Apprenticeships are essential to get professional expertise in many fields. Are you a creative person? Do you want to turn your manual skills into a high-paying job? Apprenticeship is the best for you. It will be your recognized qualification that will denote your eligibility for some professions. But, is apprenticeship possible for all people? Are there some age restrictions in the UK? 

What is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a set of vocational training and practical learning, aiming at gaining expertise in a specific field such as cooking, manufacturing, designing, sculpting, etc..

Unlike the educational system in the UK, apprenticeship is a shortened educational way open for:

-School leavers: those who reached 16 years old and didn't get the GCSE exam can take an apprentice route to pursue a final career or run a business project.

-Immigrants: if your degree is not compatible with the British educational system, you should better go for an apprenticeship, instead of paying a lot of money to meet the requirements of an equivalent degree. This is recommended when you have some manual skills to develop them into a well-established project.

Entrepreneurs: People who want to start a project usually get training and study the business they are planning for. Entrepreneurs in catering, hotel management, fashion design, or even in digital projects can benefit from a chosen crash course that involves vocational training and professional experience. For more details, check, What is Apprenticeship? Unlocks its Main Benefits for Students

Age Requirements for Apprenticeship in the UK:

The previous definition is very general. It does not cover everything about apprenticeship. So when you consider apprenticeship over college studies, you need to select a particular apprenticeship that goes well with your educational situation, age, and fees. Age can play a salient role in the admission of applicants. Some industries require young apprentices that do not overpass an age limit such as,

-Fire fighting, security apprenticeship: this field requires physically prepared applicants. Age requirements for security and fire fighting apprenticeship are

-Hosting and administrative apprenticeship: this field is open for young applicants

-Medical/ paramedical apprenticeship: for first-aid and emergency team applicants, there is an apprenticeship to train young candidates interested in healthcare assistance. 

-Piling attendant apprenticeship

Jobs that require massive attention, full-time attendance, and emergency skills require young apprentices.

Blue-collar jobs, based on manual skills and long working hours, are also targeting young apprentices. You may also read; Will my Job Opportunities Boost up with an apprenticeship?

Types of Apprenticeship in the UK:

Apprenticeship is open starting by the age of 16 years old. Some professions are leading to blue-collar jobs, requiring very young apprentices. Others are eligible for white-collar jobs. They require a higher qualification and even accept adults in integrating them in the professional mainstream. Let's take a look at the types of apprenticeship and their age limit.

-Intermediate apprenticeship: this type is equivalent to a GCSE degree. It is open for 16 years old applicants or school leavers. This apprenticeship culminates in level 2 qualifications, which is suitable for jobs in fields like:

• Animal care and Agriculture  
• Mechanical and technical skill-based jobs
• Beauty and hairstyling jobs

-Advanced apprenticeship is superior to the previous intermediate training, as it is equivalent to 2 A-level passes. It is also recognized as level 3 qualifications that might include either an NVQ or a BTCE, depending on the apprentice choice. This advanced apprenticeship applies to:

• Dental care Assistant
• Journalism and Media subordinate jobs
• Paramedical jobs
• Paralegal jobs
• Parapharmaceutical jobs
• Retail team leader jobs.

-Higher apprenticeship: to get admission to a higher apprenticeship, you need to already have an A-level or a level 3 qualification. This type of apprenticeship is for qualified applicants who have already passed the intermediate level. This apprenticeship leads to level 4 qualifications and above, depending on the chosen discipline that falls into these categories:

• Technical
• Finance and accounting
• Science
• Media and Art
• Education and teaching assistance

This apprenticeship is equivalent to an education certificate in finance, science, or media. It is also equivalent to a foundation degree or a diploma. Applicants should be 18 years old to get admitted to this type of apprenticeship.

-Degree apprenticeship: a degree apprenticeship is equivalent to a college degree. Level 6 qualifications meet a bachelor's degree in terms of importance. A level 7 qualification is equivalent to a Master's Degree. Again, this apprenticeship type is for qualified applicants who already have 3 level qualifications. This type includes managerial courses and applicable for business studies, finance, law, and Technical terms.

Adult Apprenticeships:

Some apprenticeships are equivalent to higher qualifications and put an age restriction for admission and the chosen courses. However, some industries do not have any age limit and open for applicants aged 18 to 24. Adult Apprenticeship may include similar Level 3 qualification specialties such as cooking, customer service, or event planning apprenticeship. Why Do Students Still Prefer College Degree over an Apprenticeship?

Whatever the type of your apprenticeship, there is always the same set of advantages. It is for helping people get vocational training and learning simultaneously, with cost-effective and short-term education.

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