Advanced apprenticeships

A popular alternative to college for school leavers, an advanced apprenticeship can provide a pathway to paid employment and a recognised qualification for entry into a range of sectors, including finance, engineering and the media

The latest GOV.UK apprenticeship figures (November 2024) show that there were 146,520 advanced apprenticeship starts in 2023/24.

As they account for 43.1% of all starts, they are the most popular type of apprenticeship, ahead of higher apprenticeships (122,230).

What is an advanced level apprenticeship?

Similar to other apprenticeships, advanced apprenticeships provide a viable pathway to full-time education while allowing you to experience a real job.

They can take a minimum of 12 months and up to four years to complete, but most are completed within two years. It all depends on how fast you learn.

These Level 3 qualifications, equivalent to two A-level passes, involve studying at a further education (FE) college.

Read our essential guide to apprenticeships.

Who is an advanced apprenticeship for?

Advanced apprenticeships provide an excellent opportunity for those aged 16 and over, living in England and not already studying full time to kick-start their career.

They can also be an option if you're looking to upskill in your current role.

Read our overview of the UK's FE sector.

What areas can I do an advanced apprenticeship in?

With over 190 apprenticeships available at advanced level, you have plenty of options to choose from, including roles as an:

• ambulance support worker
• chef
• dental nurse
• early years educator
• hair professional
• paralegal
• pharmacy technician
• travel consultant
• veterinary nurse.

You can enter a range of popular industries, such as:

• accountancy
• banking and finance
• business
• construction
• engineering
• healthcare
• hospitality
• human resources (HR)
• information technology (IT)
• marketing
• media
• retail
• transport.

Where can I find an advanced apprenticeship?

Advanced apprenticeships are available nationwide, with employers delivering these programmes in partnership with local colleges and training providers.

Major recruiters in all sectors offer advanced apprenticeships, including:

• AWE - offers 11 Level 3 apprenticeships in operations, HR, electrical or mechanical maintenance, and project controls.
• Babcock - various programmes including communications engineering, electrical and electronic manufacturing, and electrical control and instrumentation craftsperson.
• BAE Systems - business services, engineering, manufacturing, and technology apprenticeships, with featured roles including welder, pipe fabricator and steelworker.
• Barclays - two-year programmes in software development, technology, cyber and security, operations, HR and banking (retail or corporate).
• BBC - Level 3 schemes to work as a broadcast and media systems technical operator, business administrator, HR support, junior production coordinator, multichannel marketer or production apprentice.
• Civil Service - a range of frontline, corporate or government policy positions in digital, cyber security, customer service, and finance.
• Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) - an advanced apprenticeship focusing on vehicle manufacturing with opportunities to work in design, development, quality assurance, or maintenance.
• National Grid Group - routes you can take include electricity transmission, distribution, and operations.
• National Health Service (NHS) - jobs at this level include business administrator, senior therapy support worker, dental nurse, and maternity support worker.
• Network Rail - opportunities in finance, rail engineering, rail infrastructure operations and section planning.
• Rolls-Royce - a three-year Nuclear Non-Destructive Testing Engineering Technician Apprenticeship and a four-year Engineering Apprenticeship.

To find out what's available near you, search for advanced apprenticeships at GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship.

What qualifications and grades do I need?

Employers will set entry criteria for their advanced apprenticeship programmes, which typically involve a set number of GCSEs, including maths and English.

For instance, BAE Systems' advanced apprentices are open to those aged 16 and over with five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including maths and English. Science or technical roles will also require a GCSE pass in a science-based subject. For some trade positions, they ask for five GCSEs at 9-3 (A*-E).

Alternatively, Rolls-Royce seeks those with four GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 (C), including maths, English language and science (excluding biology), for its Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship.

When and how do I apply?

Opportunities are available all year round, but some bigger employers stick to their recruitment windows. For instance, BAE Systems starts accepting applications for its programmes at the beginning of November, with the process running until the end of February, with a start date in August or September.

Apprenticeship applications are sent directly to the company you want to work for. This typically involves completing an online job application or sending them a CV and cover letter.

If you make it to the next stage, you'll usually be interviewed, although you may be invited to attend an assessment centre or undergo psychometric testing.

Read up on how to apply for an apprenticeship.

Will I get paid?

As an apprentice on an advanced apprenticeship, you'll get at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for your age group.

For all those aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over and in their first year, the current apprenticeship wage (as of April 2024) is £6.40.

Read what you're entitled to as an apprentice at GOV.UK - Become an apprentice.

While employers are not obliged to pay their apprentices above the NMW, many large companies offer more competitive wages.

Here are some examples of annual wages on offer in 2025:

• AWE - £16,750 for its Level 3 Advanced Control and Instrumental Maintenance Apprenticeship.
• Babcock - £16,855 in year one (rising annually to reach £27,535 by year four) for its Mechanical Manufacturing Apprenticeship.
• BAE Systems - £22,463 for its Advanced Apprentice Shipbuilding Design Engineer.
• Barclays - £24,000.
• BBC - £21,840, plus a £5,318 living allowance for its Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship in London.
• JLR - £15,850.
• MoD - £29,580 for its Level 4 Finance Apprenticeship.
• Network Rail - £19,838 to £24,000 for its advanced apprenticeship schemes.
• Rolls-Royce - £16,666 in year one (rising annually to reach £24,854 by year four) for its Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship.
• Valuation Office Agency (Civil Service) - £26,734 for its Surveying Technician Apprentice.

The average salary for an advanced apprentice is £21,000, although it can range from £16,000 to £30,000 per year.

Will I be guaranteed a job?

After investing in your development for up to four years, it's highly likely the company will take you on permanently after completing your advanced apprenticeship. However, this is not always guaranteed.

Either way, if you perform well during the programme, you'll be all set for a successful career in the industry.

If you plan to continue your studies while working, these Level 3 qualifications can also help you progress to a higher or degree apprenticeship. Explore the pros and cons of going to university or doing an apprenticeship.

Find out more

• Search advanced apprenticeship opportunities.
• Consider other alternatives to university.
• Discover the full range of college courses.