Can I do an Apprenticeship without GCSEs?

Level 2 Apprenticeships

Also known as intermediate apprenticeships, Level 2 Apprenticeships are the first step on the apprenticeship ladder. They are the perfect option for any 16-year-old (or above) who wants to kickstart their career.

Apprenticeships are schemes whereby you work full-time for a company in an industry of your choice and get paid a salary like any other employee. You'll also work towards qualifications equivalent to five GCSEs.

How long do they last?

Level 2 apprenticeships last between one to two years depending on your employer.

Entry Requirements

To qualify for a Level 2 apprenticeship, you need to be over 16 years old.

Although you don’t normally need any formal qualifications, some employers might ask for two or more GCSEs graded at 9 to 4 (A* to C).

And if you don’t have GCSEs in Maths and English, you might be asked to take these during your apprenticeship.

Regardless, if you have the passion and willingness to learn, you'll be applicable for these schemes and start your journey on the apprenticeship career ladder.

What industries could I work in?

Apprenticeships are available in all manner of sectors. These include…

• Arts, Media and Publishing

• Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care

• Business Administration

• Construction, Property and Surveying

• Education, Training and Childcare

• Engineering and Manufacturing

• Hair and Beauty

• Leisure, Travel and Tourism

• Law

... and many more!

Once you’ve completed your Level 2 Apprenticeship, you can move on to a Level 3 (advanced) Apprenticeship, either with the same employer or with another. Click to read our guide to Level 3 Apprenticeships [link].

T-level Foundation Year

A T-Level is a two-year qualification you can do after your GCSEs as an alternative to A Levels. It includes work placements in collaboration with a company, but is much more class-based than an apprenticeship. You also do not get paid.

If you’re not quite ready for T Levels or didn’t get the GCSEs you wanted (or at all), a T Level Foundation year will give you the tools and skills you need to progress onto a T Level or a paid apprenticeship. It lasts an academic year and can be full-time or part-time, depending on your circumstances.

The course will help you develop your English, maths, practical, technical and study skills.

What subjects can you take in a T-Level Foundation Year?

You can specialise right away in what you enjoy. Subjects include...

• Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care

• Business and Administration

• Construction

• Creative and Design

• Digital

• Education and Early Years

• Engineering and Manufacturing

• Health and Science

• Legal, Finance and Accounting

• Sales, Marketing and Procurement

You can read more details on T-Levels by clicking below:

T-Level Foundation Year vs Level 2 Apprenticeships

Both offer a mixture of on-the-job experience, skills-based training and classroom learning.

The main difference is the time split:

Your decision comes down to whether or not you have your heart set on a specific career after your GCSEs.

How much does an apprentice earn?

You'll be paid at least the National Minimum Wage as an apprentice, which changes most years. But most employers will pay more, especially as you progress.

You can search our apprentice-written job reviews to see what salaries other school leavers had during their apprenticeships.