Adult Apprenticeships

Adult apprenticeships allow people of any age to earn a wage, gain new skills and work towards a recognised apprenticeship standard.

They can help you:

• start a new career
• retrain in a different industry
• gain a qualification
• develop skills in your current job
• work towards a promotion
• return to work after a career break

There is no general upper age limit for apprenticeships in England.

This means apprenticeships are not only for school leavers. Adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond can apply.

What is an adult apprenticeship?

An adult apprenticeship is not a separate type of apprenticeship.

Adults complete the same approved apprenticeship standards as younger apprentices.

The phrase “adult apprenticeship” simply describes an apprenticeship completed by someone over the age of 18.

As an apprentice, you will:

• be employed
• earn a wage
• receive training during paid working hours
• gain practical workplace experience
• develop skills linked to your job
• work towards an approved apprenticeship standard

You may also gain a separate qualification, such as a diploma, professional award or degree, if it is included in the programme.

Is there an age limit for apprenticeships?

There is no general upper age limit for most apprenticeships.

To start an apprenticeship in England, you must usually:

• be aged 16 or over
• live in England
• not be in full-time education when the apprenticeship starts
• have the right to live and work in the UK

You can apply whether you are:

• starting your first career
• changing careers
• returning to work
• already employed
• looking to gain new skills
• aiming for a more senior role

Some apprenticeship routes have different funding or age rules. Always check the vacancy carefully before applying.

Can adults apply for apprenticeships?

Yes. Adults can apply for apprenticeships at different levels and in many industries.

You may be able to start an apprenticeship in areas such as:

• business
• accounting
• law
• healthcare
• engineering
• construction
• digital technology
• marketing
• education
• public services
• science
• transport
• hospitality

The opportunities available will depend on the employers, training providers and apprenticeship standards in your area.

Can you do an apprenticeship if you already have a degree?

Yes. Having a degree does not automatically stop you from starting an apprenticeship.

You may be able to apply if the apprenticeship will teach you significant new skills.

For example, you could use an apprenticeship to:

• move into a different industry
• gain a professional qualification
• retrain for a new role
• develop specialist knowledge
• progress into management
• learn skills not covered by your degree

The apprenticeship should not simply repeat training or knowledge you already have.

Your employer and training provider may review your previous qualifications and experience before the programme begins.

Can you do an apprenticeship with your current employer?

Yes. You do not always need to leave your job to become an apprentice.

Your current employer may be able to enrol you on an apprenticeship to help you:

• gain new skills
• take on more responsibility
• move into another department
• gain a professional qualification
• progress towards promotion
• prepare for a future role

You will need your employer’s support because the apprenticeship includes paid training time and workplace development.

Speak to your manager, HR team or learning and development team to find out whether apprenticeships are available.

Are adult apprenticeships suitable for career changers?

Adult apprenticeships can be a useful way to change careers.

They allow you to gain workplace experience while learning the skills needed for a new role.

You may not need previous experience in the industry, especially for a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship.

Employers may also value skills you have developed in other jobs, including:

• communication
• leadership
• customer service
• organisation
• teamwork
• problem-solving
• digital skills
• time management

Think about how your existing skills could be used in your new career.

How do adult apprenticeships work?

An adult apprenticeship combines paid employment with structured training.

Most of your time will be spent doing your job.

Part of your paid working time will be used for training and study linked to the apprenticeship.

Training may include:

• online lessons
• classroom sessions
• workshops
• practical training
• mentoring
• assignments
• workplace projects
• preparation for your final assessment

The apprenticeship can take between eight months and six years to complete.

The length depends on the occupation, level and skills you already have.

What apprenticeship levels are available to adults?

Adults can apply for apprenticeships at different levels.

Level 2 apprenticeships

Level 2 is broadly at GCSE level.

These apprenticeships can be a useful starting point for people entering a new industry.

Level 3 apprenticeships

Level 3 is broadly at A-level difficulty.

These programmes may suit people who already have some knowledge, qualifications or experience.

Level 4 and Level 5 apprenticeships

These are Higher apprenticeships.

They are studied above A-level standard and can include technical or professional learning.

Level 6 apprenticeships

Level 6 is studied at the same level as a bachelor’s degree.

Some programmes include a full degree, while others do not.

Level 7 apprenticeships

Level 7 is studied at master’s degree level.

Some programmes include a master’s degree or professional qualification.

The level describes the difficulty of the apprenticeship. It does not always mean you will receive the equivalent named qualification.

Are Level 7 apprenticeships funded for adults?

Adults can still complete Level 7 apprenticeships, but government funding is more restricted for programmes beginning from 1 January 2026.

Government funding is generally focused on apprentices who are:

• under 22 when the training starts; or
• under 25 and have an Education, Health and Care plan or care experience

Adults outside these groups may still be able to complete a Level 7 apprenticeship.

However, the employer may need to pay for the training without standard government apprenticeship funding.

Check the vacancy or speak to the employer to understand how the programme is funded.

How much are adult apprentices paid?

Adult apprentices are employees and must be paid for their work and training time.

From 1 April 2026, the apprentice minimum rate is £8.00 per hour.

This rate applies if you are:

• under 19; or
• aged 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship

If you are aged 19 or over and have completed the first year, you must receive at least the National Minimum Wage for your age.

From 1 April 2026, the minimum hourly rates are:

• Apprentice rate: £8.00
• Aged 18 to 20: £10.85
• Aged 21 and over: £12.71

These are the lowest legal rates.

Many employers pay adult apprentices more, especially for Higher and Degree apprenticeships.

Always check the salary before applying.

Who pays for adult apprenticeship training?

You should not be charged for the eligible training and assessment needed to complete your apprenticeship.

The cost is normally covered through government apprenticeship funding and employer contributions.

Your employer should also allow you to complete the required training during your paid working hours.

You may still need to manage other costs, such as:

• travel
• childcare
• meals
• work clothing
• equipment not provided by the employer

Check the vacancy to see whether the employer offers help with these costs.

Can adult apprentices receive financial support?

Some adult apprentices may be able to receive extra support.

This will depend on:

• your age
• your personal circumstances
• the employer
• the training provider
• your local area
• the type of apprenticeship

Support may include:

• travel assistance
• childcare support
• help with equipment
• learning support
• disability support
• care-leaver support

Extra funding is not available to every adult apprentice.

Speak to the employer or training provider before applying if you need financial or practical support.

What support is available for disabled apprentices?

Disabled apprentices and those with learning difficulties may be able to receive extra support.

This could include:

• specialist equipment
• extra learning support
• changes to training materials
• support with communication
• adjustments to the workplace
• extra time during assessments
• help with travel

Employers and training providers must consider reasonable adjustments.

You can discuss your needs during the application process or after receiving an offer.

Do adult apprentices receive employee benefits?

Adult apprentices have the same basic employment rights as other employees.

These include:

• paid holiday
• rest breaks
• protection from discrimination
• a safe working environment
• minimum wage protection
• paid training time

You may also receive benefits such as:

• workplace pension contributions
• flexible or hybrid working
• employee discounts
• private healthcare
• wellbeing support
• bonuses
• professional memberships
• travel support

Benefits vary between employers.

What are the benefits of an adult apprenticeship?

An adult apprenticeship can help you:

• earn while you learn
• avoid paying eligible training fees
• gain real workplace experience
• build confidence in a new industry
• gain a recognised apprenticeship certificate
• work towards professional qualifications
• develop new skills
• improve your career prospects
• move into a more senior role
• build useful professional contacts

You can also apply your learning directly in the workplace.

This may make the training feel more practical than classroom study alone.

What should you consider before applying?

Before applying for an adult apprenticeship, think about:

• the salary
• the working hours
• the apprenticeship level
• the length of the programme
• the training included
• the qualification you may receive
• the location
• travel and childcare needs
• your current financial commitments
• your long-term career plans

An apprenticeship salary may be lower than your current or previous wage.

Make sure you understand how this could affect your budget before accepting a role.

You should also check how much training and study will be required alongside your workplace duties.

How do you find an adult apprenticeship?

There are two main ways to start.

Apply for an apprenticeship vacancy

You can search for advertised roles through:

• the government apprenticeship service
• employer websites
• training providers
• job websites
• local careers services
• industry organisations

Read the vacancy carefully and check the salary, entry requirements, training and working hours.

Speak to your current employer

You may be able to complete an apprenticeship in your current job.

Speak to your manager, HR team or learning and development department.

Explain:

• the apprenticeship you are interested in
• how it would support your role
• the skills you would gain
• how the business could benefit

Your employer will need to agree to the training and provide suitable workplace support.

Is an adult apprenticeship right for you?

An adult apprenticeship may suit you if you want to gain new skills while staying in paid employment.

It could be a good option if you:

• want to change careers
• prefer practical learning
• want to gain a qualification
• need workplace experience
• want to develop in your current role
• are ready to balance work with training

Take time to compare different roles before applying.

The right apprenticeship should support your career goals and teach you skills you can use in the future.

Find an adult apprenticeship

Adult apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries and at different levels.

Explore current vacancies, compare the entry requirements and look for a programme that suits your experience, interests and career plans.

Find out more

For further information, visit the Apprenticeship Choices section of this website.

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