Apprentices' Frequently Asked Questions

Originally written by Emma Jones, updated by the editorial team on 4th April 2026

If you are considering an apprenticeship then it is natural that you will have a lot of questions about doing one. Here are a few FAQs to help you along the way.

What Is An apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship combines a job with structured training and working towards a national qualification. It is recognised by employers across the country and is an alternative choice to further education or just entering employment.

Who Can Do An Apprenticeship?

Anyone who is over the age of sixteen and not in full time education can apply to do an apprenticeship. There are no formal qualifications needed to do an apprenticeship so certain sectors may ask for GCSEs (A-C) in English, Maths and Science.

Will I Get Paid To Do It?

One of the great things about doing an apprenticeship is that you will get paid to do it. As at October 2016 the minimum wage for apprentices under the age of 19 or over 19 but in their first year of apprenticeship is £3.70 per hour (2018). Apprenticies aged 19 or over who have completed one year of their apprenticeship are entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage applicable to their age. You are counted as a regular employee so get all the benefits such as holiday and sick leave as well.

What Qualification Will I Earn?

During your apprenticeship you will work towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). This is a well recognised qualification that will help you in your career. You may also have the chance to work on professional qualifications such as City and Guilds.

Apprenticeship Eligibility Checker

Tell us about your situation and find out which UK apprenticeships you qualify for and how to apply.

Try our Apprenticeship Eligibility Checker free, here on this site →

Are There Different Levels Of Apprenticeship?

There are two different levels of apprenticeship. During an apprenticeship you will work towards an NVQ2 which is equivalent to 5 good GSCEs. Or you can work towards an NVQ3 on an advanced apprenticeship which is equivalent to 2 A level passes.

What Can I Do An Apprenticeship In?

There are over 180 apprenticeships available across 80 different sectors so there is a lot to choose from. Some popular areas are construction, manufacturing and business administration.

How Long Does An Apprenticeship Take?

There is no set time for completing an apprenticeship. It depends on each individual, their progress and how quickly they complete the training. An average time for an apprenticeship though is about two or three years.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Where Can I Find Out About Vacancies?

There are a number of different ways to find out about vacancies. Visit your local jobcentre, keep an eye on job adverts or call the apprenticeship helpline on 08000 150 600

How Do I Apply?

Applying for an apprenticeship is like applying for a job so you will have to got through an application process. This will usually involve a written application and then an interview where you will have to impress your employer.

What Do I Do When I’ve Finished?

It is up to you what you do when you have finished your apprenticeship. There may be an opportunity to stay on at the same company or you may want to look for a new job. Alternatively, you may decide that you would like to gain more qualification by staying on at college or applying for university.

By making sure you have all the information you need, you can make an informed decision about whether an apprenticeship is the right path for you.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Apprenticeship Eligibility Checker lets you tell us about your situation and find out which UK apprenticeships you qualify for and how to apply. Try it now →

Showing 20 of 147 questions

Ask An Apprenticeship a Question

AnApprenticeship Editor 31/05/2026 at 7:12 pm

@Desirae Miller Yes, employers should contact every applicant either way, though some are quicker than others. If June is the date they've given, chase them politely a week or two after if you've heard nothing. Once you're offered a place, you'll usually get a formal offer letter, then an enrolment session with the training provider to sort paperwork, your contract, and your start date. They'll also confirm your working hours, pay, and which day is your off-the-job study day. Worth having your ID, NI number, and qualifications ready to speed things along.

Desirae Miller 31/05/2026 at 7:12 pm

Will someone let you know whether you’ve been selected or not for the apprenticeship. I know they still need some time. They won’t let us know until like June but I was just wondering the steps after that.

AnApprenticeship Editor 22/05/2026 at 9:17 am

@jayforbes Yes, you can absolutely take them on as an apprentice for the practical side. Have a word with a training provider about a Barbering Level 2 apprenticeship, as the on-the-job hours and assessments can be tailored around what they've already covered at college. They may even be able to skip straight to the end-point assessment once competent on the shop floor. Worth checking with the awarding body too, as prior learning recognition varies a bit between providers.

jayforbes 10/01/2024 at 12:59 pm

Can I take on an Apprentice Barber if they have gained NVQs at college but need shop floor practical training

iz 18/09/2023 at 3:35 pm

i was employed in september and i was 18 years old being paid apprentice wage but i didn’t start my apprenticeship till january, and now it’s been a year i’ve been there so should my pay go up to minimum wage.

Cezza 20/03/2023 at 7:10 am

I have completed my level 2 in early years I have started my level 3 am I still an apprentice or am I now qualified but training to do my level 3? As my employer says I'm still an apprentice and will not pay me more .

India 07/04/2021 at 9:18 pm

If I complete a level 2 apprenticeshipand then go on to do level 3 with the same employer does this count as a first year apprenticeship again? I’m asking because I am 19 and now getting the minimum wage but have been told when I start level 3 my wage will go back down to the apprenticeship wage, is this correct?

Sjg78 22/10/2020 at 5:22 pm

Hi I currently undertaking your Teaching Assistant: Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Certificate (RQF) Level 3 online paid for by myself ,at my placement there maybe a window of opportunity to do an apprenticeship,can I transfer my current course over as the training provider.

Cwright17 06/08/2020 at 4:04 pm

Hi, I'm looking to start a level 3 apprenticeship, and I am over 25 years old. Because it's a level 3, and the course is 18 months, will I get my standard min wage all the way through, or will I be getting the apprenticeship min wage for 12 months, then my standard min wage?

hehe x 29/06/2020 at 6:46 pm

If I complete a level 2 apprenticeshipand then go on to do level 3 with the same employer does this count as a first year apprenticeship again? I’m asking because I am 20 and now getting the minimum wage but have been told when I start level 3 my wage will go back down to the apprenticeship wage, is this correct?

Shaz 02/02/2020 at 3:18 am

If I complete a level 2 apprenticeship and then go on to do level 3 with the same employer does this count as a first year apprenticeship again? I’m asking because I am 19 and now getting the minimum wage but have been told when I start level 3 my wage will go back down to the apprenticeship wage, is this correct?

ahmad 30/10/2019 at 12:19 pm

I am currently at blackburn college doing carpentry and joinery level.next year i am planning doing apprenticeship for carpentry and joinery. However, i am doing GCSE english and functional skills maths. I want to know if i can still do apprenticeship for my course if i haven't yet passed both or just one of them by next year. Thank you.

Dija 21/09/2019 at 9:15 am

Hiya,

I started a apprenticeship in early years child care level 3.
My employers were not very understanding and I went through alot at the last stages of my apprenticeship I had 8 weeks left.

I suffered trauma from an incident that took place at home and on top my employers knew I went through alot however were not understanding at all.

I left my employer and had to look for another place to start work with a break in learning.

However I'm still not able to find a job, I dont know what to do I need this qualification.

The training provider haven't said much and I just feel like I wont be able to get my early years qualification.

Will I be able to take early years apprenticeship again?

Either privately or government funded?

Staffy 26/07/2019 at 2:06 pm

Hi. I’ve paid for and completed my level 2&3 electrical installations course myself and working for a small company on a trainee rate the past 8 months. Now I have completed level 3 am I still classed as a trainee or am I entitled to minimum wage even though I’ve not worked for the company for 12 months? Thank you

Josh 30/06/2019 at 8:35 pm

My apprenticeship is 15 months and I am 20 years old. When I reach the 12 month period, do I have to be paid the minimum wage for my age even if it is only for the remaining 3 months?

Pandabear 28/06/2019 at 5:35 pm

I’ve been doing apprenticeship childcare le2 then in 6 months time after I finished, will I be able to get pay rise (minimum wages) as Im 28 years old ??in the condition that if I will do apprenticeship at a different employer and it wont be childcare?

Leah 24/06/2019 at 8:41 pm

Hi, I am currently doing an NVQ L3 Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship, I am supposed to finish it in October but so far I've only done 35 percent of the course, so I doubt I'm going to finish it before or on time. I was accepted to do an apprenticeship in September as a Clinical Assistant with the NHS, will this be transferable or not, and if not will I still be able to do the apprenticeship with the NHS.

Thank you

jhoops 20/06/2019 at 10:33 am

I was on a level 3 childcare apprenticeship in 2016 but due to unfortunate circumstances i was unable to complete it. Am i able to apply for another level 3 apprenticeship again?

gunnii 16/04/2019 at 12:13 am

i wanted to start an apprenticeship in june and im living in worcester but may be moving to another city towards the end of the year. so is it possible to get a transfer?
thank you

Leah 07/04/2019 at 9:04 pm

I am currently 8 months into a level 3 childcare course but want to change to an apprenticeship, will I have to start from the beginning in an apprenticeship or can I carry on from my level 3?

Show All 147 Questions

Ask An Apprenticeship a question

Ask our editorial team a question and we will reply with our advice. Tell us as much about your situation as you can: the more detail you give, the more useful our answer can be.

You do not need to use your real name. Please do not include your full address, phone number, email address, or the names of other people. We may edit or remove identifying details for privacy and legal reasons.

Comments are moderated before publication.

Apprenticeship Eligibility Checker Tool

Apprentice Wage Calculator Tool

Apprenticeships: Parents' Frequently Asked Questions

Apprentice Employers' Frequently Asked Questions