Nowadays, there are so many different forms of education that as students we’re almost spoilt for choice. These multiple forms of education allow us to decide how we want to study. They also allow us to find which style suits us best. From a very academic traditional course to a more vocational one or even to a hands-on apprenticeship.
At times, without information from websites like this one, it can be hard to really understand what any of these courses really mean. Especially for forms of education like Apprenticeships that don’t follow the traditional route. You may even be asking what limits and requirements that are to study one. On top of that, depending on your age you may experience a variance in pay.
In short, the answer is yes. You can do an apprenticeship at almost any age. However, there is a slight restriction as the minimum age you need to be is 16. Any other requirements for Apprenticeships will depend on the level of apprenticeship and the specific sector it’s in. For example, the first level of apprenticeship won’t have many specific grade requirements. However, further levels will have a lot more as they may even be the equivalent of a master’s degree.
Continue reading for more information about the minimum and maximum ages of Apprenticeships. Stay tuned for more information about the requirements of each level of apprenticeship. If you are considering whether to study an apprenticeship, this guide will be particularly helpful to you.
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Is there a minimum age limit for Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships can come in many different subjects at various different levels. Each apprenticeship is aimed at a different group of people. Each of these groups being at different ages, levels of education and in different sectors.
In the UK, Apprenticeships aren’t particularly age restricted. That being said, there is still a minimum age requirement for you to do one. To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you will typically need to be at least 16 years old. For more information about this requirement check out this guide from Lagat College.
The reason for this is likely due to the compulsory school age. In the UK, this is between 5 and 16. This means that any child between these ages needs to be getting a full-time education. For more information about compulsory school age, look at this governmental guide. An Apprenticeship is considered a form of education. However, an apprenticeship is also normally a full-time job. Due to this, it is not particularly suitable for anyone younger to undertake one.
Is there a maximum age limit for Apprenticeships?
We are beginning to recognise the importance of lifelong learning more and more. Especially as it helps us to constantly develop and forever be students. On top of that, it can also be a form of self-care as it nurtures your brain and can help you to develop. Due to this, putting a maximum age limit on any kind of learning or education can seem strange.
In the UK, Apprenticeships aren’t really age restricted. So, there is no maximum age to stop you from doing an apprenticeship. This means that as long as you are 16 and meet the apprenticeship’s specific requirements, you can do it. For more information about the age requirements for Apprenticeships in the UK look at this article from Prince’s Trust.
While there is no actual maximum age, in the UK, the typical apprenticeship is aimed at 16–24-year-olds. This is because it is a training programme that can help you to begin your career. But taking an apprenticeship later on, can still be a great idea. For example, it can help if you are planning to break into a new career path, or even if you’re looking to level up and boost your skills.
What are the requirements to do an Apprenticeship?
You can do an apprenticeship at any age over 16. But there can be other requirements for taking these qualifications. These can often be sector specific and will generally vary depending on the level of qualification that the apprenticeship is. For more details about these different levels continue reading the following points and check out this article from Asset Training & Consultancy Ltd.
Intermediate Apprenticeships
An intermediate apprenticeship is a level 2 qualification. It is also the equivalent to 5 GCSE passes. It is the first level of apprenticeship in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Due to being the first level, there are generally no specific entry requirements in terms of grades.
As part of the apprenticeship, you may even be able to redo your GCSE English or Maths qualifications. Alternatively, you could take a Functional Skills qualification. For more information about intermediate apprenticeship requirements look here at the allaboutschoolleaversco.uk website.
Advanced Apprenticeships
An advanced apprenticeship is a level 3 qualification. It is the next level up of apprenticeship in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. As a level 3 qualification, it is roughly equivalent to 2 A-Level passes. While the entry requirements may vary, you will usually need 5 GCSE passes. This will typically include GCSEs in English and Maths. For more information about advanced Apprenticeships and their entry requirements, check out this article by UCAS.
Higher Apprenticeships
A higher apprenticeship is a form of higher education. This means that it is a level of education that is more advanced and is typically studied at age 18 or later. For more information about higher education check out this Think Student article.
It can either be a level 4 or level 5 qualification in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. As a level 4 qualification, it is equivalent to a higher national certificate (HNC). As a level 5 qualification, it is equivalent to a higher national diploma (HND). For more information about qualification levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland check out this governmental guide.
As it is higher education, you will typically need to have some kind of level 3 qualification. This can be A-Levels, NVQs, BTECs or other qualifications. You may have even previously completed an advanced apprenticeship. You will also need to have at least passes at GCSE. On top of that, some employers will require you to have studied specific subjects or have some other kind of relevant experience.
For more information about higher Apprenticeships and their requirements, check out this article by UCAS.
Degree Apprenticeships
Being the level above higher Apprenticeships, a Degree Apprenticeship is also a form of higher education. A Degree Apprenticeship can either be a level 6 or level 7 qualification in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. A level 6 qualification is equivalent to an undergraduate degree. A level 7 qualification is equivalent to a postgraduate qualification, such as a master’s degree. For more information about these levels and their equivalents, check out this governmental guide.
As this is such a high-level qualification, you will typically need GCSEs and A-Level or alternative level 3 qualifications. However, as degree Apprenticeships are rather specified qualifications, each one will have their own requirements. This is particularly because degree Apprenticeships can come in many different sectors. For more information about degree Apprenticeships and their requirements, look at this article by UCAS.
Apprenticeships in Scotland
The apprenticeship levels in Scotland are slightly different. The levels are as follows:
- Foundation Apprenticeships – These are aimed at students who are still in school to be taken alongside qualifications such as National 5s and Highers. So, it is unlikely that you will need to have any specific grade requirements.
- Modern Apprenticeships – To be able to study these, you will need to be at least 16. While it will depend on the apprenticeship, you will also typically need to have 3 or more National 4s.
- Graduate Apprenticeships – You will need to be over 16 or sometimes 18 for these Apprenticeships. As it is an equivalent to an undergraduate degree, these qualifications will often have similar entry requirements to them. For more information about this check out this article from Apprenticeships.scot
For more information about Apprenticeships in Scotland and their requirements, check out this article from Prospects.