Start Your Career with an Apprenticeship: Earn, Learn and Grow
If you have a career sector or path in mind and want to start earning money as you learn, an apprenticeship could be for you. You’ll do a real job, earn a salary with a real employer, and train on the job while working towards an industry-standard qualification.
There are apprenticeship opportunities across a wide range of sectors in Wiltshire, and this page will help you understand your options and find the right one for you.
If you’re interested in becoming an apprentice, read on below.
Overview
Apprenticeships take 8 months to 6 years to complete and are open to anyone aged 16 and over. There’s a wide range of apprenticeships available to suit every skill and passion. It’s a different way of learning compared to college or university, and you’ll come out with a qualification that’s genuinely valued by employers.
Levels
Apprenticeships are available at different levels, from Level 2 to Level 7 (degree level), with different entry requirements depending on the apprenticeship and industry sector.
- Foundation apprenticeships are for young people aged 16 to 21 (up to 24 if a care leaver or have an EHCP), set at Level 2 and designed to get you started in an industry.
- Intermediate Level Apprenticeships work towards Level 2 qualifications and Functional Skills.
- Advanced Level Apprenticeships work towards Level 3 qualifications and Functional Skills.
- Higher Level Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to gain qualifications up to Level 5, the equivalent of a Foundation Degree.
Degree Level Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to gain qualifications up to Level 7, the equivalent of a Master’s Degree.
Wages
As an apprentice, you’ll be an employee and will receive a wage and other employee rights, such as holiday pay.
From April 2026, the minimum wage for apprentices is £8.00 per hour. This applies if you’re under 19, or aged 19 or over and still in your first year of an apprenticeship. After that, you’ll move onto the standard minimum wage for your age group, which could be as high as £12.71 an hour.
Many employers pay more than the minimum, so it’s always worth checking what’s on offer. You can find more information on wages on the government website: here
Industry Sectors
Apprenticeships follow one of 15 technical routes to skilled employment. Each route shares a range of occupationally related skills and knowledge, underpinning all technical education, apprenticeships and T-Levels.
Agriculture, environmental and animal care | Business and administration | Care services | Catering and hospitality | Construction | Creative and design | Digital | Education and childcare | Engineering and manufacturing | Hair and beauty | Health and science | Legal, finance and accounting | Protective services | Sales, marketing and procurement | Transport and logistics
To see the range of approved and in-development apprenticeship standards within each technical route, visit the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education: instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards
Additional Support
Support is available for employers and learning providers to help them make the best offer to young people.
If you have a learning difficulty or disability:
- The minimum requirements may be adjusted
- Your employer and/or provider may be able to access additional support
Other opportunities, such as supported internships, are also available. See Supported Internship, Local Offer
For more information on apprenticeships, see the Disability Rights UK Into Apprenticeships guide. It covers common questions such as whether training will be accessible and what support is available in the workplace.
Care Leavers
If you’re a care-experienced young person, you may be eligible for an additional funding grant of £3,000. Your employer or provider may also be able to access additional support, so make sure your Learning Provider knows if you’re a care leaver.
For more information, see the Amazing Apprenticeships guide, Support for Care Experienced Apprentices here, or the Apprenticeships Care Leavers’ Bursary guidance on GOV.UK.
How to Find and Apply for an Apprenticeship in Wiltshire
Apprenticeships can start at any time of year, and as they’re real jobs, they may only be advertised for a few weeks. It’s worth checking for vacancies often and applying quickly.
If you’re planning on moving into an apprenticeship after Year 11, you can start early and apply using predicted grades.
To find an apprenticeship:
- Search for apprenticeships on the GOV.UK website: here. Register to apply, get alerts for new jobs, and save your CV and application information.
- Contact local employers and companies directly to see if they have apprenticeships available.
- Check local job boards or search online using the GOV.UK Find a Job service
Some employers who don’t already have apprenticeship placements may be willing to set one up for you. If you’re already working and your employer doesn’t currently offer apprenticeships, they may be able to change your role into one. Employers can get support to set up apprenticeships through the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub or the National Apprenticeships Service.
More Resources
- Read the government guide on How to Become an Apprentice in the UK.
- Find out more about apprenticeships via Amazing Apprenticeships.
- The South West Apprenticeship Company Ltd is committed to successfully matching employers to apprentices, with support and guidance every step of the way.
- Rate My Apprenticeship has apprenticeship information, jobs, reviews, top employers and careers advice for school and college leavers.
- Shared Apprenticeships South West, a Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) initiative, works with construction companies based or operating within the region. Apprentices are recruited, trained, and managed through the scheme, with the opportunity to secure fixed-term on-the-job placements with one or more construction companies during their apprenticeship.
- Apprenticeships in Salisbury has information for anyone interested in starting an apprenticeship in Salisbury, or for employers who want to recruit an apprentice.
South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
The Young Apprentice Ambassador Network (YAAN) is a community of current and former apprentices. There are hundreds of Apprentice Ambassadors across England, working in a wide range of roles and on a variety of apprenticeship programmes.
The Apprentice Ambassador role includes:
- Live and virtual presentations at schools or colleges
- Attending and speaking to people at career events
- Supporting mock assessment centre workshops
- Participating in social media campaigns
- Sharing experiences through blogs, videos and formal case studies
To join, or for more information, visit their dedicated website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do apprentices get paid in the UK?
From April 2026, the minimum wage for apprentices is £8.00 per hour. This applies if you’re under 19, or aged 19 or over and in your first year of an apprenticeship. After that, you’ll move onto the standard National Minimum Wage for your age, which could be as high as £12.71 an hour. Many employers pay more than the minimum.
Can I do an apprenticeship after my GCSEs?
Yes. Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 and over. If you’re finishing Year 11, you can start searching and applying straight away, and some employers will accept applications based on predicted grades before results day.
What's the difference between apprenticeship levels?
Apprenticeships range from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) up to Level 7 (equivalent to a Master’s degree). Foundation apprenticeships start at Level 2 and are designed to get you into an industry. As you progress through your career, you can take on higher level apprenticeships leading to more advanced qualifications.
How long does an apprenticeship take to complete?
It depends on the level and sector, but apprenticeships can take anywhere from 8 months to 6 years. Most intermediate and advanced apprenticeships take between one and two years.
Are there apprenticeships available in Wiltshire?
Yes. There are apprenticeships available across a wide range of sectors in Wiltshire, from construction and engineering to business, health and digital. You can search current vacancies at findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk or contact local colleges such as Wiltshire College for more information.
What if I have a learning difficulty or disability?
Apprenticeships are open to everyone. Entry requirements may be adjusted, and your employer or training provider may be able to access additional support funding on your behalf. The Disability Rights UK guide, Into Apprenticeships, is a helpful starting point and covers what support is available in the workplace.
I'm a care leaver. Is there any extra support for me?
Yes. If you’re a care-experienced young person, you may be eligible for an additional bursary of £3,000. Make sure you let your training provider know you’re a care leaver so they can help you access this.