How to Get an Apprenticeship in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide

An apprenticeship can be a practical route into a career because you work in a real job while gaining job-specific skills and completing training. In England, apprentices are employees, so they receive a wage, holiday pay and other employment rights while spending at least 20% of their normal working hours on training or study. Apprenticeships can take from 8 months to 6 years depending on the type and level.

This guide explains how to find an apprenticeship, check the requirements, prepare your application and approach the process in a more organised way.

What Is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship combines practical work with structured training. You work alongside experienced people, develop skills for a specific occupation and complete an assessment or qualification linked to the apprenticeship.

There are hundreds of apprenticeship options across areas such as digital, engineering, construction, business, legal services, care, sales, transport and many other sectors.

Who Can Apply for an Apprenticeship?

For apprenticeships in England, you generally need to be 16 or over, live in England and not be in full-time education. There is no general upper age limit for apprenticeships at levels 2 to 7, although individual programmes can have their own requirements. Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different systems and eligibility rules.

Entry requirements vary according to the employer, occupation and apprenticeship level. Always read the individual vacancy before applying.

Apprenticeship Levels Explained

The exact structure and qualification attached to an apprenticeship depend on the programme. GOV.UK lists foundation and intermediate apprenticeships at level 2, advanced at level 3, and higher apprenticeships at levels 4 to 7. Degree apprenticeships are normally levels 6 and 7.

How to Find an Apprenticeship in the UK

1. Decide What Type of Work Interests You

Start with the type of work you want to do rather than searching only for the word “apprentice”. Think about subjects you enjoy, your existing skills and the kind of working environment you would prefer. If you are unsure which direction suits you, our UK job-search guide can help you narrow your options.

You can browse apprenticeship opportunities by interest and location through the official apprenticeship service.

2. Check the Entry Requirements

Read each vacancy carefully. Check the required qualifications, skills, location, working pattern and any other conditions before spending time on an application.

3. Search Official Vacancy Listings

The official Apprenticeships.gov.uk guidance explains how to find and apply for vacancies. You can search without an account, but you need an account to submit applications. You can also save vacancies and set alerts for opportunities that match your interests.

4. Check Employer Websites

If there are employers you would like to work for, check their careers pages as well as the official apprenticeship service. Some employers advertise apprenticeship opportunities directly. You can also use our UK job-hunting websites guide to broaden your search.

How to Apply for an Apprenticeship

1. Create a Find an Apprenticeship account: You need an account to submit applications through the official service.
2. Save suitable vacancies: Keep a shortlist of roles that match your interests and requirements.
3. Prepare your CV: Include education, experience, relevant skills, achievements and activities.
4. Write a targeted application: Explain why you want the role and connect your experience to the vacancy.
5. Apply to more than one suitable opportunity: The official guidance confirms that you can apply for multiple apprenticeships at the same time.
6. Prepare for interviews: Research the employer, understand the apprenticeship and prepare examples that show your skills and attitude. Our job interview preparation guide can help.

Apprenticeships.gov.uk recommends applying for more than one suitable opportunity and notes that employers will normally ask for a CV and cover letter, although requirements vary by vacancy.

What Should You Put on an Apprenticeship CV?

You do not need years of professional experience to create a useful apprenticeship CV. Focus on evidence that shows you can learn, communicate, take responsibility and contribute to a workplace. Our CV guide for people with no experience can help you structure this section.

• Education and relevant qualifications
• Part-time or full-time work experience
• Volunteering and community activities
• School, college or personal projects
• Technical or digital skills
• Communication and teamwork examples
• Achievements, competitions or responsibilities
• Relevant hobbies and interests where they demonstrate useful skills

Keep the CV clear and truthful. Do not copy a generic application for every vacancy. For more detailed CV guidance, see our UK CV guide.

How to Write a Strong Apprenticeship Application

A good application should show that you understand the job and have a genuine reason for applying.

• Explain your interest: Say what attracts you to the occupation.
• Show evidence: Use examples from school, work, volunteering, projects or other activities.
• Connect your skills to the vacancy: If the employer asks for teamwork, give an example rather than simply writing “I am a team player”.
• Show willingness to learn: Apprenticeships are designed around learning as well as working.
• Check the application: Correct spelling, grammar and factual errors before submitting.

What Is the Pay for an Apprentice?

Apprentices are employees and are entitled to at least the applicable National Minimum Wage. From 1 April 2026, the apprentice rate is £8 per hour. This rate applies to apprentices aged 16 to 18 and apprentices aged 19 or over in the first year. An apprentice aged 19 or over who has completed the first year is entitled to the minimum wage rate for their age.

Actual pay can be higher depending on the employer, occupation, location and experience. Check the vacancy and employment contract for the pay offered.

How Many Hours Does an Apprentice Work?

Apprentices normally have paid working hours that include the training and study required for their programme. Apprenticeship guidance states that at least 20% of normal working hours must be spent on training or study related to the apprenticeship. The exact working pattern depends on the employer and programme.

What Rights Do Apprentices Have?

Because an apprentice is an employee, they receive employment rights including pay and holiday entitlement. Their apprenticeship should also include appropriate training and a role that develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the programme.

Before starting, make sure you understand the employment contract, apprenticeship agreement, training arrangements, working hours and pay. Our UK employment contract guide explains key terms to check before signing.

How to Prepare for an Apprenticeship Interview

Apprenticeship interviews can assess your motivation, communication, reliability and understanding of the role as well as your existing knowledge.

• Research the employer and its products or services.
• Read the apprenticeship vacancy again before the interview.
• Prepare examples of teamwork, problem-solving and responsibility.
• Be ready to explain why you chose the occupation.
• Prepare sensible questions about training, the team and progression.
• Be honest about what you do not know and show how you would approach learning it.

If you need reasonable adjustments for an interview because of a disability or health condition, you can ask the employer about suitable arrangements.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting an Apprenticeship

1. Apply early: Some vacancies attract many applications or have closing dates.
2. Apply selectively but consistently: Target roles that genuinely match your interests and qualifications.
3. Build relevant experience: Volunteering, part-time work, school projects and short courses can give you examples to discuss. If you want another way to build experience, see our guide to UK internships.
4. Improve your communication: Practise explaining why you want the role and what you can contribute.
5. Build digital skills: Most modern workplaces expect basic confidence with digital tools.
6. Use feedback: If an application is unsuccessful, identify what you can improve before the next one.

Common Apprenticeship Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without reading the vacancy requirements.
• Using the same generic personal statement for every employer.
• Focusing only on salary instead of the occupation and training.
• Claiming skills or experience you do not have.
• Ignoring the location and working pattern.
• Assuming an apprenticeship is only for school leavers.
• Paying an organisation simply because it promises to secure an apprenticeship for you.

Where to Find Apprenticeship Vacancies

The official Browse Apprenticeships service lets you search by interest and location. The official service also provides guidance on applications, interviews and support.

You can also check the careers pages of employers you are interested in and use reputable job-search websites. Always verify that an opportunity is genuine before sharing sensitive information or paying any fees.

Apprenticeships Outside England

This guide focuses mainly on England because apprenticeship systems differ across the UK. If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, use the relevant national apprenticeship service and check its eligibility and application rules. Requirements can differ by nation, so check the official guidance before applying.

Apprenticeship Agreement and Contract

An apprenticeship involves employment as well as training. Before starting, make sure you receive and understand the relevant employment and apprenticeship paperwork, including your pay, working arrangements and training commitments.

If you use an apprenticeship agreement template, treat it as a reference only and check the current official requirements before signing. The employer is responsible for signing an apprenticeship agreement with the apprentice as part of the arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can adults apply for apprenticeships?

Yes. Apprenticeships at levels 2 to 7 are generally open to people regardless of age, although specific programmes can have their own requirements.

Do apprentices get paid?

Yes. Apprentices are employees and must receive at least the applicable National Minimum Wage. The minimum rate depends on age and, for some apprentices, whether they are in the first year of their apprenticeship.

Do apprentices pay tuition fees?

Apprentices do not pay tuition fees in the same way as a traditional student. Apprentices earn a wage while completing their apprenticeship and training.

Can I apply for more than one apprenticeship?

Yes. You can apply for more than one suitable apprenticeship at the same time. This can give you more opportunities to find a role that matches your interests and skills.

Do I need previous work experience?

Not always. Entry requirements vary, and some apprenticeship programmes are designed for people starting their careers. Your education, transferable skills, projects and motivation can all be relevant.

Final Checklist Before Applying

• ☐ I understand the occupation and apprenticeship level.
• ☐ I meet the vacancy’s entry requirements.
• ☐ My CV is accurate and relevant.
• ☐ I have tailored my application to the employer.
• ☐ I have checked the location and working pattern.
• ☐ I understand the advertised pay and training arrangements.
• ☐ I have researched the employer.
• ☐ I am ready to discuss examples of my skills in an interview.

Final Thoughts

An apprenticeship can combine employment, practical experience and structured training, making it one route into a wide range of careers. The key is to choose an occupation carefully, understand the requirements and prepare applications that show what you can contribute.

For current opportunities, use the official apprenticeship service, check employer vacancies and keep applying to suitable roles. The official guidance also provides support with applications and interviews if you need it.