Apprenticeships in Wales: entry requirements and structure

In Wales, there are four different levels of apprenticeship. The one you choose will depend on your previous experience and qualifications. This guide will take you through each level - the entry requirements, equivalent qualifications, and future prospects - to help you decide which one is right for you.

Foundation apprenticeships

Foundation apprenticeships are intended as a first step into a career. They’re for those who are 16 or older, wanting to gain on-the-job training and an industry-recognised qualification equivalent to a Level 2 NVQ or five GCSEs.

• Equivalent to: CQFW Level 2 (GCSE, NVQ, Welsh Baccalaureate, vocational qualifications)
• Entry requirements: You must be between 16 and 24 years of age, a Welsh resident, and working 16 hours per week. Other than that, there are often no formal entry requirements. Many employers simply ask for the applicant to show that they’re motivated and willing to complete the apprenticeship.
• Pay: If you are under 19, or in your first year of the apprenticeship, you’re entitled to the apprenticeship rate of £4.81 per hour. If you’re over 19, and have completed your first year, you’ll receive the national minimum wage. However, some employers choose to pay more. Take a look at our guide UK Apprenticeships: How much will I earn? for more information.
• Prospects: After completing a foundation apprenticeship, you’ll be in a great position to apply for employment, or further study through a higher level apprenticeship.

Standard apprenticeships

• Equivalent to: CQFW Level 3 (A Level, Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced, vocational qualifications)
• Entry requirements: As with foundation apprenticeships, some employers don’t ask for any formal qualifications. However, they may require previous experience in the industry, such as work experience or a part-time job. Many employers will require applicants to have completed a related foundation apprenticeship, diploma or BTEC, or to have between three and five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent.
• Pay: If you are under 19, or in your first year of the apprenticeship, you’re entitled to the apprenticeship rate of £4.81 per hour. If you’re over 19, and have completed your first year, you’ll receive the national minimum wage. However, some employers choose to pay more. For example, a Level 3 apprenticeship in Customer Service at the Welsh Government pays £19,240 per year. Take a look at our guide UK Apprenticeships: How much will I earn? for more information.
• Prospects: At this level, you’ll get a deeper understanding of your chosen field, learning the practical skills and knowledge required for a job with your employer, or with a different employer in the same sector. Alternatively, you could continue your studies by applying to university or progressing to a higher level of apprenticeship.
   

Higher apprenticeships

• Equivalent to: CQFW Level 4-7 (Certificate of Higher Education, foundation/bachelor’s/master’s degrees, professional certificates, vocational qualifications)
• Entry requirements: At this level, most employers will ask for formal qualifications, as well as a demonstrated interest in the field. This could be through work experience, a part-time job, or previous apprenticeships or subject choices that relate to the area of study. Employers usually ask for a relevant Level 3 qualification, such as two or more A levels, or related diplomas or NVQs, in addition to five GCSEs (A*-C) or an equivalent qualification.
• Pay: If you are under 19, or in your first year of the apprenticeship, you’re entitled to the apprenticeship rate of £4.81 per hour. If you’re over 19, and have completed your first year, you’ll receive the national minimum wage. However, some employers choose to pay more. For example, a Level 4 apprenticeship in Software Development at CGI’s Cardiff offices pays £19,000 per year. Take a look at our guide UK Apprenticeships: How much will I earn? for more information.
• Prospects: At this level, you’ll be completing the same level of study as the first year of a foundation degree and can progress all the way up to master’s level. It gives you detailed industry knowledge that will put you in a great position to apply for jobs in your field.
   

Degree apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships allow students to earn a full bachelor’s (Level 6) or master’s (Level 7) degree. They combine working for an employer in a professional environment with part-time study at a university, and typically last between three and six years.

• Equivalent to: CQFW Level 6-7 (foundation/bachelor’s/master’s degrees, professional certificates, vocational qualifications)
• Entry requirements: These vary between apprenticeships, but they’re often similar to the entry requirements for a traditional degree programme. Therefore, you can expect employers to ask for at least five GCSEs at grades A*-C, as well as Level 3 qualifications (which can include A Levels, NNQ/SVQ Level 3, International Baccalaureate (IB) or a BTEC National). It’s common for employers to expect applicants to have studied relevant subjects - either at school or college, or in a related apprenticeship. You may also be required to demonstrate an interest in the field of work by completing relevant work experience, or staying up to date with industry news.
• Pay: If you are under 19, or in your first year of the apprenticeship, you’re entitled to the apprenticeship rate of £4.81 per hour. If you’re over 19, and have completed your first year, you’ll receive the national minimum wage. However, employers can choose to pay more. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a degree apprentice in the UK is £22,646. Take a look at our guide UK Apprenticeships: How much will I earn? for more information.
• Prospects: Employers and universities collaborate to shape degree apprenticeships around the needs of the industry. Because of this, you can be sure that everything you’ll learn is directly relevant to a future career in that sector. Upon completing your qualification, you’ll be ready to enter your chosen sector with a large body of experience and knowledge to draw on.