Introducing apprenticeships: gaining qualifications while building a career

Sep 10, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jul 22

This is just a snippet from The Parents' Guide to Apprenticeships. If you’d like the full version, with clear, up-to-date advice, practical tips and actions you can take at home, click below.

Read the full guide: The Parents' Guide to Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a fantastic choice for many students, either straight after GCSE or after sixth form. They provide a way of getting qualifications while doing a real job, and are a great alternative to full-time study for students who prefer practical experience over classroom learning.

Apprenticeships help build solid, professional skills that are transferable from one organisation to another. Employers pay a salary, and tuition fees are covered by the employer and the government. Apprenticeships can last from one to five years and result in a professional qualification.

Qualifications

Depending on their age, experience and qualifications already achieved, there are different entry levels for apprenticeships, starting at Level 2 (straight after GCSE, for those with few or no GCSE passes) through to Level 6/7 (degree level). The qualifications obtained at each level range from GCSE and BTEC equivalent, A and T Level, diploma and foundation, right through to a master's degree. Qualifications are nationally recognised.

How long do apprenticeships last?

Apprenticeships can last just one year, or as long as seven (or more), depending on the final qualification. If your teen isn’t comfortable committing to several years of further study, they can take one- or two-year options and still gain recognised, valuable qualifications.

Better still, if they change their mind later and decide to extend the apprenticeship to gain higher-level qualifications, this is often possible. This means they don't have to make decisions about long-term commitment when they're young or unsure of their direction, but needn't miss out on higher-level qualifications if they decide later that's what they want.

Gaining qualifications

As well as doing the job itself, apprentices get dedicated time during the working week to study the education element of the apprenticeship. This usually takes place at a college, university or other education centre. It may also be necessary to spend personal time completing projects and keeping on top of studies, so, just like full-time education, there may be homework during evenings and weekends.

An easier option than full-time education?

Taking an apprenticeship is not an easy option, and competition can be fierce. It takes organisation and dedication to balance work (where your teen will be expected to contribute to the same standards as everyone else) and study. Holidays are far fewer than at college or university.

However, if they learn more easily through practical application, the work-based nature of apprenticeships will suit them well, and they'll gain valuable experience that strengthens their chances of finding rewarding work when the apprenticeship is over.

Finance

Tuition fees for apprenticeships are paid by the government and employer. Apprentices are also paid a wage for their time, so they'll usually complete their apprenticeship debt-free. However, there will be costs for education materials, travel to and from work, and possibly living expenses if they're not based at home.

Building a career

Many apprentices are offered full-time roles with the company where they served their apprenticeship. Employers invest significant time and money in their apprentices and are keen to maintain the relationship if things have worked well.

There's also much to be learned from first-hand experience in the workplace: working to genuine timelines with real customers and colleagues. This can provide a significant edge when applying for other jobs if they decide to move elsewhere or change companies later.

Find out more

The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships gives a full overview of apprenticeships, both after GCSE and sixth form, including:

types of apprenticeship: the qualifications needed at each entry stage, what further qualifications are on offer, and how long each lasts
the pros and cons: why apprenticeships are ideal for some teens but not for others
degree apprenticeships: how they differ from full-time university degrees
how to research an apprenticeship
top ten apprenticeship providers
the application process and how it works
helping to prepare teens for interview so they make the best impression