Apprenticeship levels
You might have seen apprenticeship roles advertised at different levels, but you may be unsure what they mean?
Here we explain apprenticeship levels in England, Scotland and Wales. We explain what you need to apply for them. We’ll also go over the different paths you might take as you progress in your apprenticeship and where to go next.
If you have any questions, get in touch with us at Go Construct and we can help. Or, if you’re ready, apply for an apprenticeship and get started on your career.
Which apprenticeship level is right for me?
Choosing the best apprenticeship for you will depend on your previous experience. It will also depend on your level of education, and the type of job you see yourself doing. You may be looking to change career and already have previous qualifications. This will help you start at an intermediate or higher-level apprenticeship. Or, you may be starting fresh from school.
You have a lot of options to consider, but don’t worry. Go Construct has a helpful guide on the different ways you can get into construction. Plus all the fantastic benefits of taking an apprenticeship.
How long might an apprenticeship last?
An apprenticeship takes at least one year but can take up to six years to complete, depending on its level. Other factors such as your role in the apprenticeship, or previous career and experience can also affect how long the apprenticeship takes.
Apprenticeship level equivalents
Apprenticeship levels work differently to typical academic levels. Each has a corresponding level number or numbers. The higher the number, the more challenging the qualification is.
You may also be wondering where qualifications such as an NVQ or SVQ fit in. Most apprenticeships will normally integrate these qualifications into the different levels.
Sometimes the levels of qualifications are slightly different in other countries. You can check what a qualification level means in the UK and rest of Europe here.
Here is a breakdown of each apprenticeship and its level. It also shows the academic qualification it’s equal to:
|
Name |
Equivalent Educational Level |
|
GCSE |
|
|
A Level |
|
|
Foundation degree and above |
|
|
Bachelor's or master's degree |
|
Name |
Equivalent Educational Level |
|
Scottish National 4/5 or Higher 6 |
|
|
Higher 6, Advanced Higher 7, Awards, Scottish Baccalaureate |
|
|
Professional Development Awards 9-11 |
|
Name |
Equivalent Educational Level |
|
5 GCSE passes at grades 4-9 |
|
|
2 A-Level passes |
|
|
HNC, Foundation degree or 1st year of Undergraduate degree |
|
|
Full Honours degree |
Begin an apprenticeship in construction
Construction apprenticeships are a fantastic way to get into the industry. We have all the information here for you to make a start, from what roles are available, to a personality quiz. These will help you find the best type of roles that suit who you are and how you like to work.