Take the road less travelled
It’s time to make a change. Find a career path that works for you and not the other way round.
Don’t follow the route everyone expects - now it’s your turn to take control. It’s never too late to hit the brakes and seek a new career path. Find yourself where you want to be, with training, experience and support to get your foot in the door with big names like Amazon, Burberry, Sky, Vodafone, Fujitsu, HSBC or Barclays.
Apply for one of the following QA apprenticeship programmes today:
30,000+
careers launched or transformedOver 90%
of QA apprentices end up in a permanent roleAward-winning
learning system, Digital by DesignStart dates
all year roundGet to know our apprentices
Get to know our apprentices better — join us as we sit down with the people changing track and taking control of their careers.
Danielle Antwi
IT Technician apprenticeship with The Elms Academy.
Mohammad Nessor
Data Analytics apprenticeship with the NHS.
Lucy Hanman
Digital & Technology Solutions degree apprentice with AtkinsRealis.
Find out more about apprenticeships
Learn more about how QA apprenticeships work and the opportunities available using the tabs below.
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What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job that involves studying and on-the-job training. Designed to give you work-ready skills and a nationally recognised qualification, it’s a great opportunity to learn while you earn. Plus, if a degree is your end goal, that’s perfectly achievable – your degree will be debt-free, with all costs covered between us and your employer.
Find out more with our brochures:
02
Find an apprenticeship
03
Are you a parent, carer or teacher?
Download our brochures to learn more about QA Apprenticeships.
Brochures
Download the Parent Brochure (England)Download the Parent Brochure (Scotland)
Submit your details on the link below to kickstart your journey to a successful apprenticeship
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for an apprenticeship?
- Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 or over. There is no upper age limit.
- You must be eligible to live and work in the UK and have lived in the UK for 3 years.
- You should not already have a qualification in a similar subject at the same level, or a higher level than the apprenticeship you are applying for.
How much do I get paid as an apprentice?
Apprenticeships pay at the very least the national minimum wage (£5.28 per hour for 16–17-year-olds and £7.49 per hour for 18–20-year-olds from April 2023). However, QA’s apprenticeship vacancies pay on average between £15,000 - £18,000, with some starting as high as £25,000 per annum, and are often increased after the first year of training.
How long do apprenticeships last?
Apprenticeships must last at least one year, but can last up to five, depending on the level of apprenticeship you choose. Most apprenticeships offered by QA last between one and two years.
Do I need to be good at technical subjects like maths and science and computer studies to consider a career in technology?
No, most employers are looking for a passion for tech, and a willingness to learn. And the even better news is that there is no one type of tech person. In fact, it is an increasingly diverse, vibrant, and in-demand sector.
How many hours a week will I work as an apprentice?
As an apprentice, you will work at least 30 hours per week with your employer and undertake part-time study.
How much time do I get to study?
Apprentices must spend 20% of their working time studying for their qualification. How this is structured is up to the employer, the apprentice, and the training provider to work out. The two common options are:
- Four days working and one day of study per week
- Block release: You study for one or two weeks at a time and then work for one or two weeks at a time
For apprentices in Scotland, we suggest that all learners are given a minimum of 2 hours per week to work on their apprenticeship portfolio. As well as this, the learner will likely attend some training courses throughout their apprenticeship programme to complement their job role and support their learning.
Do I get sick pay and holiday pay?
Yes. An apprenticeship is just another route into work and all apprentices are entitled to the same benefits as permanent employees – a salary, annual leave, and sick pay.
Is there a guaranteed job at the end of an apprenticeship?
An employer does not have to offer you permanent employment once the apprenticeship ends. However over 90% of apprentices at QA end up with a permanent role, and of course a nationally recognised qualification.
Who chooses which training provider I study with?
Your employer will have a specific training provider that they are partnered with to deliver the apprenticeship. QA is the #1 Training Provider for tech and digital apprenticeships in the UK.
Can I move from one employer to another but continue with my apprenticeship?
Yes. You can change jobs and continue the same apprenticeship. You won't have to start your studies all over again. However, your new employer must be providing apprenticeships already and your training provider must agree that the new employer is suitable.
When do apprenticeships start?
QA apprenticeships start throughout the year. Check out our live vacancies any time at https://www.qa.com/apprenticeships/apprenticeship-jobs/.