apprenticeship Standards
An Apprenticeship Standard outlines the knowledge, skills and capabilities that an apprentice needs to succeed in their chosen role.
In the UK, there are over 650 apprenticeship standards, all designed to offer relevant opportunities to apprentices and to represent the skills needs of businesses across the country.
What is an Apprenticeship Standard?
Apprenticeship standards are a clear framework for each individual apprenticeship programme. Standards outline the length of each apprenticeship programme, the level of funding available and the skills and competencies an apprentice must learn by the end of their training.
All Apprenticeship standards are designed by and for businesses, ensuring that they are fully aligned with the needs of a particular occupation. This gives both employers and learners a complete picture of what to expect from each programme.
What industries and roles do Apprenticeship Standards cover?
There are over 650 Apprenticeship standards in the UK, covering a broad variety of sectors and specialisms. Here are the key industries with an approved standard:
- Agriculture, environmental and animal care
- Business and administration
- Care services
- Catering and hospitality
- Construction and the built environment
- Creative and design
- Digital
- Education and early years
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Hair and beauty
- Health and science
- Legal, finance and accounting
- Protective services
- Sales, marketing and procurement
- Transport and logistics
A full list of all apprenticeship standards can be found on the UK government website.
What does an apprenticeship standard define?
Apprenticeship standards define the level, length and funding that is required for each apprenticeship programme.
The apprenticeship level defines the difficulty and experience of the standard, while the length of programme depends on what needs to be covered as part of the standard's framework.
Each standard is also allocated a funding part, which defines how much funding is available for businesses who choose to use their growth and skills levy.
What is an apprenticeship unit?
Apprenticeship units are a new standard, designed to allow learners to complete a segment of an apprenticeship programme, rather than the full curriculum.
Every apprenticeship unit is fully accredited and taken directly from approved national apprenticeship standards. They offer a shorter and more flexible alternative to full apprenticeship programmes.
Do apprenticeship standards expire?
Apprenticeship standards are regularly reviewed to ensure that they are aligned to current industry and skills needs. Some standards may evolve as roles change, while others may be retired as workplace skills gaps shift.
When were apprenticeship standards first introduced?
Apprenticeship standards were first introduced in the UK in 2017. This marked a major evolution of apprenticeship programmes in the UK, following a recommendation that training should be designed by and for businesses.
The introduction of apprenticeship standards helped to ensure that all apprenticeships were aligned to the needs of organisations, and provided skills that were relevant to the roles and industries they are needed for.
This also simplified the system for apprenticeship providers and provided all programmes with clear frameworks and requirements.
Which apprenticeship standards do QA cover?
QA Apprenticeships are aligned to a wide range of apprenticeship standards across digital and technology. These programmes have been built to match the roles that businesses need most. This includes areas where skills are highly in demand, such as AI, data, cloud computing and cyber security.
Here is a selection of the standards which QA apprenticeship training delivers on:
AI apprenticeships
AI apprenticeship standards are designed to build an AI ready workforce.
Cloud apprenticeships
Cloud apprenticeship standards help businesses to build teams capable of harnessing hybrid cloud platforms and IT infrastructure.
Cyber security apprenticeships
Cyber apprenticeship standards give organisations the skills they need to protect against the threats of the future.
Data Apprenticeships
Data apprenticeship standards give organisations the skills to master analytics, engineering and data governance.
Digital marketing Apprenticeships
Marketing apprenticeship standards equip learners with the skills they need to run successful campaigns and strengthen brand presence.
IT apprenticeships
IT apprenticeship standards support teams in ensuring systems run smoothly and securely.
Product Management Apprenticeships
Product management apprenticeships standards help to develop the visionaries of the future.
Project Management Apprenticeships
Project management apprenticeship standards help to elevate the skills of a businesses in-house project management capability.
Software Apprenticeships
Software apprenticeship standards enable faster innovation, automation and delivery of digital products.
- Junior Developer Level 3 (aligned to Software Development Technician standard)
- Software Engineer Level 4 (aligned to Software Developer standard)
Looking to use the Growth and Skills Levy to upskill your team? Get in touch with our experts
How apprenticeship standards 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."
