Apprenticeships, traineeships and supported internships

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. As an apprentice you’ll:

  • work alongside experienced staff
  • gain job-specific skills
  • earn a wage and get holiday pay
  • get time for study related to your role (usually one day a week) in the work place

Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.

Levels 

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.

Name Level Equivalent educational level
Intermediate 2 GCSE
Advanced 3 A level
Higher 4 ,5, 6 and 7 Foundation degree and above
Degree 6 and 7 Bachelor’s or master’s degree

Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.

How much do apprentices earn?

The amount you earn depends on the sector, region and apprenticeship level.

  • There is a minimum wage for apprentices if you are under 19 or in your first year of an apprenticeship but many pay above this minimum
  • Some Higher apprenticeships and Degree apprenticeships pay significantly more than the minimum wage

Who can apply?

You can become an apprentice if you are over 16 years old. There are different entry requirements depending on the sector and job. You will need to be:

  • committed;
  • motivated;
  • enthusiastic; and
  • reliable with a ‘can-do’ attitude.

How long do they last?

Apprenticeships last for at least one year. Many can take longer if they are:

  • at a higher level; or
  • in certain sectors such as engineering.

After the apprenticeship

Apprentices can move on to:

  • full time employment;
  • a higher level apprenticeship; or
  • vocational or academic study, including university degrees.

Advice and information

For more information on apprenticeship vacancies in your area

Live apprenticeship vacancies

Visit the Gov.uk website to search for an apprenticeship.

Traineeships

If you are not quite ready for an apprenticeship, traineeships can provide a good progression route.

Supported internships

Supported internships are for young people aged 16-24 with learning difficulties or learning disabilities, who would like to get a job and need extra support to do this. To be eligible you need a Statement of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), a Learning Difficulty Assessment, or an Education Health and Care Plan.

As supported internships are funded by the local authority, interested Hackney residents aged 16-19 should check their eligibility for a supported internship by contacting to the Hackney Careers Service. For those over 19 looking for a supported internship or other routes into work, contact the Hackney Supported Employment Service.  

T Levels

T Levels are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent in size to 3 A levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.

Contacts

14-19 Education Office

Telephone
020 8820 7162 (Monday to Thursday, term time only)

Careers and progression advice for 16-19 year olds

Telephone
07769 648664 or 020 8356 7866
This page was last modified on: 28 Jan 2024