Apprenticeships 

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What are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are nationally recognised training programmes that offer an excellent way of mastering practical skills in the workplace, while gaining a formal qualification.

They give new or existing employees the chance to train as they work and earn money, and are increasingly recognised as the gold standard for work-based training.

Apprenticeships are offered at different levels and are known by different names across the UK.

The Specification of Apprenticeship Standards England (SASE) sets out the minimum requirements to be included in a recognised English Apprenticeship framework, the SASE can be found here.

Click here to see our Apprenticeship Guides - overview for employers.

Tailored to the employer

Apprenticeships are designed by employers and can be tailored to meet employers' needs.

They can improve productivity and profitability, and are an effective means of filling skills gaps in current and future workforces.

Apprenticeships are available for both new and existing staff at three levels:

• "Apprenticeships" comparable to GCSE level, incorporate separate Level 2 qualifications covering Competence (NVQ) and Knowledge (Tech Cert) or a Level 2 Combined qualification; plus Functional Skills, Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) and Employee Rights and Responsibilities (ERR).
• "Advanced Apprenticeships" comparable to A-levels, incorporate separate Level 3 qualifications covering Competence (NVQ) and Knowledge (Tech Cert) or a Level 3 Combined qualification; plus Functional Skills, Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) and Employee Rights and Responsibilities (ERR).
• "Higher Apprenticeships", comparable to Foundation degrees at Level 4 and 5, and to Honours degrees at Level 6 incorporate qualifications covering Competence (NVQ) and Knowledge (Tech Cert) or a Combined qualification; plus Functional Skills, Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) and Employee Rights and Responsibilities (ERR).

Apprenticeships can be taken by anyone aged 16 and above. There is no fixed time frame for the completion of an apprenticeship (although apprenticeships for those aged 16-18 last a minimum of 12 months), but each typically takes between one and four years depending on their involvement and level of difficulty.

Key and Functional Skills

From April 2011 until the end of September 2012 there will be dual running of Key and Functional Skills in Asset Skills frameworks. Read more here.

Apprenticeship Framework information 

Housing Apprenticeship Information

Property Services Apprenticeship Information

Facilities Management Apprenticeship Information (Levels 2,3,4,5)

Facilities Services Apprenticeship Information

Cleaning and Environmental Services Apprenticeship Information

Pest Management Apprenticeship Information

Surveying Apprenticeship Information 

Local Taxation and Benefits Apprenticeship Information

Energy Assessment and Advice Apprenticeship Information 

Apprenticeship information - home country factsheets

Apprenticeships in Scotland 

Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland

Apprenticeships in Wales

For more, visit the Apprenticeships Service at www.apprenticeships.org.uk