23 April 2025
Are you curious about apprenticeships and how they can kick start your career?
Whether you are leaving school, looking to upskill or exploring a new career, apprenticeships offer a practical and enriching way to develop knowledge and skills in a wide range of industries and at various levels, offering great progression opportunities to enhance you career potential.
At the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT) our aim is to ensure everyone understands what technical education is, in all its guises! We are made up of key further education and higher education providers in the region that offer these pathways along with employer partners who help to ensure the qualifications we offer are building the skills needed for the future, today!
Explore some commonly asked questions about apprenticeships 👇
🤔 What is an apprenticeship and how do they work?
Simply put an apprenticeship is a job with training. You’ll get paid whilst developing practical hands-on skills and gain recognised qualifications – all at work in your chosen industry/job role. Apprentices divided their time between work and study. This can look different depending on the training provider or University you study with and the level you are working towards achieving. You may spend 1 day studying at an education institution and the rest with your employer, you could do block release or you could be totally work based – always check with the training provider to see what learning model they adopt.
What do the levels mean?
Name Level Equivalent Educational Level
Intermediate 2 GCSE
Advanced 3 A Level
Higher 4,5, 6 and 7 Foundation degree and above
Degree 6 and 7 Bachelor’s or master’s degree
👉 Explore what the WEIoT has to offer
👩 Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
Anyone can apply as long as you are 16 when you start the apprenticeship. So, if you are currently in year 11 you can apply now ready for when you finish school in the summer! There is no upper age limit, which means that adult pupils and career converters are also welcome!
🎓 What qualifications do I need to start an apprenticeship?
The entry requirements vary depending on the level, industry and employer expectations. Some may require GCSES while higher apprenticeships can require A levels or equivalent such as BTEC’s, T Levels etc. We always recommend speaking to your local provider who will be able to advise you best.
💷 How much can apprentices earn?
The minimum apprentice wage is currently £7.55 (from April 2025). However, many employers offer a higher salary, especially in technical sectors such as engineering and digital.
The average salary of an apprentice in the UK is £20,124* (*Glassdoor)
The average salary of a degree apprentice on completion** is £32,502 (**Incomes Data Research, 2021)
⏳ How long will the apprenticeship last?
This depends on the level and industry, but most apprenticeships take between 1 and 5 years. The higher the level normally indicates the longer duration.
🛠 What types of apprenticeships are?
There are over 700 apprenticeship standards available – however it is worth noting that not all of these will be available in your area as they are dictated by the industry need in your region.
You can view all the occupational standards here – Occupational maps / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (can you add the link here Occupational maps / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education)
The WEIoT focuses on 4 sectors in our region;
- Digital and IT
- Construction
- Advanced Engineering
- Health and care and Life Sciences
👉 Discover the areas and partners of WEIoT’s focus
Apprenticeships v’s University
| Apprenticeships | University |
| Industry experience from day one | Theory led learning, potential Sandwich year with opportunity for industry experience
|
| Free training/qualifications up to Degree Level (whilst being paid)
|
Average cost for the student £45,600
|
| Blended approach to learning
|
Predominantly lecture/classroom based
|
| Inclusive to all, with different entry levels to progress onto | One entry route, cost can often be a barrier which can rule many out
|
🌍 How can I find apprenticeships near me?
You can search for:
- Find apprenticeship (gov.uk)
- Local colleges websites:
– Weston College
– Bath College
– City of Bristol College
– South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS College)
– Yeovil College
– University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) - WEIoT website for higher -level technical options in the west of England
🤝 What support is available for apprentices?
Apprentices will receive:
- Mentoring and support from your employer
- A training provider or college or university that provides you training
- Further help with English, mathematics (if necessary)
- Support for any educational needs (if necessary)
- Although you are an employed member of staff you are still a student, so you will also be entitled to all student benefits!
Are you ready to take the next step?
👉 Visit our website and explore courses avalible across the region with our education partners!
