Apprenticeships Frequently asked questions

An Apprenticeship is a unique opportunity to learn and earn at the same time. It’s a structured programme where you gain hands-on experience in a real job, while also completing off-the-job training to build your skills and knowledge. Apprenticeships are perfect for those starting a new career or for current employees looking to upskill and grow in their roles. Plus, your employer may receive government funding to support your training, making it a valuable investment in your future.

There are four types of Apprenticeships, ranging from intermediate to degree level:

Starting or Changing Your Career
Whether you’re just beginning your career or thinking about a change, Apprenticeships are open to anyone eager to gain new skills and qualifications. If you’re ready to explore a new field, an Apprenticeship offers a practical, cost-effective way to get started, combining real-world experience with industry-recognised credentials. There’s no upper age limit, so you can start an Apprenticeship at any point in your career journey. Plus, at Loughborough College, we provide a free recruitment service to help connect you with the right opportunities.

Advancing in Your Current Role
If you’re already employed full-time and want to progress in your role, an Apprenticeship can help you gain relevant skills and qualifications. Designed for those over 16 with not upper age limit, Apprenticeships allow you to upskill or take on new responsibilities, with support from your employer every step of the way. This tailored training approach aligns with your career goals and helps you advance where you’re already making an impact.

An Apprenticeship is a minimum of one year, and can take up to 5 years to complete depending on their level. (it is a minimum of 15 months with gateway and EPA)

Our Apprenticeship Team works with over 600 different employers, view our current Apprenticeship vacancies or you can search on the Government Find an Apprenticeship website for further opportunities.

Before applying for a vacancy our advice would be to check these key points:

Employer location
Make sure you are happy with the distance/travel to and from work. The employer address can be found at the bottom of every advert.

Entry criteria
What qualifications are being asked for? - If you are missing English or Maths grades, speak to us to see if Functional Skills is an option alongside the Apprenticeship.

Doing GCSEs currently?
Start having a look at vacancies anytime from April onwards, using your predicted grades on the application form.

Already found an employer
If you are employed by an organisation eager to support your Apprenticeship or have found an employer excited to have you as an Apprentice, please contact us with the employer.
Our dedicated Account Managers will contact them to discuss the next steps.

A Degree Apprenticeship lets you work and study for a Degree at the same time. You will gain industry experience, earn a salary, and pay no tuition fees towards your qualification.
Please get in touch with our team via email or call 01509 515 461 to learn more about Degree Apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships are fully funded by the employer and/or the Government. There is no cost to you. YOU get paid to study!

Employers in England have access to a variety of Apprenticeship funding schemes, including government funding at a national level, as well as a range of regional and local grants and Levy transfer schemes. No matter the size of the organisation you would like to work for, we can assist them in navigating the various routes to funding your Apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship Levy details