This is the first of a series of posts on the Education Hub to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2025. The series was curated and written by Lauren, the Department for Education’s new communications apprentice.
Apprenticeships are a great way to start a new career or learn new skills relevant to your job. They are brilliant options for people at every age to train in a huge range of sectors – from health and science to cybersecurity, marketing, and construction.
Apprenticeships allow you to earn and learn whilst allowing you to develop skills that are vital for career growth and getting on-the-job training experience in your area of choice.
Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2025. The week celebrates apprentices and their employers across the country, highlighting this excellent career option and the benefits apprentices bring to many businesses.
Here is everything you need to know about apprenticeships.
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships combine on the job training with study.
As an apprentice you are an employee who earns a wage, works with other staff whilst also studying in a subject related to your job role.
Apprenticeships can take anywhere between one to five years to complete depending on what level your apprenticeship is, but by the end of your apprenticeship you will have the right skills, knowledge and experience needed to further your career.
Apprenticeships are open to everyone from school leavers to those changing careers and those starting careers later in life.
There are different levels to apprenticeships. Some are available at Level 2, which are equivalent to GCSEs, with others upwards to Level 6 and 7 which are equivalent to bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees.
What are the benefits of completing an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships allow you to gain hands on experience in industries of your choice whilst learning new skills that can help you in any career path you take.
Completing an apprenticeship can increase how employable you are and your earning potential regardless of how old you are or what background you come from.
An apprenticeship also allows you to earn a salary whilst gaining this experience. Apprenticeships are funded by the government or your employer, meaning no student loans or tuition fees if you choose to complete an apprenticeship.
Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma. You could even progress to a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree through a degree apprenticeship.
What apprenticeships are available?
There are over 700 types of apprenticeships available – so whether you want a career in law or prefer to train as a florist, there is likely an apprenticeship for you.
Apprentices look after children and care for the elderly, thatch roofs and lay floors. They can even deliver babies and direct funerals.
To see which apprenticeship is right for you, visit the find an apprentice service or visit UCAS.
Some employers also advertise apprenticeships directly on their own websites.
Does an apprenticeship guarantee me a job?
Apprenticeships open a range of opportunities for all types of people looking for career development.
An apprenticeship can also led to higher level apprenticeships and permanent employment with your employer, 93% of learners who have completed their apprenticeship say that they are still in employment following their apprenticeship.
You may also be able to use the qualification you earned and the experience you have in other roles.
How can I get an apprenticeship?
If you would like to learn more about becoming an apprentice - click here
You can also search for apprenticeship vacancies here
To apply for an apprenticeship now – click here