Higher Apprenticeships: Work and Study at Levels 4 and 5
Earn a wage and a recognised qualification at the same time. A higher apprenticeship at Level 4 or Level 5 splits your time between working for an employer and studying, and can lead on to a degree apprenticeship.
What Is a Higher Apprenticeship?
A higher apprenticeship is a job with training. You're employed and paid by an employer, and you spend part of your time studying towards a Level 4 or Level 5 qualification, usually with a college or training provider. At least 20% of your paid hours go on off-the-job training.
Level 4 is equivalent to the first year of a degree, and Level 5 to the second. In England, apprentices don't pay tuition fees: training costs are covered by the employer and government.
Level 4 vs Level 5: How Do They Compare?
Both are higher apprenticeships, but they sit at different levels and run for different lengths.
| Level 4 | Level 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Level 4 | Level 5 |
| Typical Length | 18 months to 3 years | 2 to 5 years |
| Roughly Equivalent to | 1st year of a degree | 2nd year of a degree |
| Comparable Qualification | HNC | HND or foundation degree |
| What Happens After | Progress to a Level 5 apprenticeship | Progress to a degree apprenticeship or a top-up degree |
How a Higher Apprenticeship Works
Every apprenticeship is different, but most follow the same pattern:
- You apply for an apprenticeship vacancy with an employer, just like a job
- You work for most of the week and study for the rest, on day release or in blocks
- You earn a wage throughout, and at least the apprenticeship minimum wage
- Training is tied to an occupational standard, so what you learn matches the job
- You finish with an end-point assessment to prove you can do the role
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Is a Higher Apprenticeship Right for You?
Good Fit If You…
- Want to earn while you learn rather than study full-time
- Prefer learning on the job to learning in a classroom
- Are ready to apply for a job as well as a course
- Want to avoid tuition fees and build experience from day one
Worth Knowing
- You need an employer, so places depend on vacancies
- Entry requirements are set by the employer and training provider
- Apprenticeships often take longer than full-time study
- Which apprenticeships are available varies, so speak to the course team
Common Questions About Higher Apprenticeships
How Do Higher Apprenticeships Work?
What Are the Entry Requirements?
What's the Difference Between a Higher Apprenticeship and Full-Time Study?
Where Can a Higher Apprenticeship Lead?
Thinking About an Apprenticeship?
Book a free Course Chat and we'll look at the apprenticeship routes that could fit where you want to end up.