How Apprenticeships Work

Your complete guide to starting a career without debt.

Start your journey with confidence

Whether you're leaving school, changing career, returning to work, or looking to build new skills, an apprenticeship with Solveway helps you move forward with confidence.

Apprenticeships are available to anyone aged 16 and over, with no upper age limit. You'll earn a real salary while gaining recognised qualifications and practical experience in a real job.

Solveway specialises in career-focused programmes in IT, Data, AI and Accountancy. From day one, you'll be employed by a real business, develop job-ready skills, and receive expert training and ongoing support from our experienced team.

Instead of choosing between work or study, you'll do both — building skills, confidence and long-term career opportunities at any stage of life.

Explore apprenticeship programmes Speak to our team

No upper age limit. No tuition fees. Just real opportunities to learn, earn and progress.

Duration

12–48 months

Programmes designed to fit your career level and progression

Pay

Earn a real salary

At least National Minimum Wage for apprentices – many employers pay more

Levels

Level 2 to Level 7

From GCSE equivalent to degree-level qualifications

Entry Requirements

Varies by role

Most apprenticeships ask for GCSEs in English and Maths

Tuition Fees

£0 – fully funded

Training costs are covered by the employer and government

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are jobs with training attached that enable learners to earn while they learn. As with regular employees, apprentices earn a wage and will work alongside team members to gain industry knowledge and job specific skills.

Apprenticeships can be undertaken in a huge variety of different areas from accountancy to veterinary nursing, and business and administration to engineering. Employers can access Apprenticeship training for existing employees as well as new recruits.

Wondering if you are too old? There is no apprenticeship age limit in England: read our guide for adults starting at 30, 40 or 50.

Earn a salary while you learn
Gain a nationally recognised qualification
Get real industry experience
No tuition fees or student debt

Support for Learners

A Solveway apprentice will receive the very best support available. We ensure apprentices and their employers have access to our team of experienced, highly skilled assessors and trainers who will be on hand throughout the apprenticeship to offer support and guidance.

Solveway apprentices are provided with all of the necessary online and offline learning resources required to complete and progress successfully with the apprenticeship. For learners not wishing to undertake the full apprenticeship standard we can also offer standalone diplomas.

Apprenticeship levels explained

Apprenticeships are graded by 'levels' which correspond to educational equivalents. Choosing the right level depends on your current qualifications and experience.

Intermediate (Level 2)

12-18 Months

Equivalent to 5 GCSE passes at grade 9–4 (A*–C).

Perfect for: Starting your very first job or entering a new industry.

Advanced (Level 3)

18-24 Months

Equivalent to 2 A Levels.

Perfect for: School leavers with GCSEs or those looking to specialise.

Higher (Level 4, 5)

24+ Months

Equivalent to a Foundation Degree or above.

Perfect for: Developing specialist technical skills or management capabilities.

Degree (Level 6, 7)

36-48 Months

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.

Perfect for: Achieving graduate-level status without tuition fees.

Explore apprenticeship levels in depth

How much do apprentices get paid?

You are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for apprentices. From April 2026, this is set at a minimum of £8.00 per hour for apprentices aged 16-18 or in their first year.

However, many employers pay significantly more than this to attract the best talent. The exact rate depends on your age, employer, and the apprenticeship level.

Crucially, you do not pay for your training. The government and your employer cover 100% of the tuition costs.

Read our full guide to apprenticeship pay

What is planned off-the-job training?

Apprentices complete planned off-the-job training as part of their programme. The total number of hours is based on the minimum off-the-job requirement for the apprenticeship standard and may be adjusted to reflect prior learning.

This does not mean "time off work" or just "homework." It includes theory (lectures, online modules) and practical training (shadowing, mentoring, industry visits).

It can include:

Teaching specific theory
Shadowing a colleague or mentoring
Attending industry events
Online learning and assignments
Writing assignments / Portfolio building

Find Your Path

Apprenticeship or University?

Not sure which route is right for you? Play our quick interactive guide to see which path suits your lifestyle and goals.

Let's find your perfect match

Answer 4 quick questions about how you like to learn and work, and we'll suggest the best route for you.

How to apply for an apprenticeship

Applying is simple. You can apply for as many roles as you like at the same time. The process typically focuses on discovery, preparation, and evaluation.

Find a vacancySearch our current vacancies, GOV.UK, or UCAS.
Check the requirementsMake sure you meet the entry requirements (usually English and Maths GCSEs).
Submit your applicationCreate an account and upload your CV. Tailor your personal statement to the company values.
InterviewIf shortlisted, we'll invite you for an interview. Use real-life examples to demonstrate your skills.

See our step by step application guide Prepare with our apprenticeship interview tips

Ready to start your journey?

We have hundreds of opportunities available across the UK in Tech, Digital, and Business.

Explore Apprenticeship Programmes

What happens after an apprenticeship?

90% of apprentices stay employed after finishing their course. You will be a fully qualified professional with years of experience under your belt.

You can choose to:

Stay with your current employer (most common)
Progress to a higher-level apprenticeship
Apply for a promotion or a new role elsewhere
Go to university (using your apprenticeship as UCAS points)

COMMON QUESTIONS

Your questions, answered.

Everything you need to know about starting your career.

Yes, you can, but it usually must be in a different subject to your degree. You cannot use government funding to repeat learning you already have. However, many graduates do apprenticeships to retrain in a completely new field.

No, there is no upper age limit. While many apprentices are 16-18, over half of apprenticeship starts are by people aged 25 or older. It is a popular route for career changers.

Yes, apprentices are employees, so you pay tax and National Insurance in the same way as everyone else. However, you will only pay tax if you earn above the personal allowance threshold (currently £12,570 per year).

Yes. If you complete an Advanced (Level 3) apprenticeship, you gain UCAS points and can apply for university later. Alternatively, you can progress directly onto a Higher or Degree apprenticeship to get your degree debt-free.

Life happens. If you leave early, you may not get the qualification. However, you will still have the work experience on your CV. If you are made redundant, there is specific government support to help you find a new employer to complete your training.

Yes! Apprentices are entitled to an NUS Apprentice extra card (Totum), which gives you discounts on travel, food, and shopping, similar to university students.

Need advice?

Our recruitment team is here to help you find the right path. We're not just a training provider; we're your career partner.

Speak to our team for guidance