Everything you need to know about Intermediate Apprenticeships.
Intermediate apprenticeships are the first level of apprenticeships. Sometimes (confusingly, we might add) referred to as ‘level 2’, they offer a foot-in-the-door to a whole host of different industries.
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What is an intermediate apprenticeship?
An intermediate apprenticeship is the lowest level of apprenticeship qualification available to people in the UK.
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.
An apprenticeship is a full time commitment, with your time split (usually 80/20) between working at your new job and studying towards a qualification, either with a college or training provider.
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 both transitioning into work and for career changes.
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 apprentices work towards qualifications such as NVQ level two, BTEC’s, or an industry specific certification. Completing an intermediate apprenticeship is equivalent to 5 GCSE passes.
Typically, it will take students between 12 to 24 months to pass their intermediate apprenticeship, and assessment tends to take the form of coursework or ‘projects’ rather than school style exams.
Some employers may offer longer apprenticeships to provide more extensive training or rotate apprentices through different departments or roles within the company.
After course completion, you can move into full time employment if you are offered a role by your employer, or with another company. Alternatively, you could apply for an advanced (level 3) apprenticeship to continue your skilling up journey.
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. However, some specialist sectors like finance, defence, and engineering can offer higher starting wages at entry-level.
Our Latest Intermediate Apprenticeships:
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Apprenticeships at Amazon (2024)
AmazonUK -
Chef Apprenticeships
Mitchells & ButlersUK -
Work Experience at McLaren F1 (Register your interest 24/25)
Mclaren RacingWoking, London, Oxford, -
PWC Summer Internship 2025 (In-person)
PWCUK -
ITV News Traineeship (2024)
ITVUK -
BAE Systems Apprenticeships (Register your interest for 2024/25)
BAE SystemsUK -
Foundation Apprenticeships at HSBC
HSBCUK -
BRS Racehorse Care Apprenticeship
British Racing SchoolNewmarket
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Why should I do an intermediate apprenticeship?
There’s loads of reasons to pursue an intermediate apprenticeship:
Loads of 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.
Get a 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.
Access to 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 right 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.
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