Apprenticeships are nationally designed training programmes for 16-24 year-olds who have left full-time education or are already in employment.

They offer young people the opportunity to learn on the job with an employer, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money at the same time.

There are two levels of Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. There are over 60 Apprenticeships and 80 Advanced Apprenticeships to choose from, although not all skill areas are offered in all regions.

Apprenticeships last at least 15 months, while Advanced Apprenticeships last at least 2 years. Some Apprenticeships, for example in engineering or construction, take much longer to complete because of the depth of knowledge to be demonstrated.