What is a Level 4 and 5 Apprenticeship?

How do Level 4 and Level 5 apprenticeships work?

Higher apprenticeships combine real work experience with studying. You’ll spend most of your time with your employer learning on-the-job, whilst attending classes with your training provider.

During your Level 4 and 5 apprenticeship, you’ll work for a minimum of thirty hours a week, thirty weeks per year. How long your apprenticeship lasts will depend on your employer, but higher apprenticeships can last anywhere between one and four years.

You'll work alongside industry experts, connect with other ambitious apprentices, and actually contribute to real projects from day one. On top of that, you’ll be paid a salary for your time.

What is the difference between a Level 4 and a Level 5 apprenticeship?

Whilst Level 4 and 5 apprenticeships come under the higher apprenticeship umbrella, there are slight differences:

Both a Level 4 and 5 can last between two and four years. And which level you can apply to depends on your grades and the requirements of the employer.

Let's delve into that a little more.

What entry requirements do you need for a higher apprenticeship?

The entry requirements for Level 4/5 apprenticeships vary from scheme to scheme, but are generally one or more of the following:

• An advanced apprenticeship

• A BTEC

• A level 3 NVQ/SVQ qualification

• Two passes at A-Level (C or above) - and sometimes in specific subjects.

Remember: Some companies will ask for five or more GCSEs graded at 9 to 4 (A* to C).

Which companies offer Level 4/5 apprenticeships?

Luckily for you, there are so many employers offering Level 4 and 5 apprenticeships across a wide range of industries, including:

• Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care

• Arts, Media and Publishing

• Business, Administration and Law

• Construction, Property and Surveying

• Education and Childcare

• Engineering and Manufacturing

• Hair and Beauty

• Health, Public Services and Care

• Information and Communication Technology

• Leisure, Travel and Tourism.

You can filter by industry on our apprenticeship job search.

You can also check out our Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, in conjunction with the Department for Education. We ask apprentices what they think of their scheme, they leave us a review of their job, and we get the Top 100.

Read more of our reviews, written by previous apprentices. You'll get the low-down on what apprenticeships are really like.

Do you get paid for higher apprenticeships?

You absolutely do. No matter what level of apprenticeship you’re at, you’re guaranteed a healthy pay cheque.

As a basis, every apprentice will be paid the current National Apprenticeship Wage. Loads of employers pay way above this. 

According to our apprentice-written reviews, the average Level 4 apprenticeship salary is over £27,000 per year.

Want to know more about how much apprentices get paid? Check out the Highest Paid Apprenticeships.

Can I apply to university after a Level 4 apprenticeship?

You absolutely can! A Level 4 is the equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree and Level 5 is the equivalent to a foundation degree, which is a super start.

If university is your next step, you’ll have the qualifications and experience to boost your application. 

You’ll earn between 48 and 112 UCAS points through your apprenticeship, which will go a long way in securing the degree you want.

How to apply

Getting into a higher apprenticeship can be tougher since you'll need some background knowledge or experience in the area you’re interested in.

That’s why having a standout apprenticeship CV can really help, especially if you don’t tick all the boxes for the usual entry requirements.

Don’t be discouraged though, there’s plenty you can do to secure the apprenticeship you want.

Think about the skills you currently have and where you’ve been able to show them. Do you have any hobbies, for example?

If you’re the captain of your local youth football team, that shows leadership skills. Or maybe you’re part of a science club at school - perfect for a future career in STEM.

We have plenty of careers advice on our website for you to use to perfect your applications and succeed in your interviews.

Scroll down to apply for higher apprenticeships.