Level 3 apprenticeships are also known as advanced apprenticeships and are generally considered to be equivalent to two A level passes. If you want to gain further qualifications, you can go on to complete higher and degree apprenticeships.
What are the entry requirements for a Level 3 apprenticeship?
To be eligible for an advanced apprenticeship, you need to be:
- aged 16 or over (you can apply while you’re still at school, but you’ll need to be over 16 when you start the apprenticeship)
- living in England
- not in full-time education
An apprenticeship is a real job, so you’ll also need to meet any other criteria set out by the employer. Entry requirements are different depending on the employer and the industry you’re going into.
If you don’t already have GCSEs in English and maths, you generally need to take functional skills as part of the apprenticeship, which is an alternative to GCSEs.
How do they work?
An apprenticeship is a way to earn and learn at the same time. You’ll spend most of your time learning in your place of work, and the rest studying with a college or training provider. You’ll be able to learn the theory and then put it into practice in your daily life.
At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have an assessment to check you can confidently perform your role. If you pass, you’ll be awarded your apprenticeship. The assessment is nothing to worry about, you’ll have been building up to it throughout your time at the apprenticeship.
- You’re an employee and get paid a salary, a holiday allowance, and sick pay.
- You’ll gain professional experience in your chosen career and put what you learn into practice daily.
- You won’t have to pay any study costs, as they’re co-funded by your employer and the Government.
- At the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll have a chance to secure permanent employment at the company.
- It’s a real job. You’ll have to get work on time and keep up with what’s expected of you.
- Learning and studying on the job can be tough. You’ll need to manage your time so you can fit in working and studying. Your employer will support you, but you need to be organised.
- With an apprenticeship, life is very different to going to uni. While there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people, it won’t be like going to uni.
- You’ll get paid, but like any other job, you’ll be paying tax and national insurance.
How do I apply for a Level 3 apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is like a job, so you apply directly through the employer. You will be asked to submit a CV and answer some questions about yourself. If you get through the first stage, you’ll be invited to an interview. You might find this guidance useful:
You can search for Level 3 apprenticeships through our apprenticeship search.
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