FAQ

To be an apprentice, you must have:

• a job position (on–the–job learning); and
• a place on the training provider’s course (off–the–job learning).

You can apply for the apprenticeship job through Workplus (during the Workplus application campaigns – see website for dates and deadlines) and you must also apply separately to the specific training course, usually through the training provider’s own website. We recommend doing both of these applications in parallel (i.e. around January/February time). It is the applicant’s responsibility to apply to and get a place on the training course.

If you have (or are currently working towards) GCSE or equivalent qualifications, Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeships are best–suited.

If you have (or are currently working towards) A–level or equivalent qualifications, Level 5 (Foundation degree) or Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree) apprenticeships are a good fit.

No – if eligibility requirements are met, the apprenticeship is fully funded by government. Therefore, you won’t need to take out a student loan or rack up a pile of debt. What’s even better is you get paid by the employer to do the apprenticeship! 

While each training course has a different teaching pattern, apprentices typically spend 4 days a week at work and 1 day a week at the training provider (college, training organisation or university)

Yes – Workplus and UCAS are two different platforms.

It’s worth bearing in mind that apprenticeship employers are keen to see that applicants are passionate and interested in their particular apprenticeship – they want to make sure applicants are serious about it and are offering an apprenticeship to the right candidate.

Applicants apply to most apprenticeship training courses (off–the–job learning) through the training provider’s own website (to the part–time or HLA course). Make sure that you apply to both the training provider and to the employer (on–the–job learning).