Apprenticeship Levels - Quick Guide

Apprenticeships in the UK are structured into different levels, each corresponding to an equivalent educational level. Selecting the right level for you is based on several different factors and you can be both under and overqualified for a particular level.

If you are unsure, the best idea is to give us a call and talk through what level you would be eligible for. We have to take into consideration your achievement in terms of academic level (subject specific) and (if applicable) any relevant work experience you might already have, especially if you are considering an apprenticeship mid-career.

Whilst the level of apprenticeship is really important, finding an employer you want to work for, doing something you are interested in is as important. 

Finding an employer you want to work for

You haven’t got to love them, but you have got to want to go into work everyday and be comfortable with their working practices and ethos. When looking for an apprenticeship it is important to do your research into each employer, why are they in business, are they a multinational corporation or a small local employer etc.

Doing something you are interested in

Ok, so you know you want to be an engineer, but there is still a whole other level of choice when it comes to what type of engineer. I’m not talking here about the different disciplines e.g. mechanical, electrical etc, I’m talking about finding out what the employer produces, the service they provide, the products they design, the corner of the industry they work within. If the product or service interests, you then there is a good chance you will also be interested in the disciplines of engineering the employer is involved with.

The challenge of finding who those employers are

One of the biggest challenges is finding which employers take on apprentices. Often, you will only be able to find that out when they start to advertise so looking on our website or the .GOV Find an Apprenticeship website is a continual task in the run up to when you want to start an apprenticeship. 

Quick outline of apprenticeship levels. We work with apprentices at levels 2, 3, and 4 plus remember, you can start at a low level then work your way up into higher levels of learning either via additional apprenticeships or other learning methods.

Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Equivalent to: GCSEs 
Entry Requirements: No formal qualifications required, though each employer will set what they want from their candidate e.g. minimum of GCSEs in English and Maths. Check each apprenticeship opportunity to see what the employer or training provider requires.
Example Roles: Learn manufacturing operative, assembly operative.

Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Equivalent to: A-levels
Entry Requirements: Each employer will set what they want from their candidate and will usually want to see 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9 (A*-C), including English and Maths or a relevant Level 2 qualification or relevant work experience. Check each apprenticeship opportunity to see what the employer or training provider requires.
Example Roles: Mechanical Technician, CNC Machinist, Building Services Technician.

Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4)

Equivalent to: Foundation degree or Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Entry Requirements: For our industry, we would want candidates to hold a Level 3 engineering qualification (such as an advanced apprenticeship, BTEC or T-level). The employer may also set levels of GCSE that they expect their candidates to have achieve. Check each apprenticeship opportunity to see what the employer or training provider requires.
Example Roles: Manufacturing technician, Lead Maintenance Engineer.

Higher Apprenticeship & Degree Apprenticeship (Level 5, 6 and 7)

Equivalent to: 2 years of a degree or Higher National Diploma (HND), Bachelor’s (Level 6) or Master’s degree (Level 7).

Top tips

If there isn’t an apprenticeship opportunity that interests you, most training providers will allow you to get started with a ‘general application’ then help to link you to a suitable apprenticeship opportunity when it comes along.

You can always approach a company you want to work for who is doing something you are interested in and ask to be their apprentice.

Make sure you write a great application form, giving lots of details about your interest in the industry and examples to back up any claims.

Practice your interview techniques, have some answer ready to often asked questions, do your research about the employer you are interviewing for and have some questions to ask them too.