Apprenticeships
Obtaining an apprenticeship can be highly competitive. It is important to research your options carefully and spend time preparing strong applications, just as you would when applying for college.
You can begin your own research using a range of apprenticeship websites to explore opportunities and support you through the application process.
Apprenticeship Levels
There are several different levels of apprenticeships. The most common are:
- Intermediate Apprenticeship – Usually requires two or more GCSE passes.
- Advanced Apprenticeship – Typically requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above. Many employers recruit at this level and offer opportunities to progress to higher or degree apprenticeships.
- Higher Apprenticeship – Usually requires A levels or equivalent qualifications. Some employers support apprentices to continue studying towards a degree.
- Degree Apprenticeship – Combines paid work with studying for a degree part-time. These often require A levels or equivalent and are currently available in selected sectors. Some opportunities may require travel or relocation.
Higher and degree apprenticeships are particularly competitive, so students should be prepared to invest time and effort into researching opportunities and completing applications.
Click here for a short film about Apprenticeships.Click here to take the Apprenticeship Quiz from Amazing Apprenticeships.
Click here to see which subjects link to which apprenticeships.
Click here for an Apprenticeships Guide.
Apprenticeship Information and Opportunities
If you are interested in apprenticeships, the following websites can help you research opportunities, understand different pathways and support you with the application process.
Search for Apprenticeships
- Find an Apprenticeship (Government website) – The official government site for apprenticeship vacancies. You can search and register for email alerts.https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
- Cheshire and Warrington Opportunities – Local apprenticeship opportunities and information.https://www.candwopportunities.co.uk/apprenticeships/
- Be More – Information on local apprenticeships and training opportunities.https://be-more.info/
Degree and Higher Apprenticeships
- UCAS Degree Apprenticeships – Information on degree apprenticeships and how to apply.https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting-started/apprenticeships-uk/degree-apprenticeships
- UCAS Career Finder – Search and register for alerts for higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities.https://careerfinder.ucas.com/jobs/apprenticeship/#browsing
- Liverpool John Moores University – Information on degree apprenticeships linked with local employers.https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/degree-apprenticeships
- Manchester Metropolitan University – Information on degree apprenticeships and employer partnerships.https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/apprenticeships/
General Apprenticeship Information and Advice
- Amazing Apprenticeships – Advice, resources and guidance on apprenticeships, applications and interviews.https://amazingapprenticeships.com/
- The Apprenticeship Guide – General information on apprenticeships and employer profiles.www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk
- Rate My Apprenticeship – Information and reviews from current and past apprentices.https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/
- Get My First Job – A platform often used by employers to manage apprenticeship applications.www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk
Other Post-16 and School Leaver Opportunities
- Get the Jump (National Careers Service) – Explore education and training choices after school.https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-your-education-and-training-choices
- Not Going to Uni – Information about alternatives to university.www.notgoingtouni.co.uk
- Student Ladder – Information on apprenticeships, scholarships, sponsored degrees and gap year programmes.www.studentladder.co.uk
- Milkround School Leavers – Information on apprenticeships and school leaver programmes.https://schoolleavers.milkround.com
- All About School Leavers – Careers advice and school leaver opportunities.www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk
- Beetroot – Information on apprenticeships and school leaver programmes.https://www.beetroot.com/



