February 10, 2025
Everything You Need to Know About Apprenticeships in 2025
If you’re looking at career options, chances are you’ve heard about apprenticeships, but maybe you’re not quite sure what they involve or if they’re right for you.
My name is Lindsey Grainger, I’m a Careers Advisor at TyneMet College and I’m here to answer questions about what an apprenticeship is, how it works, and of course, if it’s worth it. Let me break it down for you.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is basically a job where you earn while you learn. You’ll work for an employer, get stuck into real-world tasks, and, at the same time, study to gain a qualification. It’s a win-win: you get hands-on experience AND a certificate at the end of it.
The best part? You get paid while training.
How Does It Work?
Here’s the deal:
- You work 4 days a week (usually) doing real tasks at your job. Think of it like on-the-job training, with people showing you the ropes and helping you level up.
- The other 1 day a week? That’s your study day. You’ll attend college to get the qualification that comes with your apprenticeship.
Depending on the apprenticeship, it can last anywhere from 1 to 6 years. (Don’t panic about the 6 years—those are the higher-level apprenticeships, which are closer to degree-level qualifications.)
What Types of Apprenticeships Are Out There?
You can pretty much find an apprenticeship in any industry these days. Love business? Try a business admin apprenticeship. Into teaching? There are roles in early years and teaching assistant. Wanna build stuff? The construction apprenticeship world is full of opportunities.
There are different apprenticeship levels, so no matter where you’re starting from, there’s something for you:
- Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2): Great if you’re just starting out.
- Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3): Equivalent to A-levels.
- Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4 and above): These are like uni-level qualifications.
- Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6/7): Yes, you can get a degree while working full-time.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship?
- Real-world experience: Employers love it when you’ve actually done the job before. You’ll finish with job-ready skills from day one.
- Career progression: Many apprentices stay with their employer after they finish.
- Variety of industries: Whatever your passion—tech, business, construction, early years, engineering—there’s probably an apprenticeship that fits.
When Is the Best Time to Apply for an Apprenticeship?
The best time to apply for an apprenticeship really depends on when you’re ready to start. However, there are some key times to keep in mind:
- Many employers start advertising early in the year, especially for apprenticeships that begin in the summer or autumn.
- Spring is also a great time to look, as lots of companies recruit school leavers and college students around this time.
- Some apprenticeships, especially in-demand ones, can open up months in advance, so it’s worth checking regularly.
My advice? Start looking as soon as you know you want to apply. That way, you can research options, sort out your applications, and give yourself the best chance of landing the role you want.
Do I Need a Backup Option?
While apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity, they’re also competitive. Some roles get a lot of applications, especially in popular industries.
That’s why having a backup plan is always a good idea. Your backup might be:
- Applying for multiple apprenticeships
- If you’re a school leaver, applying for a full-time college course in the same subject as your apprenticeship. This way you can still work towards the qualification you want but just a different route. You can view our range of courses here.
Think of your backup as Plan B—not because you’re going to fail, but because life can sometimes throw curveballs, and it’s always good to have options.
Am I Eligible?
Most apprenticeships have a minimum age requirement (usually 16) and may require certain qualifications like GCSEs in Maths and English. But don’t stress—there’s something for almost everyone, whether you’ve just left school or are looking to switch careers – there’s no upper age limit when it comes to starting an apprenticeship!
How Do I Find an Apprenticeship?
You can start by:
- Checking the government apprenticeship website (it’s full of opportunities).
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Popping along to one of our open events. We run these the first Tuesday of every month and are a great way to find out everything you need to know.
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Talking to a careers advisor. We’ve got all the insider knowledge to help you out.
Final Words of Wisdom
Apprenticeships are amazing for anyone who wants to dive straight into the working world. If you’re ready to kickstart your career, gain qualifications, and get paid for it, an apprenticeship could be the perfect choice for you.
Still got questions? Don’t be shy—come chat with us, and let’s figure out if an apprenticeship is your next big move.
Get in touch with us.
0191 229 5000
apprenticeships@tynecoast.ac.uk
Discover more about apprenticeships here.