What apprenticeship can I do after GCSEs?
If you’re about to leave school you will probably be thinking about your career options. If you’ve decided not to stay in full-time education to do A-Levels, you could jump straight into the world of work, take a traineeship, a college course or apply for an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships combine a real job with vocational training and give you the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification that will help you progress in your chosen career.
You can do two types of apprenticeships after you take your GCSEs – Intermediate and Advanced.
Intermediate apprenticeships
In Wales the equivalent apprenticeship type is called a Foundation apprenticeship.
Intermediate apprenticeships are Level 2 apprenticeships and usually take 12-18 months to complete. The qualification you gain is equivalent to five GCSEs, or NVQ Level 2. After completing an Intermediate apprenticeship you can move into full-time work, or apply for an Advanced apprenticeship.
How many GCSEs do I need for an Intermediate apprenticeship?
You can usually apply for an Intermediate apprenticeship with two GCSEs, but some employers will have different entry requirements. English and Maths are two subjects most employers will want you to have passed.
Advanced apprenticeships
In Wales the equivalent apprenticeship types is known as the Apprenticeship level.
Advanced apprenticeships are Level 3 apprenticeships and usually take 2-4 years to complete. The qualification you gain is equivalent to two A-Levels, or NVQ Level 3. Completing an advanced apprenticeship often means you are qualified to work in certain trades, and you will have a significant amount of experience and skills with which to develop your career.
How many GCSEs do I need for an Advanced apprenticeship?
If you have more than five GCSE passes, you could apply straight for an Advanced apprenticeship. English and Maths should be two of these.
What GCSE grades do you need to do an apprenticeship?
You usually need to pass your GCSEs at grades 9 to 4/A* to C.
What if I fail my GCSEs?
All hope is not lost if you don’t get the GCSE grades you need for an Intermediate or Advanced apprenticeship. You can take a traineeship, which can improve your English and Maths skills. Even if you don’t take a traineeship, an employer may accept you for an Intermediate apprenticeship if you have enough work experience or aptitude for the job. The employer may encourage you to re-take your English and Maths GCSEs as part of the apprenticeship, as these qualifications will be important for you to achieve.
How do you apply for an apprenticeship?
There are lots of ways to search and apply for apprenticeships. You could look on websites like Talentview, TotalJobs, Indeed or the government’s apprenticeship service. You will be able to apply for apprenticeships by uploading your CV or applying directly to the employer.
Begin an apprenticeship in construction
If you have just left or are about to leave school, have you thought about a construction apprenticeship? They are a great way to get into the industry. We have all the information here for you to make a start, including guides to over 170 different job roles. These will help you find the type of roles that suit who you are, the skills you have and the skills you want to acquire.