Post-16 and Post-18 Options: Apprenticeships
26th February 2026
What are Apprenticeships?
- Real paid jobs with recognised on-the-job training (earn and learn)
- Employers pay a salary at, or above, the apprenticeship minimum wage (see here for current hourly rate)
- Vacancies are often advertised, although they can also be secured through speculative applications or by an employer up-skilling existing staff
- When they are advertised, you will likely compete for the job against others through a recruitment process set by the employer
- They are available at different levels- Intermediate (Level 2), Advanced (Level 3), Higher (Level 4 and 5), Degree (Level 6) and Postgraduate (Level 7)
- To get an apprenticeship at a higher level (Level 4 or above) you will likely need to have a Level 3 qualification first (e.g., A-levels, T-level, Level 3 Diploma, Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship)
- Higher and Degree apprenticeships are sought after because you get a competitive salary and your tuition fees paid for
So, how can you put yourself in with the best chance of getting an apprenticeship?
CareerWave’s top tips for ‘Getting an Apprenticeship’
• Create an account with the gov.uk Find an Apprenticeship Service
• Search for apprenticeships throughout the year:
Smaller companies often advertise a few months before the start date so vacancies that school and college leavers can apply for are more likely to be advertised from around Easter onwards
Larger companies advertise much earlier in the academic year. These employers may advertise six months to a full year before they want the apprentice to start
• Get in touch with Training Providers because they can support your apprenticeship search. The name of the training provider for each advertised apprenticeship can be found at the bottom of each vacancy. Some training providers will actively put your name forward to employers or offer support to make you ‘apprenticeship ready’
• Contact employers. You can get an apprenticeship by being direct and speculatively contacting companies. Even if you don’t get one this way, employers are often impressed with people who are proactive and persistent
• Search for vacancies in company websites. Larger employers often advertise apprenticeship on their own website
• When completing an application form or writing a CV, you must show the employer that you have the skills they want. The job advert will tell you what the employer wants. However, if sending a speculative CV you can find out about the job by using the National Careers Service jobs database
• Find out more at Amazing Apprenticeships
In addition to the gov.uk Find an Apprenticeship Service, the following websites also advertise vacancies:
Categories:
Related Articles:
