6 September 2023
Apprenticeships for 18 year olds
The moment has come, peeps! It’s finally time to decide what you want to do after leaving school. Whether you want to go to university or become the next Charli D’Amelio, there are so many career options for 18 year olds nowadays.
But did you know that more and more school and college leavers are choosing to do an apprenticeship?
More and more people your age are gaining great qualifications, valuable skills and work experience – all while getting paid a cracking salary.
If you want to know whether apprenticeships are right for you, read through our guide where we bust apprenticeship myths, break down the different types of apprenticeships, and let you in on a few industry secrets.
- Why should I do an apprenticeship?
- What is the youngest age you can get an apprenticeship?
- Can you get an apprenticeship at 18?
- How much does an 18 year old apprentice get paid?
- Is 19 too old to start an apprenticeship?
- Which apprenticeships are most in demand?
- What apprenticeships are there in London?
Why should I do an apprenticeship?
One of the biggest perks about apprenticeships is that you earn a full-time wage for the duration of your scheme, while studying towards nationally recognised qualifications, equivalent to GCSEs, A-Levels or a university degree.
Imagine being 21 and having £45,000 – £60,000 in the bank. Think of all the things you could buy. Think of where all that money could take you.
What is the youngest age you can get an apprenticeship
To do an apprenticeship, you’ll typically need to:
- Be over 16
- Have five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 / A* to C – including English and Maths
- Show you have the ability to complete the programme.
Above are the standard entry requirements for apprenticeships, though many employers will accept apprentices onto their programmes without GCSEs.
What if you don’t have qualifications?
If you don’t have any qualifications, you’ll most likely have to do a level 2 (Intermediate) apprenticeship. These are entry-level schemes that’ll give you a head start in your chosen profession.
How do apprenticeships work?
As a level 2 apprentice, you’ll split your time 80/20. You’ll work for an employer and study towards an NVQ level 2 qualification, as well as a knowledge-based qualification that’s relevant to your industry.
Can you get an apprenticeship at 18?
Of course you can. If you’re a school leaver aged 18, you’ll be eligible for a higher or degree apprenticeship…
Level 4/5 Apprenticeships (Higher)
Level 4 apprenticeships are designed for those who want to gain work training, nationally-recognised qualifications, and insight into a particular industry. They’re the ideal next step for those who’ve achieved a minimum of two A-Levels.
So, if you’ve just completed your GCSEs, a Level 2 or a Level 3 apprenticeship is best for you.
Degree Apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships are work/study programmes that give you on-the-job training, as well as degree-level qualifications on the side.
These apprenticeships are a fantastic alternative if you’re not sure whether attending university full-time is right for you. As a degree apprentice, your tuition fees will be covered by your employer, so you won’t have any student loan repayments to worry about after graduation.
This is a huge bonus when you consider the fact that the average graduate finishes their studies with £45,000 of student loan debt.
How much does an 18 year old apprentice get paid?
As an apprentice, you’ll be paid a proper wage, just like all the other employees. The exact amount you’ll receive will depend on your employer, age, location, and the type of apprenticeship you’re doing.
At the bare minimum, you’ll be paid in line with the National Minimum Wage.
Are you a parent? Head over to our ParentsHub, a dedicated space full of comprehensive resources to support your child.
Is 19 too old to start an apprenticeship?
Absolutely not! In fact, three quarters of apprentices in England are aged 19 and over.
Apprenticeships aren’t just for young people. Anyone can do an apprenticeship, regardless of their age. Whether you’d like to up-skill or start in a completely new field altogether, doing an apprenticeship shows employers that you mean business and are serious about your craft.
We live in an era where a job is no longer a job for life. Employers are still facing a massive skills shortage in industries like programming, software development and design engineering, all of which you can do an apprenticeship in.
Completing an apprenticeship as an older candidate will not only improve your employment prospects, it will make you a more competent and highly valued member of the team.
Which apprenticeships are most in demand?
With apprenticeships available in everything from construction to production, whether you are hoping to become the next Maya Jama or build your own property empire, career options for 18 year olds are limitless.
- Accounting and Finance
- Banking
- Business
- Construction
- Engineering
- Events
- Food Manufacturing
- FMCG and Retail
- Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality
- IT and Digital
- Science and Pharmaceuticals
- Legal and Law
- Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality
- Social Care
- Public Sector
What apprenticeships are there in London?
Ever heard the expression, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”?
Being a cosmopolitan city, London is at the forefront of everything, whether that be art, culture or business. It’s also very popular for apprenticeships, with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations situated in the capital.
If you’re considering an apprenticeship in London, but haven’t got a clue where to start, check out some of our top employers below and have a read through their profiles. Who knows, you may find something you like.
