What is an IT Apprenticeship?

An IT Apprenticeship enables you to learn new skills and gain recognised qualifications, while having a permanent job and earning a salary.

IT Apprenticeship programmes are developed by companies, so are a great way to start your IT career and have good long-term prospects.

They’re available at two levels for IT professionals – Advanced (which takes 12 months and is equivalent to A levels) and Higher (which is longer and can be equivalent to a Foundation or even full degree).

What are the benefits of an IT Apprenticeship?

• Because you’re a company employee you’ll receive a salary and paid holiday while taking your Apprenticeship
• You're taught a wide range of valuable and transferable skills
• There are many paths into the different levels of Apprenticeships
• You don't have to worry about debt such as a student loan
• There are a wide range of Apprenticeships to chose from
• You receive an industry recognised qualification e.g.
  •  BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Professional Competence for IT and Telecoms Professionals

Who can do an IT Apprenticeship?

IT Apprenticeships are usually open to anyone from 16 years old and above.  So, if you’ve been working for years and are seeking to start a new career you may also be eligible to do an Apprenticeship.

You will typically need 5 good GCSEs to do an Advanced Apprenticeship and 2 good A levels to do a Higher Apprenticeship, often including Maths, English and possibly ICT. Equivalent qualifications such as BTECs are also accepted.

The only requirements are that you need to be living in England and you’re not currently enrolled in any form of full-time education.

What training do I receive?

Apprenticeships are designed with the help of employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. 

As an employee you will be in the workplace for most of your time (at least 30 hours a week), as most of your training takes place on the job. The rest usually takes place at a local college or a specialist training organisation. You can complete this off-the-job training on day release or over a number of days in a block.

What are the long term prospects?

Apprenticeships last at least 12 months and most apprentices stay with their employer for the long term. But you will also be well placed to explore other work and education opportunities.

With 129,000 new IT recruits needed each year, apprentices have great prospects with the experience and qualifications that Apprenticeships offer.

Applying for an IT Apprenticeship

All IT Apprenticeship vacancies are advertised by the National Apprenticeship Service. You can search for them and apply by visiting www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

• e-skills UK also provides more information about Higher Apprenticeships in IT with email updates about opportunities. You can register for them at www.e-skills.com/higherapprenticeships.  
• We are working with BT and the National IT Partnership to deliver high quality IT Advanced Apprenticeships and you can find out about these at www.nitp.co.uk