Foundation, Intermediate (Level 2) and Advanced (Level 3) Apprenticeships
New Level of Apprenticeship - Foundation Apprenticeship
What are foundation apprenticeships? Foundation apprenticeships help young people gain technical knowledge and skills while earning a wage. They are designed for young people who want hands-on experience in key sectors like construction, digital and social care. These level 2 apprenticeships combine technical knowledge and skills with workplace learning, helping the apprentice to decide their next career steps.
Who can be a foundation apprentice? Foundation apprenticeships are only available for young people who are: aged between 16 and 21 (or 15 years of age if the apprentice’s 16th birthday is between the last Friday of June and 31st August) aged between 22 and 24 years old, who either hold an Education, Health and Care plan have been, or are, in the care of their local authority are in prison or a prison leaver
Where can you find vacancies? As foundation apprenticeships are a new programme from 1 August 2025, it may take some time before we start to see lots of vacancies become available. Vacancies will start to appear on the Government’s Find an Apprenticeship website, as well as other jobs sites, employer websites and social media.
Intermediate Apprenticeship
If you want to become an apprentice you will need to show that you have the ability to complete the programme.
From 11 February 2025, new rules came into effect: Apprentices aged 16-18 still need to achieve English and Maths qualifications, even if they turn 19 during their apprenticeship. Apprentices aged 19+ are no longer required to pass English and Maths to complete apprenticeships.
Advanced Apprenticeship
For a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship you will probably need at least 5 GCSEs with grades 4-9. English and maths grades 4-9 may be required.
Even if you already have other Level 3 qualifications like A Levels or a BTEC you might have to start at the Advanced Apprenticeship level. This is so you can develop your experience and transferable skills in the job area.
For example, professional areas such as training to be an accounting technician require everyone to start at Level 2 regardless of whether a student has A Levels or not.
For students applying for entry to higher education in 2026, UCAS Tariff points will be awarded to apprenticeships at Level 3.
Higher and Degree Apprenticeship
Your career doesn’t have to stop after an Advanced Apprenticeship. If you want to go on to study at a higher level you will find many Higher Education institutions and colleges will value the skills and knowledge gained from your Advanced Apprenticeship, and there are also lots of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships - take a look at the 'Higher Apprenticeships' section to find out more
From January 2026 only learners aged 21 and under will be eligible for funded Level 7 apprenticeships. Additionally, individuals under 25 who are care leavers or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) at the start of their apprenticeship in England will be eligible for the funded training.
To find current vacancies available now look at the Careerpilot Apprenticeship Search tool or to gov.uk where you can also look for apprenticeship vacancies.