What apprenticeships are available in London?

London has the deepest mix of apprenticeships: finance and banking, professional services, tech and software, cyber, engineering, construction and the built environment, media and creative, hospitality, healthcare and the public sector (TfL, NHS, Civil Service, GLA). Levels 2 through 7 (degree and master's).

How much do London apprentices earn?

London apprentices typically earn more than the UK average. Level 3 roles commonly start at £18,000–£24,000; Level 6 and 7 (degree) apprenticeships at large London employers, Big 4, investment banks, tech firms, TfL, Network Rail, often pay £25,000–£40,000+ in year one.

Do London apprenticeships pay enough to live in London?

Many do, especially Level 4+ and degree apprenticeships at large employers. Most apprentices in Greater London live at home or share, and benefit from discounted travel, under-25 apprentices can get a 30% off Apprentice Oyster photocard.

Which London employers run the biggest apprenticeship schemes?

PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, BT, IBM, Microsoft, Google, the Civil Service, TfL, Network Rail, the NHS, the GLA, Skanska, Balfour Beatty, Mace, Sky and the BBC all run large London apprenticeship programmes.

Can I do an apprenticeship in London if I don't already live there?

Yes, many London apprenticeships are open to applicants from anywhere in the UK. You will need a plan for travel or accommodation, but commuting from Greater London, the home counties or moving for the role is common.

When do London apprenticeship schemes open?

The Big 4, investment banks and big tech firms open applications between September and January for the following autumn, some close within weeks, so apply early. TfL, Network Rail, the NHS and the Civil Service advertise year-round. Construction schemes typically recruit in spring and summer for September starts.

How competitive are London apprenticeships?

Popular schemes at banks, the Big 4 and big tech can attract hundreds of applicants per place, so treat them like graduate applications: apply to several employers, tailor each application, and prepare for online tests and assessment days. Less-advertised schemes with SMEs, the NHS and local councils are far less competitive.

London Apprenticeships 2026: Live Paid Roles, No Degree Needed

How do you find an apprenticeship in London?

London apprenticeships span construction, engineering, digital, finance, health and public sector employers, from Level 2 to degree level. Search live vacancies by borough and travel time rather than by postcode alone, since most Londoners commute by tube or rail. Shine filters roles by how far you're willing to travel.

Last reviewed 3 September 2026 by the Shine careers team.

London apprenticeship sectors

Finance & professional services

Big 4, investment banks, accountancy, law and consulting, Level 4 to degree.

Tech & software

Software, cloud, cyber, data and AI roles across London tech and big employers.

Public sector & TfL

TfL, Network Rail, NHS, Civil Service, GLA, strong pay and structured training.

Engineering & construction

Built environment, civil and rail engineering across Crossrail, HS2 and new builds.

Media & creative

BBC, Sky, ITV and independent studios, production, broadcast and digital.

Capital-wide

Roles across all 32 boroughs plus the City, many open to applicants UK-wide.

When to apply: the London calendar

September to January
Big 4, banks and big tech
PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, JP Morgan, Google and IBM open degree and higher apprenticeship applications in autumn for the following year. Many close within weeks, apply early.
Year-round
TfL, NHS, Civil Service, Network Rail
Public-sector employers advertise on a rolling basis. Set alerts and apply as roles appear, windows can be short.
Spring to summer
Construction and the built environment
Skanska, Balfour Beatty, Mace and smaller contractors recruit mainly in spring and summer for September starts.

London apprenticeship FAQs

Straight answers on London pay, employers and entry requirements.

What apprenticeships are available in London?: London has the deepest mix of apprenticeships: finance and banking, professional services, tech and software, cyber, engineering, construction and the built environment, media and creative, hospitality, healthcare and the public sector (TfL, NHS, Civil Service, GLA). Levels 2 through 7 (degree and master's).
How much do London apprentices earn?: London apprentices typically earn more than the UK average. Level 3 roles commonly start at £18,000–£24,000; Level 6 and 7 (degree) apprenticeships at large London employers, Big 4, investment banks, tech firms, TfL, Network Rail, often pay £25,000–£40,000+ in year one.
Do London apprenticeships pay enough to live in London?: Many do, especially Level 4+ and degree apprenticeships at large employers. Most apprentices in Greater London live at home or share, and benefit from discounted travel, under-25 apprentices can get a 30% off Apprentice Oyster photocard.
Which London employers run the biggest apprenticeship schemes?: PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, BT, IBM, Microsoft, Google, the Civil Service, TfL, Network Rail, the NHS, the GLA, Skanska, Balfour Beatty, Mace, Sky and the BBC all run large London apprenticeship programmes.
Can I do an apprenticeship in London if I don't already live there?: Yes, many London apprenticeships are open to applicants from anywhere in the UK. You will need a plan for travel or accommodation, but commuting from Greater London, the home counties or moving for the role is common.
When do London apprenticeship schemes open?: The Big 4, investment banks and big tech firms open applications between September and January for the following autumn, some close within weeks, so apply early. TfL, Network Rail, the NHS and the Civil Service advertise year-round. Construction schemes typically recruit in spring and summer for September starts.
How competitive are London apprenticeships?: Popular schemes at banks, the Big 4 and big tech can attract hundreds of applicants per place, so treat them like graduate applications: apply to several employers, tailor each application, and prepare for online tests and assessment days. Less-advertised schemes with SMEs, the NHS and local councils are far less competitive.

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Part of Shine's apprenticeship guide series, plain-English answers, updated regularly.

London apprenticeships