How Apprenticeships Work

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

Sometimes it can be difficult to decide whether it is best to take the time out to study and gain a qualification, or go into employment. It is always good to gain more qualifications but learning in the workplace and earning some money can seem more tempting.

Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to do both these things by offering on the job training alongside study so apprentices can gain a qualification and practical experience. Employers provide a structured programme to help the apprentice develop their skills as they work.

Qualifications

Apprentices will work towards an vocational qualifications at level 2 or 3 in a subject that is relevant to their employment. This will consist of time in the classroom as well as coursework, which the apprentice will have to manage alongside their employment.

They will also be encouraged to work on their key skills such as communication and working well in a team. The time to do this study will be negotiated with the employer but will usually consist of day release to a local college.

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On the Job Training

The most appealing part of doing an apprenticeship is often the chance to get practical on the job training. It can be easier to learn about an industry and career path by getting stuck in rather than just studying it. The on the job training allows apprentices to put everything they are learning into practice and apply their knowledge to real life examples. Employers will create a structured training programme so that both parties can make the most of the apprenticeship.

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

Becoming an Apprentice

There are a number of ways for someone to become an apprentice. A company may already have a scheme in place which candidates can apply for. Alternatively somebody looking for an apprenticeship may approach an employer about the possibility of creating a placement.

There are hundreds of different apprenticeships available so employers can find one that suits their business needs the best and candidates can match their skills and interests to the most suitable sort.

Practicalities

Apprentices are paid for their work in the same way that normal employee would be and are entitled to the apprentice minimum wage. Wages will vary depending on the role and company and apprentices will have to pay tax on what they earn.

Some funding may be available though for travel and childcare costs. Apprentices are also entitled to at least 20 days holiday each year the same as other employees. They may also need extra time off for study leave but this will be negotiated directly with the employer.

Apprenticeships are a great way to combine study with on the job training and provide a lot of benefits for both the apprentice and the employer. They provide the apprentice with a qualification as well as hands on experience in which they can apply their skills.

Employers benefit from having an enthusiastic employee who can provide new skills to the company. The are hundreds of different apprenticeships available and candidates and employers can work together to find one that suits their needs best.

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 →

35 questions

Ask An Apprenticeship a Question

Maldives 30/09/2020 at 3:10 pm

My son is on an apprenticeship aged 17. They are saying he has to buy his own tools and pay his own travel costs to the training centre 2 hours away from his work place
Is this correct please.

Amber 26/03/2018 at 3:49 pm

Hi my name is ambrine and I'm 30 years old and I whated to do appership in childcare but a level two and I'm just scared I do and and can't do the rest because it might be a hard WhT do I do plz

hopeful 09/03/2018 at 5:26 pm

Hello if i undertake an apprenticeship can i claim benefit i wont have any other income.

AnApprenticeship Editor 20/07/2017 at 12:54 pm

Please see NHS link here for further information.

charlie 19/07/2017 at 1:45 pm

Hi my daughter 18 has just started an apprenticeship and is on £3 an hour ,does she qualify to get free dental treatment and prescriptions ? or any tax credit.

Ali Editor 05/04/2017 at 11:56 am

@MrsStott16 - you probably wouldn't be entilted to anything other than the apprentice wage. After your first year though, as you're over 19 your wage would go up to the minimum wage for your age.

MrsStott16 04/04/2017 at 3:50 pm

I am 29 years old with 2 children under the age of 16. I have recently been contacted in relation to an apprenticeship that I applied for in business administration. I am currently in a well paid job but wanting to learn skills in a new field and gain a successful career path. My husband works full time also. I am aware that an apprenticeship wage is quite low and I am worried about the massive shortage in income that will result in me accepting this apprenticeship. We only claim child benefit and child tax credits as we are not entitled to anything else at the moment, can you advise in any help we may get with income etc as I have no idea where to look or who to ask.

Ess 11/02/2017 at 2:10 am

Say i apply for a foundation apprenticeship as a car dealer, would i then be able to apply to other foundationn apprenticeships in other fields or intermediate level apprenticeships in other industries? Also of i do 1 foundation apprenticeship this yr can i do a different one next yr?

AnApprenticeship Editor 26/01/2017 at 11:39 am

Have you looked via the gov.uk site here? At your age and with your studying experience, you should not be able to find it too difficult to find apprentice work. However, much depends upon your chosen field (which you don't mention).

hols 25/01/2017 at 1:19 pm

I am 23 and have attended uni but never got a degree instead i was awarded a level 4 certificate however i am finding it difficult to get an apprenticeship and with no work experience have no working back ground would be grateful for any advice in moving on in the job sector

Lauren 18/01/2017 at 10:35 pm

I am 19 and am doing an apprenticeship in a Nursery. I am working 42 hours a week. I am often free as I'm not always needed. I ask my employer if I can do my coursework as I'm free and they don't need me (after they've asked me if I want to go home) and they either say "yes but will won't pay you" or "if you aren't going to go home we will send someone else."

I just feel frustrated because they've employed me as an apprentice and know that I'm training. So surely they should allow me to do my coursework, if I'm free and not needed, without deducting hours from me.

Please help me as I really don't think this is fair but I also don't know what they should or shouldn't be doing.

Lauren

Nelly 13/01/2017 at 7:51 pm

How much holiday am I entitled to I am 21 yrs of age and doing a apprenticeship course I have completed my first year? Also I feel as I don't get enough time to do my course work,I work all week n be given a variety of tasks through out the day I work 9 hours a week my course tutor see's me once a month work does not provide me enough time to do my course work given from tutor my manager had even suggested you can cut half an hour from your break and and catch up on course work. Please advice as I am very unhappy with my apprenticeship but I am holding on as I have spent a year of my hard work in the place n do not want to give up.

Micky 11/01/2017 at 10:12 pm

Should my daughter be expected to work a 40 hour week as well as course work and staff training in top?

AnApprenticeship Editor 31/10/2016 at 3:04 pm

Yes, you should be on NMW after the first year if you are over age 19. You can either take this up with your employer directly and/or give ACAS a call in order to explore your options.

appremtice 31/10/2016 at 8:55 am

I am an apprentice and started aged 21 and have been on apprentiship wages for more than a year. Should it have gone up to NMW as soon as I finished my first year and if so what should I do as surely I'm owed money. Thank you

AnApprenticeship Editor 29/06/2016 at 11:43 am

I'm afraid you would have to seek advice from your learning provider regarding this as apprentice funding rules change over the age of 24. If you have not found an apprenticeship yet, I suggest you can the National Apprenticeship helpline for this advice

Sulli 28/06/2016 at 11:15 am

I am 29 and am about to start apprenticeship of childcare level 2 ....Yes the question you guys might be thinking is why now at this age as i was in my youth i didnt carry on studying now all of a sudden i decided to take this up ........my question is how much will i get paid can anyone help me ......

AnApprenticeship Editor 10/03/2016 at 11:54 am

I'm afraid you cannot claim travel expenses back. However, you may be able to get extra help in this and other areas, please see gov.uk which

hols12321 09/03/2016 at 12:23 pm

Hi im 19 years old in my second year as an apprentice i get just over the minimum wagefor a 19 year old and i pay £50 a month in travel expenses i just wondered if i coul dclaim this back?

AnApprenticeship Editor 21/10/2015 at 2:25 pm

You would need to contact your apprenticeship provider, speak directly with your employer, or look in the terms and conditions of your contract. The fact you have remained with the same company shouldn't make a difference to your employment term, unless your contract was renewed or changed. Should you need any further assistance ACAS should be able to answer your question directly

Malia 20/10/2015 at 5:12 pm

Hi there,

I am on my second year of an apprenticeship in the same company but used a different apprenticeship company for my second year. How much am I entitled to? I am still getting the minimum apprenticeship wage. Should I not be getting national minimum wage now as I am in my second year and 18 years of age?

AnApprenticeship Editor 09/10/2015 at 10:38 am

Congratulations on your being awarded the job. I'm sure your employer will be supportive of you doing extra training. However, it will really be up to you to negotiate whether you should continue on another apprenticeship scheme with the company, if it consents. If you accept the full-time job, you may have to do your training in your personal time, outside working hours.

AmyRae 08/10/2015 at 10:32 am

I am 18 and am half way through my Business Administration L2 Qualification. My employer has told me they are happy to offer me a full time job in the area i am already working in once my appreticeship contract ends. I am happy to do this, however I am starting to consider furthering my qualification into a level 3 then a 4. Can i do this? Will i still be an apprentice if I complete L3/L4? Can i have a full time job and still work towards a further qualification? How do I do this?

matty Editor 21/08/2015 at 12:06 pm

If you are earning then you would tick the employment box.

Shell 20/08/2015 at 11:27 am

I've just started an apprenticeship and need a bank account, on the form it asks weather I'm in employment or a student, I'm not sure which one to tick. Any suggestions please?

cncapprentice 20/07/2015 at 3:23 pm

Hi, I finished a 4 year advanced apprenticeship in June 2014 and although I was kept on as an employee for the company I was never given a new contract. The company paid for an additional years training which just ended in June 2015 but now I am thinking of leaving. My old contract says that I will have to pay the company back for this training, however because this is an out of date contract I am wondering if I am within my rights to claim that I do not currently have a contract and therefore can't be held to any terms within the old one. Is this correct?

Charlotte 17/07/2015 at 5:23 am

I work for a charity which helps people get back into work. I have an industrial glass cutter whose industry collapsed and is now unemployed. I may have an apprenticeship for him, but it only pays about £3 per hour. As an adult, will he qualify to get his housing paid and top up the income, as he wont be able to live off this sum?

kay 14/07/2015 at 1:12 am

My daughter 18 and has just completed her nvq2 in health and social care her work place where she has completed her apprenticeship is still paying her a apprenticeship wage are they allowed to get away with this?and if so how long?

granma 24/06/2015 at 8:20 pm

My grandaughter is a apprentice with a hairdresser,plus college one day week ,she spends most of her time just cleaning shelves and sweeping floors in the hairdressers as he will not allow his junior stylist to do anything only wash hair or bring their own customers in ,he charges £30 for models for colour and cut,yet his own workers advertize same for £10,how can his college apprentice learn if he will not allow them too,he also gets them to travel a long distance to cover his own salon and reinburses end of month,she has to constantly borrow from us as her Mum is a single parent ,who cannot claim a benefit for her daughter because of the her daughter wanting to be a hairdresser,she is already a stylist passed and is doing her grade 3.

AnApprenticeship Editor 15/04/2015 at 11:00 am

@jay - I suggest in this instance you email them by return and ask directly for that information.

jay 12/04/2015 at 12:35 pm

hi there, I have an interview for a modern apprenticeship in childcare in a weeks time I just had a question they said to me in the email that the interview will be for a place subject to successful securement of a placement, does this mean I have to find the placement myself or will they help me find one?

AnApprenticeship Editor 03/12/2014 at 10:46 am

@Michelle - I think this is something that you should probably give Acas a call with, as you will be able to explain the situation to them more clearly. You can call its free confidential helpline on 0300 123 1100.

Michelle 01/12/2014 at 5:25 pm

hi my daughter got an apprentice, had a week training in a college after that was told to go home and they would let her know when they have any suitable jobs for her, and she didn't get any money is that correct, yet it was advertised as a job when she applied, it is almost like they are an agency and they are getting the money, it just doesn't seem fair.

rab 29/10/2014 at 8:27 pm

hi i am about to start an apprenticeship and have to pay metro fares to my placement and was wondering if i can possibly get assistance with travel costs from anywhere as i have to pay other things like rent council tax and other household bills from my apprenticeship wages
any advice on this mater would be much appreciated
thank you

Katiejayne 23/10/2014 at 3:49 pm

Hi my name is Katie I'm a apprentice at a hair dressers I have been for a while. I was just wondering apart from my wage what else am I intitled to due to me traveling quite a far distance & paying it out of my pay which then leaving me with nothing. Could you tell me what I could be intitled to anything that could be useful to me extra income or bus pass?

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