About Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeship is a way of studying for qualifications while being employed and gaining workplace experience.

There is currently a choice of 190 careers in approximately 80 employment sectors in which to study an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships generally fall into three categories:

Apprenticeships: equivalent to 5 good GCSEs/Level 2

Advanced Apprenticeships: equivalent to 2 A-level passes/Level 3

Higher Apprenticeships: may involve NVQ Level 4 or in some cases a Foundation Degree

Vocational/employment sectors include:

• Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care
• Arts, Media and Publishing
• Business, Administration and Law
• Construction, Planning and the Built Environment
• Education and Training
• Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies
• Health, Public Services and Care
• Information and Communication Technology
• Leisure, Travel and Tourism
• Retail and Commercial Enterprise

THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SERVICE

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) was launched in April 2009 to lead the delivery of a World Class Apprenticeship programme. The national priorities for the NAS for 2010-11 can be seen here.