Everybody is talking about advanced apprenticeships - or level 3 apprenticeships as they are also known.
"You can gain great qualifications and earn a cracking salary!"
"That’s fantastic! You’ll be working alongside and learning from experienced professionals!"
You’re still probably wondering – what is an advanced apprenticeship, and where do I find one? Well, RateMyApprenticeship.co.uk is here to explain. We have a thing for apprenticeships. You could say, we are the Paul Hollywood and Pru Leith of the apprenticeship market. Experts. Real enthusiasts.
Read on for a guide to advanced apprenticeships; how they work, where to find vacancies, and why you simply have to apply.
What is an advanced apprenticeship?
How do level 3 apprenticeships work?
Are level 3 apprenticeships paid?
Why should you do a level 3 apprenticeship?
Which employers offer level 3 apprenticeships?
How do you apply for a level 3 apprenticeship?
Apply for Level 3 Apprenticeships (Advanced)
What is a level 3 apprenticeship?
Level 3 - or advanced apprenticeships - are a brilliant opportunity for you to get your foot in the door after leaving school. Not only will you gain qualifications equivalent to two A-Levels, you’ll also get paid to study.
A step above intermediate apprenticeships, advanced apprenticeships increase your earning potential and allow you to further your training in your chosen industry.
They’re designed for young people who have already gained 5 GCSEs graded 9 to 4 (A* to C), or have completed a level 2 apprenticeship and would like to take their career to the next level.
Level 3 apprenticeships can be found in a wide range of industries, including the likes of:
Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care
Arts, Media and Publishing
Business, Administration and Law
Construction, Property and Surveying
Education and Training
Engineering and Manufacturing
Retail and Commercial Enterprise
Health, Public Services and Care
Information and Communication Technology
Leisure, Travel and Tourism
Once you’ve completed your programme, you’ll be able to progress onto a level 4 apprenticeship, attend university or move into full-time employment with a new or existing employer.
Apply for a level 3 apprenticeship →
What is a level 3 apprenticeship equivalent to?
Advanced apprenticeships are equivalent to two A level passes. To be considered for a level 3 apprenticeship, you’ll need to have completed a level 2 apprenticeship or passed five GCSEs.
There’ll be times when you won’t even need a qualification to apply for a level 3 apprenticeship. As long as you have industry experience, your employer will fast-track you onto the programme.
How long does an advanced apprenticeship take?
Advanced apprenticeships are a minimum of 12 months long, though some can last 2-4 years. The length of your apprenticeship will depend on the following factors:
Your chosen occupation
Your apprenticeship level
For example, a business administrator apprenticeship with CityFibre will take you 18 months to complete, while a customer sales apprenticeship at Sky lasts 15 months.
How do level 3 apprenticeships work?
As a level 3 apprentice you’ll work for at least 30 hours a week, including time spent studying. Depending on your employer, you’ll either study in-house at a training facility or off-site at an external training provider such as a further education college.
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you’ll be awarded:
a Higher National Diploma (HND)
a National Vocational Qualification (Level 3)
OR a foundation degree equivalent to two A-Levels
Find a level 3 apprenticeship →
"I have learnt how to deal with difficult conversations with customers and colleagues. Before my course I didn't like to get into any difficult conversations with other members of staff or customers but I now have the skills to deal with this. I can also delegate tasks a lot easier to my colleagues by looking at their strengths and which person is in the store at the time."(Assistant Manager at Travis Perkins)
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Are level 3 apprenticeships paid?
As an advanced apprentice, you’ll earn a real wage for the duration of your programme. The amount you’ll receive as a level 3 apprentice will vary, depending on:
Your employer
Your age
Your location
The type of apprenticeship that you do
Apprentices in London, for instance, get paid more than apprentices elsewhere in the country as the cost of living is higher in the capital. However, all apprentices will be paid in line with the National Minimum Wage.
But remember, money isn’t everything. Willy Wonka was rich, and he had a chocolate factory, but he was the loneliest man in the world.
The video below provides an insight into what it’s like to do an advanced apprenticeship in Engineering and Manufacturing with Unilever.
Why should you do a level 3 apprenticeship?
Completing a level 3 apprenticeship is a brilliant investment in your future. Check out all the reasons why below:
1. Gain industry experience
Earn yourself a qualification that’s equivalent to two A-Levels while gaining invaluable industry experience that will benefit you for life – even if you decide not to continue in your chosen industry.
2. Earn while you learn
Get paid to learn crucial workplace skills. You can even go on holiday! Imagine spending a week sunbathing in Spain knowing you’re still earning a full monthly wage.
3. Become highly employable
Did you know that 90% of apprentices are offered permanent employment either during their apprenticeship or after graduation? Upon completing a level 3 apprenticeship, you’ll be highly employable and may even have a permanent job waiting for you.
Imagine the situation... you’ve just finished your advanced apprenticeship. Your parents have organised a party and everyone is invited – the neighbours, your friends, your extended family who you never talk to or particularly like, even the cat is wearing a bow tie.
Everyone is cheering and chanting your name. There is confetti and a caterpillar cake from M&S. It’s like you’re an astronaut returning from deep space. A national icon.
Which employers offer level 3 apprenticeships?
Each year, we announce the Best Apprenticeship Employers to work for in the UK based on the thousands of reviews left on RateMyApprenticeship.co.uk. These reviews are written by actual apprentices who have completed an apprenticeship scheme - it's like TripAdvisor but for a job role!
These employers are the crème de la crème when it comes to running apprenticeships for school and college leavers.
Discover our Best Apprenticeship Companies →
How do you apply for a level 3 apprenticeship?
So you’ve finally taken the bull by its horns and are ready to leap into your future career with a level 3 apprenticeship.
All that’s left for you to do is choose which apprenticeship programmes you like the sound of, and submit a stellar application for each.
The application process usually goes something like this...
Apprenticeship application form
Apprentice CV cover letter
Psychometric tests for apprenticeships
Face-to-face interview / Video interview
Apprenticeship assessment centre
Find a level 3 apprenticeship →
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1. What is an Advanced Apprenticeship?
- Definition: Advanced apprenticeships, also known as Level 3 apprenticeships, offer qualifications equivalent to two A-Levels. They allow individuals to earn while gaining industry-specific training and experience.
- Eligibility: Typically requires 5 GCSEs graded 9 to 4 (A* to C) or completion of a Level 2 apprenticeship.
- Duration: Minimum of 12 months, but some can last 2-4 years, depending on the industry and occupation.
2. Working Structure of Level 3 Apprenticeships
- Work Hours: At least 30 hours a week, combining work with dedicated study time.
- Training Locations: Study either in-house at the employer's training facility or off-site at an external training provider.
- Qualifications Obtained: Higher National Diploma (HND), National Vocational Qualification (Level 3), or a foundation degree equivalent to two A-Levels.
3. Financial Aspects of Level 3 Apprenticeships
- Payment: Advanced apprentices earn a wage throughout the program, the amount varying based on factors like employer, age, location, and type of apprenticeship.
- National Minimum Wage: All apprentices are paid in line with the National Minimum Wage.
4. Benefits of Level 3 Apprenticeships
- Industry Experience: Gain practical knowledge and industry experience alongside recognized qualifications.
- Earning while Learning: Earn a wage while acquiring valuable workplace skills.
- Employability: High employability rate (90%) after completing the apprenticeship, often leading to permanent job offers.
5. Employers Offering Level 3 Apprenticeships
- Best Apprenticeship Employers: These are recognized based on reviews from apprentices and are considered exemplary in offering apprenticeship schemes for school and college leavers.
6. Application Process for Level 3 Apprenticeships
- Steps: Typically involves filling out an application form, providing a cover letter and CV, potentially undergoing psychometric tests, face-to-face or video interviews, and attending assessment centers.
Relevant Industry Sectors for Level 3 Apprenticeships
The apprenticeships cover a wide range of sectors including but not limited to:
- Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Care
- Arts, Media, and Publishing
- Business, Administration, and Law
- Construction, Property, and Surveying
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Retail and Commercial Enterprise
- Health, Public Services, and Care
- Information and Communication Technology
- Leisure, Travel, and Tourism
The provided information gives a comprehensive understanding of Level 3 apprenticeships, including eligibility, benefits, duration, financial aspects, and application processes, catering to various industries and sectors.
