The best paying apprenticeship sectors in 2024

Finding a well-paying apprenticeship can be a game changer for those looking to launch their careers, with a chance to earn a top salary while working towards a recognised qualification

In today's competitive job market, apprenticeships are a great way to learn a trade or profession while earning a salary. With apprenticeship wages on the rise, there are now more opportunities than ever for young people to start their careers with a good income.

If you're looking for a well-paid apprenticeship in the UK, there are several options available to you, including degree apprenticeships, which offer a salary and valuable training and experience. By researching your options and choosing an apprenticeship in a high-demand industry, you can start your career with a bright future ahead of you.

For more information, see what is an apprenticeship?

Law apprenticeships

The legal sector has long been known for its rewarding career prospects, and law apprenticeships are no exception. Leading law firms offer aspiring legal professionals a chance to gain practical experience while earning a respectable income.

With a law apprenticeship, you can expect to earn a starting salary of around £16,000 to £22,000 per year. In addition, law apprentices also benefit from other advantages, including:

• on-the-job training from experienced lawyers
• the opportunity to work on real-world cases
• a chance to network with other professionals in the legal industry
• a qualification at the end of the apprenticeship, which can lead to a successful career as a solicitor or barrister.

Law apprenticeships combine academic study and practical training to prepare you for a career in law. Over three to six years, you'll learn about different areas of law and develop essential skills such as drafting legal documents, negotiating settlements, and representing clients. For information about salaries, exams and entry requirements, see law apprenticeships.

Accounting apprenticeships

Accounting remains a stable and well-compensated field, making it an attractive option for apprenticeships. The sector provides a wealth of opportunities to learn from experienced professionals while earning a competitive wage.

Apprenticeships in accounting usually run for two to four years, with apprentices typically earning a starting salary of around £24,000. You'll learn about bookkeeping, taxation, auditing, and other accounting topics, as well as practical skills like preparing financial statements, drafting reports, and using accounting software.

'Big Four' accounting firms, such as EY, Deloitte, and KPMG, are known to offer apprenticeships with starting salaries ranging from £20,000 to £30,000. These firms also offer apprentices the potential for rapid career advancement.

The salary is a key advantage, but accounting apprentices also benefit from:

• access to high-profile clients and projects
• excellent training and development opportunities
• the chance to work with a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals
• the potential for international travel and assignments.

To apply for an accounting apprenticeship, visit the websites of the firms you are interested in working for, where you can find information about the application process and the apprenticeship schemes on offer.

Read more about accounting apprenticeships.

Banking apprenticeships

The banking sector offers some of the most sought-after apprenticeships, introducing young professionals to the world of finance. Aspiring bankers can secure apprenticeships with leading financial institutions, opening doors to a well-paying career.

Banking apprenticeships usually span two to three years - during this time, you'll delve into various areas of banking, including customer service, retail banking, corporate banking, and investment banking. Additionally, apprentices will acquire applied skills in tasks like overseeing customer accounts, handling loan and mortgage processes, and providing guidance to customers on financial products and services.

Following the successful completion of an apprenticeship, bankers can expect to earn a starting salary of around £25,000 to £30,000. Bankers with experience and the right skills can advance to higher-paying positions, earning salaries of £50,000 or more.

Major banks, such as HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds Banking Group, provide apprenticeships with starting salaries ranging from £20,000 to £30,000. These firms also offer apprentices the chance to earn bonuses and promotions, which means they can make considerably more money than other apprentices.

Specific banking apprenticeships may include a focus on:

• retail banking
• corporate banking
• investment banking
• risk management
• financial planning
• compliance.

In order to qualify for a banking apprenticeship, you will generally be expected to hold a minimum of five GCSEs, which must include English and maths. Certain banks might also expect you to have A-levels or a relevant degree.

If you're interested in pursuing a banking apprenticeship, you can find further details on the websites of most firms.

Discover the best banking apprenticeships in 2024.

Engineering apprenticeships

Engineering is a diverse industry with a high demand for skilled professionals. Degree apprenticeships in engineering offer a unique blend of practical experience and theoretical knowledge, with competitive pay packages available to newcomers in the industry.

Apprenticeships in the engineering sector typically last three to four years and combine on-the-job training with academic study. Apprentices learn about the different aspects of engineering, such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and software engineering. They also gain practical skills such as designing and building products, troubleshooting and repairing equipment, and using engineering software.

Salaries range from £20,000 to £35,000 at leading engineering firms, such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus and MBDA. With experience and qualifications, engineers can progress to more senior roles, earning salaries of £50,000 or more.

Here are some examples of the specific types of engineering apprenticeships available:

• mechanical
• civil
• electrical
• software
• aerospace
• automotive
• manufacturing
• energy.

To qualify for an engineering apprenticeship, you'll usually require a minimum of five GCSEs, including English and maths. Some engineering firms may also require you to have A-levels or a relevant degree.

Explore our guide to engineering apprenticeships.

IT apprenticeships

In the digital age, the information technology (IT) sector continues to be a powerhouse of opportunity. Apprenticeships in this field provide a chance to work with cutting-edge technologies while earning a substantial income.

General IT and technology apprenticeships typically last two to four years, with apprentices learning about the different aspects of technology, including software development, web development, network engineering, and cyber security. Apprentices also gain practical skills such as using programming languages, designing, and developing software applications, and configuring and managing computer networks.

Top tech companies, such as CGI, BAE Systems, and Babcock International Group, offer apprenticeships with starting salaries ranging from £20,000 to £35,000. These companies also offer apprentices additional rewards, such as stock options and professional development opportunities.

Here are a few examples of specific IT and technology apprenticeships:

• software developer
• web developer
• network developer
• cybersecurity
• cloud computing
• data analyst
• machine learning engineer
• artificial intelligence engineer.

Get more information on IT apprenticeships.

Find out more

• Consider whether you should go to university or do an apprenticeship.
• Discover graduate schemes for 2024.
• Search all apprenticeships.