Apprenticeships Unpacked: A Practical Pathway to Earning and Learning

Discover how apprenticeships offer a flexible, funded, and career-focused alternative to university.

Choosing what to do after school or college can be a daunting task. While university remains a popular option in spite of soaring tuition fees, it’s not the only route to a successful and fulfilling career.

For many students, an apprenticeship offers the perfect combination of earning a salary, gaining practical experience, and working towards a nationally recognised qualification—all without the burden of student debt.

Here’s everything you need to know about apprenticeships in the UK and why they might be the right fit for your future.

What Is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a real, salaried job with structured learning built in. Typically, you’ll spend 80% of your time working and 20% in training, learning the skills you need to do the job well and progress in your career. This training could be delivered in the workplace, online, at a college, or with an external training provider.

You’ll have the same rights as any other employee, including paid holidays and sick leave, and you’ll receive regular assessments, ending in a final end-point assessment to complete your qualification.

Key Features:

Employment in a salaried role, with professional responsibilities.
A salary and employee benefits.
Structured training from qualified educators and industry experts.
A nationally recognised qualification.
No tuition fees or student loan debt.

Benefits of an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are ideal for students looking for a practical, hands-on route into the workplace. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upskill or switch careers, they provide a direct line to employment and industry-specific expertise.

Why consider an apprenticeship?

Earn while you learn. You’ll receive a wage from day one.
Gain real-world experience in your chosen sector.
Achieve a recognised qualification at no cost to you.
Build connections with industry professionals.
Access clear career progression opportunities.
Suitable for individuals aged 16 or older who are not in full-time education.
A high percentage of apprentices gain permanent employment with their training employer.

Things to be aware of:

You’ll need to cover personal expenses such as travel and meals.
Some roles may involve evening, weekend, or early morning shifts, depending on the sector.

Apprentice Pay and Funding

From April 2025, apprentice pay is as follows:

£7.55 per hour for apprentices aged 16–18, or those aged 19+ in the first year of their apprenticeship.
After the first year:
£10.00 per hour (ages 18–20)
£12.21 per hour (ages 21 and over)

Please note: Many employers offer higher salaries than these minimum rates to attract strong candidates and stand out in the market.

Additional Support:

Apprentices do not pay tuition fees; the government and the employer cover training costs.
Care leavers aged 16 to 24 may be eligible for a £1,000–£3,000 bursary to support them during their apprenticeship.

Working hours usually range from 30 to 40 hours per week, with many apprentices working between 35 and 37.5 hours.

Apprenticeship Industries and Employers

Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of sectors, not just traditional trades. Whether you’re interested in tech, healthcare, media, or law, there’s likely an apprenticeship that aligns with your goals.

Apprenticeships by Industry

Well-known employers offering apprenticeships include BT Group, Cummins, Virgin Media O2, the NHS, Vodafone, and Kite Packaging.

Please note: Larger employers typically recruit between September and March, with most programmes beginning in August or September.

Understanding Apprenticeship Levels

Apprenticeships in England are available at a range of levels, from GCSE-equivalent programmes to full Master’s degree-level qualifications.

Entry Requirements:

Level 2 (Intermediate): No formal experience required: great for beginners.
Level 3 (Advanced): May require 3 GCSEs or previous experience.
Level 4–5 (Higher): Usually need A-levels, a Level 3 qualification, or relevant work experience.
Level 6–7 (Degree): These require higher qualifications and industry experience, making them more advanced programmes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a practical, flexible, and debt-free route into your chosen career, an apprenticeship could be the perfect choice. With opportunities available across nearly every industry and level, apprenticeships are an increasingly popular alternative to full-time university study.

They provide real-world experience, financial independence, and a direct path to long-term employment, all while you continue to learn and develop professionally.

Next step?

Visit Mereo Talent’s dedicated Apprenticeships page to explore current opportunities and take the first step towards a career that starts with experience, not debt.