Entry Requirements For Apprenticeship Schemes
Over 70 universities, and around 200 colleges, are approved to deliver higher and degree apprenticeships. This list is growing all the time as new apprenticeships are developed, and more employers look to recruit apprentices. Each apprenticeship vacancy will identify the university or college involved.
Each level has different entry requirements, and each apprenticeship vacancy will specify what these are, along with the qualities the employer is looking for.
For higher and degree apprenticeships, employers generally ask for A levels and other QCF, RQF or NVQ Level 3 qualifications. The level of apprenticeship you start at will depend on the qualifications you have, the job role, and apprenticeship standard the employer wants to use.
Which Apprenticeship Is Right For You?
You can progress your career and work all the way up through the higher and degree level apprenticeships for some job roles and career areas. You can also progress onto other further or higher education courses, including degrees and postgraduate courses. The different types of apprenticeship are:
Intermediate apprenticeships (Level 2)
Intermediate apprenticeships are Level 2 apprenticeships, and generally considered to be the same level as five GCSE passes. They are a great way to take the first step in starting your future career, and for those aged 16, they offer an alternative to staying at school and learning in the traditional classroom environment.
As an intermediate apprentice, you will study towards qualifications at the same level as five GCSEs, such as NVQ Level 2, and a knowledge-based qualification such as BTEC Diploma and Certificate, relevant to the sector and job role. You can go on to complete advanced and higher apprenticeships.
Entry requirements for intermediate apprenticeships vary, with some employers asking for two or more GCSEs, although you may not need any formal qualifications. If you don’t have GCSEs in English and maths, you are usually required to take qualifications in these subjects as part of the apprenticeship.
Advanced apprenticeships (Level 3)
Advanced apprenticeships are also called Level 3 apprenticeships, and generally considered to be the same level as two A level passes. Some people who already have Level 3 qualifications, including A levels, choose the advanced apprenticeship route because if enables them to develop work-based skills and experience in a particular job and sector. This means some advanced apprenticeships are highly competitive.
Entry requirements vary, but you will usually need at least five GCSEs with grades 9 to 4/A* to C, including English and maths.
Higher apprenticeships (Level 4 and above)
Higher apprenticeships provide an opportunity to gain Level 4 qualifications or above, with most apprentices gaining an NVQ Level 4, HND, or foundation degree. Some offer the opportunity to progress to Level 7 (which is postgraduate degree level). A higher apprenticeship can take from one to five years to complete, and involve part-time study at a college, university, or training provider.
Entry requirements can include at least five GCSEs grades A* – C (9 – 4 on the new grading system), including English and maths subjects, and Level 3 qualifications, including A levels, NVQs, or a BTEC. Some employers will expect or require applicants to have studied subjects relevant to the apprenticeship.
Degree apprenticeships (Levels 5 — 7)
Degree apprenticeships are a new type of programme offered by some universities. Students can achieve a full bachelor’s or master’s degree as part of their apprenticeship. These programmes are being developed by employers, universities, and professional bodies working in partnership. Degree apprenticeships combine working with studying part-time at a university. Apprentices are employed throughout the programme, and spend part of their time at university and the rest with their employer. This can be on a day-to-day basis or in blocks of time, depending on the programme and requirements of the employer.
They can take between three to six years to complete, depending on the course level. Currently, the scheme is only available in England and Wales, although applications may be made from all parts of the UK. Degree apprenticeships are still quite new, so there are a limited number of vacancies. It’s anticipated that the number of vacancies will grow over the next year or two.
Apprentice Training Scheme Applications
If you need more information about the apprentice training schemes for for health & social care workers, nursing & care home employees, community carers & caring professionals, please contact us via telephone or fill out the form below.
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