What qualifications do I need for an Apprenticeship?

Regardless of the level, all Apprenticeship providers expect all potential learners to meet these fundamentals. 

In the UK, you must be at least 16 years old to enrol onto an Apprenticeship.  

To complete an Apprenticeship, you must be legally entitled to work in the UK. 

You’ll be splitting your time between practical work and off-the-job training, so you will need to have the enthusiasm as well as the commitment to balance both training types throughout your course. 

The eligibility criteria will remain the same for enrolling onto any Apprenticeship. However, Apprenticeships range from Level 2 to level 7, so it must be in your best interest to choose the level that meets your current qualifications. 

Apprenticeships in the UK are grouped by level. Here’s what you typically need. 

Usually need basic literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE grades 3/D or equivalent in English and Maths). If you don’t have them, and you are 16-18 years old, you must achieve functional skills alongside your Apprenticeship. 

Typically need GCSEs at grades 4/C or above in English, Maths, and subjects relevant to your Apprenticeship you are looking to complete. Sometimes prior work experience can support your course choice. 

Usually require A-levels, a Level 3 qualification, or equivalent experience. Some competitive Apprenticeships such as engineering, finance, or IT, may ask for specific grades or subjects. 

If you are looking for employment to complete your Apprenticeship with, as opposed to already being employed, these employers will want to find out your current skills you have attained from prior work. Even if your formal qualifications are minimal, employers tend to focus on: 

• Enthusiasm for the industry 
• Willingness to learn 
• Good communication and teamwork skills 
• Reliability and punctuality 
• Problem-solving attitude 

These are essential skills that are vital to all industries who are planning to upskill their team into dynamic industry professionals. 

Fareport deliver apprenticeships for employers planning to upskill their team. But we do understand that no two apprentices are the same. This is why we understand the importance of Recognised Prior Learning (RPL). With RPL, our team will find out what qualifications your apprentice has previously achieved that are relevant to the Apprenticeship they are enrolling for. And their course will be altered depending on if they have already covered any competencies that are also with the course. This helps to stop the employee repeat any training. 

Fareport are also at the forefront of supporting learners throughout their course. With our Additional Learner Support (ALS) we can help identify any learning support the apprentice may have. 

So, the qualifications you need to complete an Apprenticeship purely depend on: 

• The Apprenticeship being chosen 
• The employees’ current & relevant qualifications 
• The current skills attained 

Apprenticeships are designed to help your team learn and grow while working. The right mix of enthusiasm, basic skills, and a willingness to learn can open the door, even if their academic record isn’t quite there. 

If you’re an employee planning to attain additional qualifications, or an employer looking to grow your team into a dynamic workforce, then Fareport can help you do just that. 

Call now on 01239 825805, or email info@fareport.co.uk, and begin your Apprenticeship journey today.