Career change through apprenticeships

Changing careers can feel like a daunting step, especially if you're concerned about gaining new qualifications, building experience in a different industry or taking a break from earning. Apprenticeships can provide a practical route into a new career, allowing you to develop relevant skills, gain recognised qualifications and earn a salary while you learn.

Can you change careers through an apprenticeship?

Yes. Apprenticeships are available to people of all ages and are increasingly being used by adults looking to retrain or move into a new profession.

Many people assume apprenticeships are only for school leavers, but this is a common misconception. In England, apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 or over, and there is no upper age limit. Government data shows under 19s only account for 20.6% of apprenticeship starts.  

For career changers, apprenticeships offer a structured pathway into a new industry without requiring a return to full time education.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship combines paid employment with structured training. You'll work for an employer while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a specific occupation.

Alongside your day to day role, you'll complete training delivered by a learning provider and work towards a recognised qualification or apprenticeship standard.

Depending on the apprenticeship, programmes can take anywhere from several months to a number of years to complete.

Can existing employees do an apprenticeship?

Yes. Apprenticeships are not only for new starters. Many employers use apprenticeships to help existing employees develop new skills, move into different roles or progress into more senior positions.

This can be particularly useful if you are already employed and looking to transition into a different area of your organisation.

Why apprenticeships are a good option for career change

• Earn while you learn: One of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship is that you continue earning while gaining new skills and qualifications. This can make career changes more accessible than returning to full time study.
• Gain practical experience in a new industry: Many career changers face the challenge of lacking relevant experience. Apprenticeships solve this problem by providing hands on, real world experience from day one.
• Build industry connections: Working alongside experienced professionals allows you to develop valuable networks, gain mentorship and learn directly from people already working in your chosen field.
• Gain recognised qualifications: Apprenticeships lead to nationally recognised qualifications that can strengthen your CV and improve your career prospects.
• Learn skills employers need: Because apprenticeship standards are developed with employer input, the skills you learn are directly aligned with industry needs.

Which apprenticeship level is right for a career changer?

The best apprenticeship level depends on your existing qualifications, professional experience and how much knowledge you already have in your target field.

A common misconception is that career changers need to start at the lowest apprenticeship level. In reality, many adults already have valuable workplace experience and transferable skills that may allow them to begin at a higher level.

How do I know which level is right for me?

Think about your experience, not just your qualifications.

For example, someone with no experience in data, technology or analytics who wants to become a data analyst may be best suited to a Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship, even if they already have a university degree in an unrelated subject.

Someone who already works with data, reporting or analytics may be able to start at a Level 6 degree apprenticeship, depending on the programme's entry requirements and employer expectations.

A Level 7 apprenticeship is often most suitable for people who already have significant experience in their chosen field and want to develop advanced or specialist expertise. It is not usually the starting point for someone making a complete career change.

Remember: your existing experience matters

Career changers often bring valuable transferable skills from previous roles, including:

• Communication and stakeholder management
• Project coordination
• Leadership and team management
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Customer and client relationship management
• Data analysis and reporting

Employers and training providers will consider these skills alongside your qualifications when deciding which apprenticeship level is most appropriate. This means many career changers can start at a higher level than they initially expect, helping them build on their existing experience while developing the new skills needed for their chosen career.

Best industries for career changers through apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of sectors, but some industries are particularly well suited to career changers because of strong demand for skilled professionals.

AI
Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities across every industry. AI apprenticeships can help learners build skills in machine learning, automation, prompt engineering and AI technologies, supporting organisations as they adopt and integrate AI into their operations.

Data
Data apprenticeships help learners develop skills in data analysis, visualisation and business intelligence. As organisations become more data driven, there is growing demand for professionals who can turn data into actionable insights and support decision making across the business.

Technology and software development
Technology apprenticeships can help learners develop skills in coding, cloud technologies and software engineering.

Cyber security
As cyber threats continue to grow, employers need skilled professionals who can help protect systems, networks and information.

Project management
Project management apprenticeships develop planning, stakeholder management and delivery skills that are highly transferable across industries.

AI Leaders
AI leader apprenticeships units can help experienced professionals develop the skills needed to lead AI adoption and drive innovation within their organisations. These programmes are designed for current and aspiring leaders who want to strengthen their understanding of AI strategy, governance, change management and responsible implementation, while preparing for senior leadership or transformation-focused roles.

How to switch careers through an apprenticeship

1. Discuss your career goals
If you're interested in moving into a new role, start by discussing your aspirations with your manager or learning and development team. Explain the skills you'd like to develop and how they could support both your career progression and the organisation's objectives.

Many employers view apprenticeships as a workforce development tool and may already have apprenticeship programmes in place.

2. Identify skills gaps
Consider the knowledge and skills required for your target role. This will help determine which apprenticeship programme is most appropriate.

3. Create a development plan
Work with your employer and training provider to understand how the apprenticeship will support your transition. This may include new responsibilities, project work, mentoring opportunities and structured learning activities that help you build experience in your chosen area.

4. Apply your learning in the workplace
One of the biggest benefits of completing an apprenticeship with your current employer is the ability to put new skills into practice immediately. You'll develop practical experience while continuing to contribute to the organisation, helping you build confidence and demonstrate your capabilities in a real working environment.

If you're looking to change employers or move into a completely different sector, explore apprenticeship vacancies to find programmes aligned with your career goals, whether that's in technology, data, cyber security, project management, software development or another growing profession.

Ready for a career change?

 Changing careers can feel like a big step, but apprenticeships can make the transition more achievable by allowing you to develop new skills, gain recognised qualifications and build practical experience while continuing to earn.

Contact our team to discuss your goals and explore the options available.