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Apprenticeship FAQs

Plain-English answers to the questions UK young people, parents and career-changers most ask about apprenticeships.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid job where you train and study at the same time. You earn a real wage from day one, gain a nationally recognised qualification, and get on-the-job experience, typically over 1 to 4 years depending on the level.

How do apprenticeships work?

You're employed full-time by an employer and spend at least 20% of your time training, usually one day a week at a college, training provider or online. You're paid for both the work and the training. At the end you have a qualification, real experience and (very often) a permanent job offer.

How do I find apprenticeships near me?

Sign up to Shine for free, tell us your postcode and how far you'll travel, and we match you to live UK apprenticeships in your area, across engineering, construction, manufacturing, digital, healthcare, business and more. Updated daily.

How do I apply for an apprenticeship?

1) Pick a sector that fits your strengths (Shine's free quiz helps). 2) Filter live vacancies by location and level. 3) Apply directly through Shine, most employers reply within 2 weeks. You don't need a CV first; we'll help you build one from the quiz results.

How do I get an apprenticeship with no experience?

Most Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships are designed for people with no work experience, that's the whole point. Employers care more about attitude, reliability and interest in the sector than a CV. Shine matches you on strengths, so you'll see roles where you have a realistic shot.

What is an apprenticeship wage?

From 1 April 2026 the UK apprentice minimum wage is £8.00 an hour for apprentices under 19, or anyone in the first year of their apprenticeship. After year one, apprentices aged 19 to 20 move to £10.85 and those 21 and over to £12.71. Many employers, especially in engineering, finance and digital, pay significantly more. Full guide: how much apprentices get paid

What is a Level 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 apprenticeship equivalent to?

Level 2 (Intermediate) = GCSE grades 4–9. Level 3 (Advanced) = A levels. Level 4 & 5 (Higher) = foundation degree / HNC / HND. Level 6 & 7 (Degree apprenticeship) = bachelor's or master's degree. You can start at any level if you meet the entry requirements.

Do I need GCSEs to start an apprenticeship?

Most Level 2 apprenticeships ask for some GCSEs (often maths and English at grade 3+), but many employers will accept you on your strengths and motivation, and let you complete English/maths during the apprenticeship. Higher and degree apprenticeships usually need A levels or equivalent.

Can you do an apprenticeship if you already have a degree?

Yes. You can do an apprenticeship at any age and at any level, including if you already have a degree, as long as the apprenticeship teaches substantially new skills. Career changers often use Level 4–6 apprenticeships to retrain into engineering, construction, digital or skilled trades.

Is an apprenticeship classed as full-time education?

An apprenticeship is full-time paid employment with structured training, not full-time education. For under-18s it counts as meeting the legal duty to be in education, employment or training until age 18. Child Benefit usually stops once a young person starts an apprenticeship.

What's the difference between an apprenticeship and university?

University: you pay tuition fees, study full-time, get a degree. Apprenticeship: an employer pays you a wage AND pays for your training, you finish debt-free with real experience and (for degree apprenticeships) the same qualification. Both are valid routes; the right one depends on the career you're aiming at.

What apprenticeships are there in engineering, construction and manufacturing?

Shine specialises in skills-short UK sectors. Common roles include: mechanical, electrical, civil and software engineering apprenticeships; bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, electrical and site management apprenticeships in construction; CNC, maintenance, quality, welding and production apprenticeships in manufacturing.

Is a T Level or an apprenticeship better?

They are built on the same employer-designed standards but work differently. An apprenticeship is roughly 80% on the job and 20% classroom, and you are employed and paid from day one. A T Level is roughly 80% classroom and 20% industry placement, and you are a student. Choose an apprenticeship if you want to earn now; choose a T Level if you want two more years of study with real workplace time built in — many T Level students go on to a higher or degree apprenticeship afterwards.