
Apprenticeship FAQs
Wondering where to start with apprenticeships? We’ve put together some frequently asked questions about applying for vacancies, how they work, salary and benefits, and degree apprenticeships.
What's on this page?
Applying for apprenticeships
How do I apply for apprenticeships?
Can I apply for apprenticeships as an international student?
Do I need to have studied relevant subjects when applying for an apprenticeship?
Entry requirements are different depending on the role you’re interested in. For example, Level 2 apprenticeships generally need no formal qualifications, while you may need GCSEs and A Levels for a degree apprenticeship.
Some apprenticeships may want you to have studied specific subjects. For example, if you want to go into engineering you may need to have studied STEM subjects. However, always check the vacancy carefully for their specific requirements.
Remember, it’s not all about qualifications. Employers will be looking for willingness to learn, passion, and transferrable skills you could bring to the role. Companies don’t hire apprentices looking for the finished article; the programme is designed for you to learn the job from scratch.
Can I apply for multiple apprenticeships?
Can I apply for multiple apprenticeships?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of applications you can make. Apprenticeships aren’t restricted to a cycle like traditional degrees, so you can apply at any time.
If you are doing multiple applications, make sure you tailor your application per vacancy. Copied and pasted cover letters are much less personable.
What time is best to apply?
How far in advance do I need to apply?
Each employer is different. Some employers may advertise apprenticeships up to a year in advance, whereas others may be a month before the start date. Make sure you read each vacancy carefully and ensure you understand any deadlines and next steps.
It’s good to start looking around a year before you want the apprenticeship to start.
Do I need work experience to get an apprenticeship?
Work experience can look great on a CV as it shows you’ve got passion for the subject and have gone the extra mile to demonstrate it. When applying for jobs, it’s all about showing you have the transferrable skills to do the role. So, although work experience is very beneficial, this could also be demonstrated through volunteering, part-time jobs, or academic achievements. It’s whatever is most relevant to the position that you’re applying for.
Remember, the apprenticeship is designed to give you work experience, so nobody will be expecting you to already work in the industry.
Where can I find apprenticeship vacancies?
There are lots of places you can find apprenticeship vacancies including:
- UCAS' apprenticeship and graduate job search
- Companies own career sites - you want to work in a specific sector, you may want to look at well-known companies, as well as smaller employers who work in the sector to see if they have additional vacancies.
- UCAS Discovery Exhibitions, where you can meet apprenticeship recruiting companies and universities
You might want to look through our employer profiles to get a feel for who offers what.

Degree apprenticeships
How do I apply for degree apprenticeships?
You can search for degree apprenticeships on UCAS' apprenticeship and graduate job search. You can also find them on our course search tool by using the ‘degree apprenticeship’ filter.
You don’t apply for degree apprenticeships via UCAS. We will redirect you to the employer’s or provider’s website to follow their application process
Can I go straight from further education to a degree apprenticeship?
Do the NHS offer degree apprenticeships?
Yes, the NHS have a variety of degree apprenticeships. Common courses include nursing, podiatry, or dental nursing. The Medical Doctor degree apprenticeship is also launching in 2023
You can find all current NHS degree apprenticeships at NHS Careers.
What do ‘non-degree qualifications’ mean on a degree apprenticeship vacancy?
Non-degree qualification requirements are qualifications that aren’t part of the degree, but which you need to achieve during the apprenticeship in order to achieve the full degree.
An example of this would be an accounting apprenticeship that leads to a BSc degree but includes an ACA certificate as well which you need if you intend to practice as a chartered accountant.
Can I defer a degree apprenticeship place?

All about degree apprenticeships
Find out everything you need to know about degree apprenticeships, and watch what a day in the life is like for a degree apprentice. How apprenticeships work
Is there a guaranteed job at the end of an apprenticeship?
Can I study an apprenticeship abroad?
Can I move from one employer to another but continue with my apprenticeship?
How many hours would I work a week as an apprentice?
Will I be expected to travel?
Who chooses which uni, college, or training provider I study with?
An employer will have a specific training provider that they’re partnered with to deliver the apprenticeship. This might be a college, or a university if it’s a degree apprenticeship. When you look at the apprenticeship online, it will tell you which training provider this is or you can contact the employer if you’re not sure. If you’re interested in doing a degree apprenticeship with a specific university, you can visit our course search tool and use the ‘degree apprenticeship’ filter.
How many days will I get to study?
Apprentices must spend 20% of their working time studying for their qualification. How this is structured is up to the employer, the apprentice, and the training provider to work out. The two common options are:
- One day per week: four days working and one day of study per week
- Block release: where you study for a week or two weeks at a time and then work for a week or two weeks at a time
Will I have time for a social life as an apprentice?
Can I do multiple apprenticeships in a row?
Yes, this is very common. For example, if you started on a Level 4 apprenticeship in England, you may want to transition onto a degree apprenticeship once you finish the Level 4 course.

Apprenticeship case studies
Find out what it's like to be an apprentice and what apprentices get up to day to day. Salary and benefits
How much do I get paid as an apprentice?
As an apprentice, you are entitled to a minimum of £7.55 per hour, but many companies offer more than this. Each apprenticeship will pay differently depending on the company, the industry, and where you are in the UK. You should check vacancies for specific information or contact the employer if the salary isn’t listed.
Find out more about funding and finance for apprenticeships.
Do I get sick pay and holiday pay?
Why do London apprenticeships offer higher salaries?
Do employers help with travel fees?
Can I live in student accommodation as an apprentice?
