About IT apprenticeships
If you want an exciting and rewarding career in a fast-paced industry, an IT apprenticeship is a great starting point. You’ll get all the skills and experience you need - and get paid.
More and more companies are recruiting apprentices, with vacancies up by a quarter over the last year. So there’s never been a better time to think about applying. You can take an IT apprenticeship after GCSEs or A levels, and get the training and qualifications you need to become anything from a web designer to a cyber security specialist.
Below you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about IT apprenticeships:
What are IT apprenticeships?
During an IT apprenticeship, you’ll work for an organisation with technology at its heart - it could be a small local company or a major retailer or consultancy such as John Lewis or Capgemini.
You’ll earn a salary (the average for apprentices is £170 per week after tax – or double that amount for degree apprentices) and get all the benefits of being employed, such as paid holidays. You’ll also get to train for recognised qualifications with a local college, university or private company. These are typically referred to as your ‘training provider'.
From day one, you’ll be using the new skills you learn to tackle real business challenges in the workplace.
What IT apprenticeships are available?
IT apprenticeships are available at four levels:
- Intermediate or level 2 apprenticeships take a year to complete and are equivalent to 5 GCSEs.
- Advanced or level 3 apprenticeships take at least a year to complete and are equivalent to 2 A levels. You’ll typically need five good GCSEs to get on one.
- Higher or level 4 apprenticeships typically take 18 months to 2 years to complete. They can lead to qualifications such as HNDs, as well as foundation or even full degrees. This depends on who you work for. You’ll typically need two good A levels and five good GCSEs to get on one.
- Degree apprenticeships are levels 6-7 and enable you to gain a full honours degree. You’ll need to satisfy both the employer’s recruitment requirements and those of the associated university.
What can I do with an IT apprenticeship?
No matter what level you take, an IT apprenticeship will prepare you to do a specific job. You’ll get the training you need to become anything from a web designer to a cyber security specialist.
What are my long term prospects?
Most IT apprentices stay with their employer for the long term after they complete their apprenticeship. But you’ll also be well-placed to explore other work and education opportunities.
With 129,000 new IT recruits needed each year, apprentices have great prospects - you’ll have both the work experience and qualifications that companies are looking for.
How do I choose an IT apprenticeship?
With so many IT apprenticeships on offer, make sure you choose one that gives you the skills and support you need to get your career off to the best possible start.
Discover what to look for in an IT apprenticeship.
How do I apply for an IT apprenticeship?
Most IT apprenticeships vacancies are advertised online, either by the business you’d be working for or the training provider you’d be learning with. Go to find an apprenticeship.
If you want to apply for a Digital & Technology Solutions BSc (Hons) degree apprenticeship, you’ll need to apply direct to the employer through their recruitment website, rather than the university.