An apprenticeship can be a great way to earn money and learn new skills as you start a career.
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.
As an apprentice you will:
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- earn a wage and get holiday pay
- study towards a related qualification (usually one day a week)
Apprenticeships take 1 to 4 years to complete depending on their level.
Levels of apprenticeship offered
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
| Name | Level | Equivalent educational level |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 | 5 GCSE passes grades A* to C |
| Advanced | 3 | 2 A level passes |
| Higher | 4, 5, 6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor's or master's degree |
Applicant requirements
You can apply for an apprenticeship while you're still at school. To start one, you'll need to be:
- Aged 16 or over
- Living in England
As part of your requirement for an apprenticeship you will be required to have a minimum educational level, one of the ways you can achieve this is through GCSE equivalent courses. Wiltshire College offers Functional Skills (opens new window) which focus on English and Maths. These courses have flexible start dates and can be accessed from home as a distance learning course. They also offer face to face courses. There is no charge for learners who do not have a Grade C/4 or above. There is also specific support for Military Learners.
If you require support to work up to the Functional Skills courses the Wiltshire family and community learning service offer all kinds of free courses to help prepare you, see their list of available courses on Work Wiltshire: Course descriptions and list (opens new window).
Contacts and how to apply
Work Wiltshire
By following the link to the Work Wiltshire website you will find lots of information about what kinds of opportunities exist within Wiltshire and how to apply:
Become an Apprentice (opens new window)
Wiltshire Employment Support Team
WEST are there to help, support and advise on a range of aspects of starting an apprenticeship, from travel training to helping assess strengths and find the right option.
You can find out more on their page or watch great video all about their work.
Education, employment and training
Travel 16+
Growing up and moving on
Transitions
Jargon Buster
Your voice 16+
Share this page
