Apprenticeships are a vital route for employers to develop skilled talent while providing opportunities for individuals to learn and earn. As an employer, understanding the different apprenticeship levels available is essential for choosing the right path for your organisation’s needs. Whether you’re looking to hire new talent or upskill your current workforce, understanding these levels helps you make informed decisions to support growth and innovation.
Apprenticeship levels
Apprenticeships are structured across levels that align with specific qualifications and skill sets. Each level is tailored to the apprentice’s experience, education, and career progression goals. For employers, understanding these levels is key to finding the right match for the job role, whether that’s an entry-level position or a highly specialised role.
The main apprenticeship levels available are:
- Level 2: Equivalent to GCSEs.
- Level 3: Equivalent to A-levels.
- Level 4 and 5: Equivalent to Higher National Certificates/Diplomas (HNC/HND) or the first year of a degree.
- Level 6 and 7: Degree and postgraduate level.
Level 8: Doctoral level, although these are more specialised and less common.
What level of apprenticeship is equivalent to a degree?
Degree apprenticeships, which are typically Level 6 or 7, offer a unique pathway for apprentices to gain a university equivalent education while working. A Level 6 apprenticeship is comparable to a bachelor’s degree, while a Level 7 apprenticeship is on par with a master’s degree. Degree apprenticeships combine in-depth academic learning with hands-on work experience, creating a practical route for employees to pursue higher education without the cost of traditional university education.
For employers, degree apprenticeships can attract ambitious individuals looking to gain significant expertise in fields like digital, business, or management. They are ideal for roles that demand high-level qualifications but also benefit from practical experience in a working environment.
What are advanced apprenticeships?
Advanced apprenticeships, often referred to as Level 3 apprenticeships, are designed for those who already have some foundational knowledge or skills. Equivalent to A-levels, these apprenticeships are suitable for job roles that require more than entry-level skills but may not demand the same depth of knowledge as higher apprenticeships or degree apprenticeships.
Advanced apprenticeships focus on developing practical skills and are typically suited for positions such as supervisors, administrative roles, or technicians. Advanced apprenticeship programmes often serve as a springboard, allowing apprentices to progress to higher apprenticeships as their skills and ambitions grow.
Level 3 apprenticeship equivalent
A Level 3 apprenticeship is equivalent to two A-Levels and is perfect for employees looking to develop technical expertise or work in more responsible roles. Some examples of Level 3 apprenticeships, offered by Access Industry, include Level 3 Multi-channel Marketer, Level 3 Content Creator, Level 3 Software Development Technician, and Level 3 Creative Industries Production Technician (Live Event Technician) or (Creative Venue Technician) pathways to name a few.
Apprentices at this level offer employers immediate value, bringing fresh perspectives and an openness to adopt new working styles. As they build academic knowledge and hands-on experience, enrolling current staff or new hires in a Level 3 programme prepares them to handle increasingly complex tasks and drive business performance. These apprentices also have the potential to advance to higher-level apprenticeships or seamlessly transition into full-time roles within your organisation.
Overall, Level 3 apprenticeships offer apprentices the opportunity to grow within a role, often preparing them for promotions into more advanced positions within the company. These programmes are a productive investment for companies looking to build skilled employees from the ground up.
Level 4 apprenticeship equivalent
Level 4 apprenticeships are equivalent to the first year of a higher education qualification, such as a higher national certificate (HNC). These apprenticeships are typically ideal for individuals who have already completed a Level 3 apprenticeship or have relevant industry experience. Level 4 apprenticeship programmes span across many different disciplines, at Access Industry some of these include Level 4 Sports Coach, Level 4 Software Developer, and Level 4 Assistant Recording Technician.
For employers, taking on a Level 4 apprentice allows you to nurture the next generation of managers or technical specialists. This level not only helps upskill your workforce but also supports retention, as apprentices can see clear progression pathways within your organisation.
Professional apprenticeships
Professional apprenticeships are generally recognised as those at Levels 4 to 7 and are often associated with regulated industries requiring specific qualifications or accreditations. Sectors that can benefit greatly from professional apprenticeships include finance, law, healthcare, and engineering.
By offering these structured pathways, professional apprenticeships not only contribute to individual career progression but also bolster an organisation’s commitment to quality and professional excellence.
Pay rate for a second-year apprenticeship
Apprenticeship pay rates vary depending on the apprentice’s age and other factors. Employers with apprentices aged 19 or over who have completed their first year must pay at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for their age group.
Up until April 2025, these rates are:
- Aged 18 to 20: £8.60 per hour
- Aged 21 and over: £11.44 per hour
Employers can choose to pay more than these minimum rates to attract and retain talent, especially in competitive industries or roles. Additionally, offering a clear pay progression model can improve motivation and drive apprentices to perform at their best.
Apprenticeship training provider
Selecting the right apprenticeship training provider ensures that your apprentices not only gain the necessary qualifications but also develop valuable skills through workshops and other learning sessions. Providers such as Access Industry place a strong emphasis on industry needs whilst also offering a tailored approach to meet your specific requirements.
As an apprenticeship training provider, our goal is to connect employers with workforce-ready apprentices, all while ensuring the training provided is relevant, practical, and designed to meet the ever-evolving needs of a variety of industries.
With group experience of over 30 years operating in the education sector, our support includes bespoke training plans, ongoing progress monitoring, and advice on how to integrate apprentices effectively into your business.
Hire an apprentice
One of the main advantages of hiring an apprentice is the ability to mould them into an employee who is specifically trained in the skills required by your business. As apprentices learn on the job, they fuse into your company’s culture and operations from the start.
When it comes to hiring apprentices, it’s important to recognise the value of hiring at different apprenticeship levels. Each level offers distinct advantages, depending on your company’s needs and objectives.
Hiring apprentices at various levels allows businesses to address their immediate staffing needs while also planning for future growth. By offering opportunities at different stages of the apprenticeship journey, you can develop a pipeline of skilled professionals who can advance with the company over time.
Explore your apprenticeship options, and see how Access Industry’s apprenticeships can help you build a brighter, more skilled future for your organisation.
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