7 September 2023

Apprenticeships In London

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Did you know that 90% of apprentices go into work or further training after completing an apprenticeship, and two-thirds get hired permanently by their employer?

University life has its benefits, but it has its pitfalls too. And while sixth form students continue to submit their UCAS applications in the hope of securing a place, there are lots of alternative routes to a successful career these days.

If you’re considering doing an apprenticeship in London or simply want to know what opportunities are available, take a scroll through this handy guide.



Why should you do an apprenticeship in London?

London is an amazing place to live and work. Fit for foodies, culture vultures and social butterflies alike, there’s lots going on. All. The. Time.

Here are THREE reasons why you should move to London.

1) DIVERSITY

London is a cosmopolitan city that’ll welcome you with open arms no matter where you’re from. With a third of its inhabitants born outside the UK, you’ll meet people from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Guaranteed.

2) NETWORKING

There are so many networking opportunities in London. As one of Europe’s largest cities, it’s home to some of the world’s biggest corporations; the likes of Amazon, Accenture and Bloomberg. Who knows – your next job may well be around the corner.

3) CULTURE

Whether you’re into film, art or music, London has something for everyone. Stroll down the South Bank and enjoy its glorious views. Head to Covent Garden and soak up the colourful micro-village that is Neal’s Yard. Or check out the V&A and British Museum. All for free!



Read Katie’s story to uncover 5 more reasons to do an apprenticeship in London.


What apprenticeships are there in London?

There are tons of apprenticeship opportunities in London. So many, in fact, that it’s hard to know where to begin. Feeling overwhelmed? Here are a few ideas to start you off…

1) BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

As a Business Administration apprentice, you’ll learn everything there is to know about Finance, Marketing, Human Resources and Accounting. One day, you might be approving purchases, the next, promoting the business or facilitating training programmes.

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED?

  • Communication
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Teamwork
  • Planning & Research
  • Customer service
  • Numerical ability
  • Social media management.

Want to know what it’s like to work in Business Administration? Check out our reviews left by former apprentices. Then head over to our jobs page to submit that application.

2) PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION

Construction apprenticeships come in all shapes and sizes. Most people enter the industry through specialist fields such as Bricklaying, Plastering or Civil Engineering, though it’s completely up to you which path you choose.

One thing is for sure – you won’t be sweeping floors or unloading utes – not all the time, anyway. Instead, as an apprentice, you’ll learn how to build residential homes, skyscrapers, bridges and tunnels. You’ll be measuring new constructs and helping in the demolition of others.

By the time you’ve finished your programme, you’ll know how to create a variety of structures and will have the expertise to bring projects to light.

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED?

  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Negotiation
  • Strategic thinking
  • Teamwork
  • Critical thinking
  • Numerical ability
  • Resilience
  • Project management.

To learn more about apprenticeships in the Property & Construction sector, browse our student reviews, then look through our jobs page to find that dream role.

3) DIGITAL MEDIA & IT

Almost every industry; from Healthcare to Entertainment, eCommerce and Advertising, uses Digital Media to raise brand awareness, market products and share content online via blog posts, videos and podcasts.

Considering a career in Film & TV or Visual Effects? If so, a Digital Media apprenticeship will be perfect for you. You’ll get to work on set, create fun visuals for social media and even dip your toe into the world of CGI.

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED?

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Social media
  • Photo & video editing
  • Analytical thinking
  • Project management.

If you’d like to be part of something special, why not join the BBC’s Apprentice Hub and launch your career in the creative or digital sector?

To find out more, have a read of our apprenticeship reviews, then jump over to our jobs page.


Degree Apprenticeships in London

If you’re looking for a debt-free degree that will fast-track you onto your dream career, degree apprenticeships tick all the boxes. Funded by the government and your employer, these schemes give you the chance to earn money while gaining academic qualifications.

The average degree apprentice earns £23,515 a year, which is more than enough to cover your London rent and lifestyle. And before you know it, you’ll be on that property ladder too.

Want to know which companies offer degree apprenticeships in London? Check them out below:

With tuition fees hitting the roof, more and more school leavers are turning to apprenticeships, particularly degree apprenticeships to get by, and it’s really paying off.


Follow YouTuber Prisha Bathia as she shows her first week as a Google apprentice in London!


What are the best apprenticeships in London?

Every year, we announce the Best Apprenticeship Employers to work for in the UK, according to thousands of reviews submitted by real-life apprentices.

Here are the top three in London…

  1. Mace
  2. UBS
  3. Arcadis

Have a look through our Best 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2022 – 2023 to explore the rest!


How much do apprentices earn in London?

Did you know that you can earn over £20,000 a year as an apprentice? Even if you start on the National Minimum Wage, your salary will increase the more experienced you become.

If you’re aged 16-18 or in the first year of your apprenticeship, you’ll be entitled to the Apprentice Rate. And if you’re 19 or over and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you’ll receive the National Minimum Wage.


And finally, do apprentices pay tax?

Apprentices pay income tax just like everyone else. If you’re earning over £12,570 per year, you’ll start making repayments. If your annual salary is above £9,568, you’ll need to pay National Insurance as well, which is charged at 12% of your income.