Intermediate Apprenticeships (Level 2)

What is an intermediate apprenticeship?

Intermediate apprenticeships are the first level of apprenticeships. Sometimes (confusingly, we might add) referred to as ‘level 2’, intermediate apprenticeships are a foot-in-the-door to a host of different industries.

An intermediate apprenticeship is a full time commitment, with that time split between working with your employer and studying towards a qualification, either at a college or training provider.

As an ‘entry-level’ apprenticeship, they serve as a great first step into a career, industry, or company. Particularly for those who don’t want to continue fulltime classroom learning after their GCSEs.

You can do an intermediate apprenticeship at age 16 and can start to look for positions during your last year at school. Likewise, there is no maximum age limit for an intermediate apprenticeship, so they are great for transitioning into work and for career changes.

In 2017/18, there were 161,000+ intermediate apprenticeship starts.

How do I get an intermediate apprenticeship?

Entry requirements for intermediate apprenticeships can vary. Most employers will want to see that you have proficient English and Maths skills. This means having your Maths and English GCSEs passed is a big advantage.

If you don’t have your Maths and English GCSEs, your employer will ask you to complete a basic numeracy and literacy test, and you will likely be required to complete further English and Maths proficiency as part of your training.

Many intermediate apprenticeships will not require you to have lots of formal qualifications, and previous experience (even a part-time job) might be enough to get you started on the right path.

What qualifications can I achieve?

Intermediate apprenticeships work towards qualifications such as NVQ level two or a BTEC. Completing an intermediate apprenticeship is the equivalent to 5 GCSE passes. After course completion, you are qualified to move into full time employment or apply for an advanced (level 3) apprenticeship to continue skilling up.

What do I get paid?

Intermediate apprentices are paid positions, meaning you earn while you learn. All apprenticeships follow similar wage guidelines and are also governed by an apprentice minimum wage.

As the lowest level of apprenticeship available, intermediate apprentices can expect to start near the minimum wage, and see their pay increase as they progress with their learning and skills.

Why should I do an intermediate apprenticeship?

There’s loads of reasons to pursue an intermediate apprenticeship:

Choice

Intermediate apprenticeships give you a choice. Apprenticeships are available in over 100 industries across the UK, and the skills you can gain open you up to a host of other career opportunities.

Foot-in-the-door

Getting your foot in the door of a fantastic company or industry is a real advantage and can help to improve your career prospects immeasurably.

Fantastic training

The best apprenticeships are designed to give you the skills you need to advance quickly in a career. Unlike school, apprenticeships tool you up with only the skills you need to have, and you’ll put them to use every day in hands-on scenarios.

Start earning now

Learning is always a little bit easier when you are being paid to do it. Start earning now rather than waiting for a future payday.

Work experience

Intermediate apprenticeships can get you a fantastic level of paid work experience, helping you to easily advance or take those skills to an entirely different industry or company. Once your apprenticeship is completed, you are free to move in a different direction, but you take that valuable experience with you.

Expert advice

Apprenticeships also afford the opportunity to work with and alongside experienced professionals in your industry, learning from them every day.

Career progression

Apprentices find it easier to find full time employment once their scheme has ended, and many will move into a permanent role with their existing employer.