Information on apprenticeships, including what they are, where to find opportunities, and more
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Apprenticeships are paid jobs that combine work with study and training, allowing you to gain recognised qualifications while earning a wage. They are available to young people aged 16 and over.
You’ll have dedicated time during your working hours to complete training and study as part of your apprenticeship. Some training may take place in person.
There are different apprenticeship qualification levels, ranging from Level 2 to Level 7. Most young people start at Level 3, which is equivalent to A Levels, though many people choose to complete their post-16 education before starting their apprenticeship.
Depending on the level, an apprenticeship can take anywhere from 8 months to 5 years to complete.
Instant Expert: Find out more about what to expect when becoming an apprentice.
Finding apprenticeships
When you're ready to start applying for apprenticeships, there are lots of places to find opportunities.
- We list apprenticeship opportunities in Oxfordshire and send out weekly opportunity bulletins featuring jobs, apprenticeships and other opportunities for young people.
- Further Education (FE) colleges also offer apprenticeships, so it's worth exploring what your local college has available. Visit their apprenticeship pages or contact them directly to find out more.
- You can also sign up to the National Apprenticeship Finder to search current apprenticeship vacancies across England. You can filter opportunities by location, subject area and apprenticeship level.
Good to know: If you are interested in doing an apprenticeship, a great place to start is by talking to the careers lead at your place of learning.
Applying for opportunities
Most job applications are completed online. To apply, you'll usually need a CV and cover letter, but it's always worth checking the application requirements carefully.
Give yourself plenty of time to complete your application so you don't have to rush.
If you don't have internet access at home, you can use computers for free at your local library.
Top tip: It is always a good idea to get somebody else to look over your application, this could be a parent/ carer, friend, or somebody at your place of learning.
