IT apprenticeships

If you enter the tech or digital industries through an IT apprenticeship, you'll get to learn on the job, earn a salary and achieve recognised professional certifications

What are the different levels for an IT apprenticeship?

Advanced - Level 3, equivalent to A-level.
Higher - Levels 4 and 5, equivalent to a foundation degree or above.
Degree - Levels 6 and 7, equivalent to a Bachelors and Masters degree, respectively.

What areas do IT apprenticeships cover?

They may take the form of general IT, tech or digital apprenticeships that allow you to focus on a particular area, such as:

artificial intelligence (AI)
computer programming, including coding
computer science
information and communications technology (ICT)
networking
software development
software engineering.

Programmes may then allow you to specialise even further. For example, computer science degree apprenticeships enable you to develop skills as a programmer while you decide whether to go into data analysis, tech consulting or forensics.

If you have a passion for gaming and are interested in game design and development apprenticeships, explore video game careers.

There are also apprenticeships for those considering cyber security training.

Which companies offer tech apprenticeships?

As technology underpins everything we do, they are found across all sectors.

Many UK organisations offer IT apprenticeships, from innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to leading multinational companies.

Just like with tech graduate schemes, IT apprenticeships are commonplace at leading tech employers such as:

Accenture - Level 6 apprenticeships are available in technology and consulting. Depending on the programme, they last up to four years.
Capgemini - select from degree apprenticeships in digital and technology or digital user experience (UX). They take three years and four years to complete, respectively.
Cisco - choose from degree apprenticeships in a range of specialisms, including network or software engineering, cyber security, and project management.
FDM Group - the Level 6 Digital Tech Solutions Apprenticeships enables you to work on numerous projects in areas such as IT support, robotics process automation, information security, and software development.
Fujitsu - apply for a degree apprenticeship in business consulting, software development, cyber security or network engineering.
Google - UK programmes include the 15-month Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship and the two-year Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship.
IBM - they take on a number of apprentices each year for their digital and technology solutions programme.
Microsoft - in partnership with GetMyFirstJob, a platform has been set up to connect job seekers with tech apprenticeships focusing on Microsoft technology.
Samsung - technical apprenticeships are available at advanced, higher and degree levels.
Softcat - with support from the technical team, you can achieve a Level 3 qualification in 18 months.

You'll also find examples of technology-focused apprenticeships in the following industries:

Banking and finance - Barclays, Deloitte, EY, HSBC, J.P. Morgan, KPMG and PwC.
Construction - Mace.
Engineering and manufacturing - BAE Systems, GE Aviation, Jaguar Land Rover, MBDA and Rolls-Royce.
Healthcare - the National Health Service (NHS).
Insurance - Aviva and AXA.
Marketing, advertising and PR - WPP.
Media and telecommunications - the BBC, BT Group, Sky and Virgin Media O2.
Public services - the Civil Service.
Retail - Amazon and Nestlé.

What are the requirements for being an IT apprentice?

Despite the perception that apprenticeships are for young people, there's no upper age limit. Apprenticeships are relevant to anyone who can demonstrate competence in line with an apprenticeship standard.

If you want to start an apprenticeship, you shouldn't already hold qualifications equivalent to the apprenticeship. However, you can start a scheme at the same or lower level if you need to acquire new skills and the content of the training is different from any prior funded training.

For instance, to join TfL's two-year Level 3 IT Solutions Technician apprenticeship, you must be at least 18 years old with two GCSEs at grade 4 (C) and above, including maths and English language.

On the other hand, Capgemini's three-year Level 6 Digital and Technology Degree Apprenticeship asks for three A-levels at grade C and above, plus five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including English and maths.

Finally, Rolls-Royce's four-year Level 7 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship expects five GCSEs, including maths at grade 5 (B) and English language and three other subjects at grade 4 or above.

The car manufacturer also seeks candidates with 104 UCAS Tariff points (either obtained or predicted) from three A-levels at grades BCC, including maths, a science-based subject, business or IT. Other accepted qualifications include a Level 3 Extended BTEC Diploma at grade DDM in business or IT, as long as it includes a further maths element.

What does an IT apprenticeship involve?

An apprentice should be employed for at least 30 hours per week, where they'll complete a minimum of 12 months' training. Most IT and digital apprenticeships are longer and can last for up to four years.

Apprentices undertake training both on and off the job, but all must complete a minimum of 20% of off-the-job training to meet the programme's requirements. This training must be structured and reviewed to help the apprentice achieve the knowledge, skills, and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard.

Off-the-job training must be 'away' from the workplace but does not have to be 'outside' the workplace. It can include a range of methods, such as:

role-play
online learning
job shadowing
industry visits.

At the end of the training period, the apprentice takes an end-point assessment managed by an independent assessor. The IT and digital end-point assessments include:

portfolio work
an employer's reference
a project
interview with the assessor.

At the end of the process, the apprentice is graded.

The BCS Digital IT Apprenticeship Standards, set out by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, provide more information. They cover key IT and digital apprenticeship roles at Levels 3 and 4, including:

artificial intelligence (AI) data specialist
cyber security technologist
data analyst
data technician
digital marketer
infrastructure technician
IT technical salesperson
network engineer
software developer
software tester.

If you complete an IT/digital apprenticeship through BCS, you can apply for recognition to attain the professional RITTech standard and get added to their register. Registration lasts three years, and you'll also have one free year as a BCS Associate member.

How much will I be paid?

All apprentices are paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW), which currently stands at £6.40 per hour for apprentices under 19, and those aged over 19 who are in their first year (as of April 2024).

If you're over 19 and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you must be paid the minimum wage for your age. However, as individual employers determine salaries, you could be earning considerably more than this.

Here's what annual salaries are on offer to tech apprentices in 2025:

Accenture - £21,260 for its Technology Degree (Software Engineering Specialism) Apprenticeship.
Amazon - £33,500 (Level 6).
Barclays - £24,000.
BBC - £21,840, depending on the scheme.
BT Group - £21,840 for its Level 6 Digital & Technology Solutions (Software) Apprenticeship.
Capgemini - £20,000 for its Software Developer Degree Apprenticeship.
Jaguar Land Rover - £26,092 for its Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship.
KPMG - £23,000 (UK regions) and £25,000 (London).
MBDA - £18,000, plus a £3,000 joining bonus.
Microsoft - £25,200 for its customer technical solutions and cyber security programmes.
Nestlé - £24,375 for its Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship.
Rolls-Royce - £21,776.
Sky - £26,750 for its Level 4 Technical Operator Post Production Apprenticeship.
TfL - £24,016 to £25,216.

In 2025, tech companies and leading employers will typically pay IT apprentices £18,000 to £27,000, although salaries can go as high as £33,500.

As an apprentice, you'll be paid for your normal working hours and any training in your scheme. You're entitled to 20 days' paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.

To check apprentice rates and the NMW, visit GOV.UK - Become an apprentice.

For detailed information about how apprenticeships work, pay rates, entry requirements and the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship, see what is an apprenticeship?

How do I apply for a tech apprenticeship?

Most applications are made online by completing an application form, although methods vary, so check with the organisation first.

Apply for apprenticeships as you would for a job. Thoroughly research the company you're interested in and ensure your CV is up to date. You'll need to tailor your application to fit the role by including evidence of relevant experience and examples of when you've demonstrated the required competencies.

For IT and digital roles, you could provide examples of any programming you've done or systems you've built - either in your spare time or as part of a university project.

Some organisations may ask you to sit situational judgement, numerical and psychometric tests as part of their initial recruitment process.

You may then need to attend an assessment centre or undergo telephone or video interviews before reaching the final interview stage.

Read more about how to apply for an apprenticeship.

Find out more

Explore IT graduate jobs.
Consider studying relevant IT courses.
Get an overview of the UK's IT industry.