How do apprenticeships work?

For people aged 16 or over in England who want to earn a wage while training for a job.

Applies to: England Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

Apprenticeships combine paid work with training and study, with at least 20% of your hours for learning. They take 8 months to 6 years.

You must be 16 or over, live in England and not be in full-time education.
Levels range from 2 (GCSE equivalent) to degree level.
You earn a wage and get holiday pay.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own schemes.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Scotland: Check mygov.scot for Scotland
Wales: Check gov.wales for Wales
Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

Paid work plus study
From age 16
Up to degree level

What an apprenticeship is

An apprenticeship is a real job with training built in. You are an employee, so you earn a wage, get holiday pay and work alongside experienced staff. At least 20% of your normal working hours must be spent on training. This can be weekly, monthly or in blocks, at work, at college or online.

Apprenticeship levels

Level name	Level	Similar to
Foundation and Intermediate	2	GCSE
Advanced	3	A level
Higher	4, 5, 6 and 7	Foundation degree and above
Degree	6 and 7	Bachelor's or master's degree

Pay for 2026/27

Apprentices must get at least the National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices.

Who	Minimum hourly rate from April 2026
Apprentice under 19	£8.00
Apprentice 19 or over, in first year	£8.00
Apprentice 19 or over, after first year	Normal rate for your age: £10.85 (18 to 20) or £12.71 (21 and over)

Example. A 17 year old apprentice working 30 hours a week at £8.00 an hour earns at least £240 a week before any tax. Over 52 weeks that is £12,480.

You also get at least 20 days' paid holiday a year, plus bank holidays. Your employer can pay more than the minimum.

Care leavers under 25 may be able to get a bursary payment.

How to apply

Search for an apprenticeship on GOV.UK.
Sign in or create an account.
Fill in and send your application.

The National Careers Service gives free help with applications and interviews. The apprenticeship helpline is 0800 015 0400 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Things to know

Apprenticeships last between 8 months and 6 years.
You must not be in full-time education when you start.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

This guide covers England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own apprenticeship schemes, with their own ways to search and apply.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Find an apprenticeship

Common questions

How much do apprentices get paid?

The apprentice minimum wage is £8 an hour if you're 16 to 18, or 19 or over and in your first year. After that, you get the minimum wage for your age.

Do apprentices get holiday pay?

Yes, you get at least 20 days' paid holiday a year, plus bank holidays.

Can I apply for an apprenticeship while still at school?

Yes, you can apply while still at school if you'll be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays before the apprenticeship starts.

How do I apply for an apprenticeship?

Search for an apprenticeship on GOV.UK, sign in or create an account, then complete and send your application.

Official sources

1.Become an apprenticewww.gov.uk/become-apprentice
2.Pay and conditions for apprenticeswww.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions
3.Apply for an apprenticeshipwww.gov.uk/become-apprentice/apply-for-an-apprenticeship

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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