There are four different levels of apprenticeship:

• Intermediate – equivalent to five good GCSE passes.
• Advanced – equivalent to two A-level passes.
• Higher – equivalent to the first stages of higher education, such as a foundation degree.
• Degree – comparable to a Bachelors or Masters degree..

The length of your apprenticeship will depend on a number of factors, such as the level of the apprenticeship, your chosen sector, employer requirements and your individual ability.

That being said, apprenticeships will usually last between one and six years. Their length follows a basic framework:

• Intermediate apprenticeships typically last between one year and 18 months
• Advanced apprenticeships are usually studied over two years
• Higher and degree apprenticeships take three-to-six years to complete.

It’s worth checking directly with your chosen employer before applying to check how long your course will last, as some won’t follow this structure.

If you’re aged under 19 and an apprentice, or 19 or over and still in your first year as an apprentice, you’ll be entitled to the apprenticeship wage of £4.15 per hour. Apprentices aged 19 or over and who’ve completed their first year will be able to claim the National Minimum Wage (NMW). From April 2020, this has been set at £6.45 per hour (for those aged 18-20), £8.20 (21-24) and £8.72 (25 and above). For more information, see GOV.UK – Become an apprentice.

This pay rate is stated as a guideline – some employers pay you a higher wage. You’ll also be entitled to sick pay, any additional benefits your employer offers to its other employees, such as healthcare plans and childcare vouchers, and at least 20 days of paid holiday per year. Visit GOV.UK – Calculate holiday entitlement to work out your exact entitlement.

Working hours vary depending on your employer, as a full time employee you won’t be able to work more than 40 hours per week or any fewer than 30. Typically, you’ll work between 35 and 37.5 hours per week. The sector you’re entering will determine the nature of your daily working hours. While most apprentices can expect to work a 9am-5.30pm day with an hour’s break for lunch, those in hospitality or healthcare roles, for instance, should expect to work antisocial shifts.

There’s no upper age limit on being an apprentice. As long as you’re over 16 and have the right credentials, you’ll be eligible to apply for your chosen apprenticeship.

If you start your apprenticeship after you turn 19, you may be entitled to additional government funding. Find out more about what’s on offer at Student Finance England – Advanced Learner Loan.

As each type of apprenticeship offers a different-levelled qualification on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), their entry requirements will vary. Generally speaking, they are as follows:

• To apply for an intermediate apprenticeship, you’ll just need to be over 16 years old and no longer in full-time education.
• For an advanced apprenticeship, you’re likely to be asked for prior work experience and at least three 9-4 grade GCSEs or equivalent – such as an intermediate apprenticeship qualification.
• As higher apprenticeships are the equivalent of a foundation degree, HNC or first year of a Bachelors, you’ll usually need at least five 9-4 grade GCSEs, as well as some Level 3 qualifications in relevant subjects, to apply. Your Level 3 qualifications could be AS-levels, a BTEC National or a Level 3 NVQ.
• Degree apprenticeships will have the tightest entry requirements. These may include three A-levels in a specified grade range or a higher apprenticeship qualification, on top of at least five 9-4 GCSE grades. It’s also likely you’ll be required to have prior work experience.

You can apply for apprenticeships at any time of year – whether you’re successful depends on if an employer has a vacancy. You’ll be able to check the specific entry requirements of your chosen apprenticeship once the position opens.