Intermediate apprenticeships

Level 2 apprenticeships offer a mix of paid hands-on experience and academic learning. You'll spend most of your time gaining real-world skills in the workplace, building a strong foundation for your future

How does a Level 2 apprenticeship work?

On an intermediate apprenticeship, also known as Level 2 apprenticeship, you'll spend most of your time gaining practical skills on the job. You'll also attend classes at a college or training center to enhance your theoretical knowledge. This allows you to apply what you learn in the classroom directly to your work. 

The typical schedule is four days of work and one day of study, but this can vary depending on the apprenticeship. At the end, you'll be assessed to earn your qualification. 

According to GOV.UK apprenticeship figures (November 2024), 78,930 Level 2 apprenticeships began in 2023/2024. 

Who is an intermediate apprenticeship for?

Completing an intermediate-level apprenticeship is equivalent to achieving five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4. If you lack formal qualifications, an intermediate apprenticeship can help you earn them and kickstart your career. 

To be eligible for an intermediate apprenticeship, you must be: 

• aged 16 or older (you can apply while still in school, but you'll need to be 16 by the time you start the apprenticeship) 
• not in full-time education 
• living in England. 

Entry requirements vary depending on the employer and the specific role. If you don't have GCSEs in English and maths, you'll need to complete functional skills as part of your apprenticeship. This serves as an alternative to GCSEs. 

Remember, qualifications aren't everything. Employers value your willingness to learn, passion, and the transferable skills that you can bring to the role. 

For those from elsewhere in the UK, you'll need to read about apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

What roles are available as a Level 2 apprentice?

Intermediate apprenticeships offer a range of subjects and career paths.  

Beauty and leisure 

• barbering professional  
• beauty therapist  
• hairdresser  
• leisure team member 
• nail services technician.  

Business and finance 

• accounts or finance assistant 
• aviation customer service operative 
• business administrator 
• customer service advisor 
• team leader. 

Care services 

• adult care worker 
• early years practitioner 
• playworker. 

Construction 

• bricklayer  
• carpenter and joiner  
• plasterer  
• roofer 
• stonemason 
• scaffolder. 

Engineering and transport 

• drainage network operative  
• engineering technician 
• lightning protection operative 
• rail engineer operative 
• road surfacing operative 
• traffic operator 
• water network operative. 

Healthcare 

• adult care worker  
• dental nursing 
• healthcare science assistant 
• pharmacy services assistant. 

Hospitality and catering 

• butcher 
• production chef 
• restaurant team member. 

Retail and services 

• dog groomer 
• florist 
• junior estate agent 
• retail assistant.

For an exhaustive list of intermediate apprenticeships, visit Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education - Apprenticeship search. 

Where can I study an intermediate apprenticeship?

Level 2 apprenticeships are offered by colleges, training providers, and local councils. Some current options include: 

• accounts or finance assistant - Newcastle upon Tyne City Council, Cheshire College South and West, Peak Accountancy Training 
• beauty therapist - Blackburn College, Barnardo's, The White Rose of Beauty and Complimentary Therapies Ltd 
• carpentry and joinery - Darlington Borough Council, Specialist Trade Courses Ltd, Kingston upon Hull City Council  
• dog groomer - The College of Animal Welfare, Canine Groom School Ltd, City of Sunderland College 
• early years practitioner - Coventry City Council, Gloucestershire County Council, East Durham College 
• healthcare science assistant - Gateshead Council, CSR Scientific Training Ltd, Southport College 
• plasterer - Sheffield City Council, Leeds College of Building, Bristol City Council 
• roofer - Eastern Region Roof Training Group Ltd, Preston College, Langley Waterproofing Systems Ltd. 

For a full list of apprenticeships and providers, see GOV.UK - Apprenticeship training courses. 

Some prominent employers offering intermediate apprenticeships include: 

• Healthcare - NHS, Bupa, Nuffield Health 
• Business and finance - Howdens, Darlington Building Society, Lloyds Banking Group  
• Construction and engineering - BAE Systems, Travis Perkins plc, Tarmac 
• Infrastructure and transport - Balfour Beatty, National Trust, Transport for London 
• Hospitality - J D Wetherspoon, McDonalds, Greene King 
• Retail - Aldi, Superdrug, Co-op

How much will I be paid as an intermediate apprentice?

Like other apprenticeships, your employer covers the entire cost of your training and tuition. 

Since apprentices aren't eligible for student loans, you'll need to budget for your living expenses. 

You'll earn at least the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices (currently £6.40 per hour) during your apprenticeship. 

However, many apprenticeships offer salaries higher than the minimum wage. For instance, a customer service Intermediate apprentice at Evolve Academy can expect to earn £20,000 per year, while an accounts and finance apprentice at Tinsdills Solicitors earns £15,000 per year. 

For details on pay and conditions, visit GOV.UK - Become an apprentice. 

Will I be guaranteed a job after my apprenticeship?

While a permanent role with your current employer isn't guaranteed, you'll be well-prepared for the job market upon finishing your Level 2 apprenticeship. Your qualification aligns with industry standards, and you'll have amassed two years of relevant work experience. This combination equips you with valuable skills sought after by employers in your field.  

You'll have developed: 

• technical skills 
• problem-solving and analytical skills 
• communication and teamwork skills 
• work ethic and professionalism. 

With these skills, you'll be well-positioned for a successful career in your chosen field. You may even have the opportunity to progress to higher or degree apprenticeships to enhance your career prospects. 

When should I apply for a Level 2 apprenticeship?

Most organisations start recruiting in January or February for positions that typically begin in August or September. 

Larger organisations may start advertising positions earlier, sometimes as early as the autumn of the previous year, while smaller companies may wait until closer to the start date, possibly as late as spring. 

It's always best to check the specific application deadlines for each intermediate apprenticeship you're interested in. Be sure to start your research early to give yourself ample time to explore options and prepare your applications. 

You can search and apply for them at GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship. 

Get more advice on applying for an apprenticeship. 

Find out more

• Search degree apprenticeship opportunities. 
• Read about the best paying apprenticeship sectors in 2025. 
• Explore further education.