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Business Apprenticeships

Thinking about a career in business? It’s an exciting industry filled with loads of opportunities and can take you all over the world.

The great news? You don’t even need A Levels or a degree to get started. If you’re about to finish school, a business apprenticeship will help you gain all the work experience and qualifications you’ll need to get ahead and have a career for life. Here’s a quick breakdown:

LEVELS: 2 to 7 (Intermediate to Degree) | FOR: School leavers (16+) | AVG SALARY: £18,000 to £29,000 | WHEN TO APPLY: September (some schemes available all year round)

Read our guide to business apprenticeships and discover what apprenticeships are out there, how they work and how you get started on one.

What are business apprenticeships?

Business apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with studying for those aged 16 and above. They are a priceless opportunity to gain experience and qualifications in the competitive world of business, without needing to take out any student loans. Oh - and - we almost forgot to mention - you’ll get paid.

You’ll spend your time developing real skills that employers are looking for. From managing projects and analysing data to building client relationships and organising events, you’ll get involved with tasks that matter.

More students like you are choosing apprenticeships to help them jumpstart their careers sooner. Read what one apprentice thought about their time at St Austell Brewery:

I have learned so many skills - I have learned a lot of new processes such as the disciplinary process, absence management and probation and have learned how to support our managers to conduct them fairly. I have always been a people person, so being able to help people, sign post and and advise on important subjects makes me feel great. People Services Partner Apprentice, St Austell Brewery
READ BUSINESS APPRENTICESHIP REVIEWS

How long is a business apprenticeship?

Depending on which level you choose, you'll spend between one and five years in a business apprenticeship.

Most level 3 apprenticeships wrap up in 12-18 months - that's less time than many college courses. If it’s a degree apprenticeship you’re looking for, you’ll spend between three and five years in your apprenticeship.

Regardless of time, you’ll be ahead of your peers who have gone on to further education. You’ll have five years of work experience on your CV, whereas at most they’ll have one.


What apprenticeships are there in business?

Loads! You’ve got options from Level 2 right up until Level 7 to get stuck into, depending on where you are in your education journey. 

Here’s a quick look at some of the business apprenticeships you could explore.

Level 2 apprenticeship types

Recruitment Resourcer

Business Administrator

Business Support

Customer Service Advisor

Level 3 apprenticeship types

Learning and Development Practitioner

HR Support

Public Service Operational Delivery Driver

Recruitment Consultant

Team Leader/Supervisor.

Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship types

HR Consultant/Partner

Junior Management Consultant

Operations/Departmental Manager

Policy Officer

Regulatory Compliance Officer

School Business Professional

Level 6/7 (Degree) apprenticeship types

Chartered Manager

Project Manager

Senior Leader

Operational Research Specialist

Systems Thinking Practitioner

Improvement Leader

The level you choose depends on your age and where you are in your education journey. Just finished your GCSEs? You'll typically start with a Level 2 or Level 3, depending on your grades. If you've completed your A Levels, you can jump straight into a Level 4 or even a degree-equivalent Level 6 apprenticeship. It's all about matching the right level to your qualifications and career goals.


Which companies offer business apprenticeships?

Because business touches nearly every industry, you'll have loads of options. So whether that’s working at a huge financial institution or for a fashion brand, there’s an avenue just for you.

“I really enjoyed the programme and connecting with other people in the cohort outside of my department as well as internally. Coaching in the workplace has taught me the value of active listening, asking powerful questions, and creating space for others to discover their own solutions - for my immediate team and for the reservists I lead. It’s deepened my ability to support growth in others while fostering a culture of trust and continuous learning.” Senior Executive Officer, Department for Education

Want to discover what it’s really like to be a business apprentice? We’ve got you covered with thousands of student-written reviews, get started below.

READ BUSINESS REVIEWS

As a business apprentice, you’ll be taking home bucket loads of cash. However, the amount you’ll get paid will depend on your age and the type of apprenticeship you’re doing.

On average, you’ll earn over £24,600 per year. Depending on the apprenticeship you’re on, this can rise each year. Here’s how much you could earn per level according to our student-written reviews:

Level 2 = £18,000

Level 3 = £21,000

Level 4/5= £29,000

You’re a full-time employee. So you'll get the full package from day one - actual salary, proper holiday time, and all the same perks as everyone else at the company.


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