Committed to building a skilled workforce, the Welsh Government offer fully funded apprenticeship programmes, competitive salaries, and industry-recognised qualifications, allowing you to earn while you learn 

Types of apprenticeship in Wales

There are four types of apprenticeship on offer in Wales corresponding to different levels of the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW)

  • Foundation (Level 2) 
  • Apprenticeship/Standard (Level 3) 
  • Higher (Levels 4-7) 
  • Degree (Levels 6-7).

The two most popular broad sectors remain healthcare and public services, collectively accounting for half of all apprenticeship starts in Wales. 

Foundation and standard apprenticeships

 An increasingly popular career entry point, foundation and standard apprenticeships in Wales offer on-the-job training and the chance to earn industry-recognised qualifications equivalent to five GCSEs (Level 2 NVQ) or two A-levels (Level 3 NVQ), respectively. 

From both levels, apprentices can progress to higher-level qualifications, enter the workforce, or apply for university. Higher-level qualifications provide a deeper understanding of your field, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed for a professional career. 

A foundation apprenticeship in Wales is equivalent to an intermediate apprenticeship in England, a Level 2 in Northern Ireland, and a foundation apprenticeship in Scotland. 

In contrast, the standard apprenticeship corresponds to the advanced (England), Level 3 (Northern Ireland), and modern (Scotland) apprenticeships. 

Entry requirements 

To apply for a foundation apprenticeship, you must be: 

  • between 16 and 24 years old 
  • a Welsh resident 
  • currently employed for at least 16 hours per week.  

Unlike most courses, there are no fixed entry requirements, as each employer sets their own criteria. 

For standard apprenticeships, prior industry experience is typically required, along with either: 

  • a related foundation apprenticeship 
  • a diploma 
  • a BTEC qualification 
  • three to five GCSEs at grades 4-9. 

Foundation and standard apprentice salary 

If you are under 19 or in your first year of an apprenticeship, you'll be paid £6.40 per hour (as of April 2024) - the current minimum hourly rate for apprentices in Wales. 

Otherwise, you can expect the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate for your age. 

For more information on Welsh apprenticeships and what you're entitled to, see GOV.WALES - Apprenticeships

Higher apprenticeships

Offering education up to the Masters level (CQFW Level 7), higher apprenticeships are common in fields including digital and technology solutions, laboratory-based roles, and software development. 

Entry requirements

Entry typically requires a relevant Level 3 qualification. This could include two or more A-levels, subject-related NVQs or diplomas, coupled with good GCSE grades (or equivalent).  

Higher apprenticeships are the equivalent of the first stages of higher education, such as a foundation degree

Welsh higher apprenticeships salary

You can generally expect a competitive salary. 

For example, a substation higher apprentice at the National Grid in Cardiff can expect a salary exceeding £29,000 per year. In contrast, a finance higher apprentice at BAE Systems typically starts at around £23,286 per year. 

Read more about higher apprenticeships.

Degree apprenticeships

The highest level of qualification, degree apprenticeships combine full-time employment with academic study leading to a Bachelors or Masters degree

Degree apprenticeships are studied at CQFW Levels 6-7 and can take between one and six years to complete.  

Entry requirements 

To enroll in a degree apprenticeship, you'll need a relevant Level 5 qualification. This typically includes at least two A-levels (or equivalent) in relevant subjects, although the specific entry requirements are determined by your employer. 

Welsh degree apprenticeship salary 

Salaries for higher apprenticeships can vary widely depending on factors like: 

  • the industry 
  • level of the apprenticeship 
  • the specific employer.  

Degree apprentices gain valuable work experience and develop in-demand skills, setting them up for strong career progression and earning potential. 

In terms of salary, a test engineer degree apprentice at Airbus in Newport can expect to earn £20,200 per year, 13% higher than the national average for apprentices. Upon qualification, their salary rises to £36,267 per year. 

For more information, see degree apprenticeships. You can also consider whether to go to university or do an apprenticeship

How to apply

You can apply for apprenticeships of all levels in Wales in several ways: 

There are no set deadlines, it's best to apply for an apprenticeship as soon as possible. 

Some employers close applications early if they receive enough suitable applicants. 

Discover how to apply for an apprenticeship

Apprenticeship support from the Welsh government

The Welsh Government has launched several initiatives to boost apprenticeship programmes and cultivate a skilled workforce.  

Their Young Persons Guarantee prioritises apprenticeships, aiming to provide everyone under 25 in Wales with support to access education or training, and help them find employment or become self-employed. As such, most apprenticeships in Wales are fully funded by your employer. 

Other funding schemes for to encourage employers to offer apprenticeships include: 

With ample support for this type of training, quarterly statistics from the Welsh government show that 4,565 apprentices started a programme in the third quarter of 2023/24 (February to April 2024). 

Find out more

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