What is a Level 2 Apprenticeship?

How do they work?

Think of a Level 2 apprenticeship as a job (because it is), with a little bit extra. 

You’ll work full-time (around 30 hours per week) for an employer while studying towards a nationally recognised qualification. This usually means you’ll spend four days at your employer, with one learning day at a college or in the office. Some employers offer study leave, where you’ll complete all your learning in one block.

A Level 2 apprenticeship takes between 12 and 18 months to finish, where you’ll do real tasks and get involved in real projects that can make an actual impact.

The type of work you do depends on the industry you’re in. Check out our industry guides to read more.

So what could your day actually look like? Meet 16-year-old Romeo who's doing an apprenticeship in sales.

What entry requirements do you need for a Level 2 apprenticeship?

The entry requirements you need depend on the scheme. You don’t actually need GCSEs for a lot of Level 2 apprenticeships, but some employers might ask for two or more GCSEs graded at 9 to 4 (A* to C). Plus, you’ll need to:

• Be over 16 years old

• Not in full-time education

• Show you’re able to finish the programme.

If you don’t have GCSEs in maths or English, you’ll do these during your apprenticeship.

If you’re not quite ready for a Level 2 apprenticeship, you could get on to a T-Level Foundation Year. It’s designed to help 16 to 19-year-olds develop the skills needed to get onto a T-Level or Level 2 apprenticeship.

Can you do an apprenticeship without GCSEs?

You absolutely can do an apprenticeship without GCSEs.

Employers don’t need you to be an expert. After all, an apprenticeship is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge to succeed in your chosen career.

Show interest and enthusiasm in your application, and you’ll be accepted to the scheme. Find out more information on how you can do an apprenticeship without GCSEs.

What is a Level 2 apprenticeship equivalent to?

A Level 2 apprenticeship is the equivalent of getting five GCSEs graded at 9 to 4 (or A* - C). Already got these? You can go straight on to a Level 3 apprenticeship. Read our guide to Level 3 apprenticeships for more information.

These apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with academic study, allowing you to gain nationally recognised qualifications like an NVQ Level 2 or a BTEC Diploma and develop key soft skills.

Once you’ve completed your Level 2 apprenticeship, you’ll gain an invaluable head start in your career and can either continue onto a Level 3 apprenticeship or move into full-time employment.

Can you go to university with a Level 2 apprenticeship?

Yes! But not on its own. Level 2 apprenticeships are very much the first step on the apprentice journey. Once you’ve finished your apprenticeship, you’ll move on to a Level 3, which will earn you UCAS points once you’ve finished your scheme. (This applies to apprenticeships starting from September 2026).

From there, you can either do a Level 4/5 (which are the same as a foundation degree) or a degree apprenticeship.

Do you get paid for a level 2 apprenticeship?

Yes! As a Level 2 apprentice, you'll earn a proper wage throughout your entire programme. You're legally entitled to at least the National Apprenticeship Wage, but here's the good news: most employers offer much more than this minimum.

Based on our apprentice reviews, Level 2 apprentices earn around £19,100 per year.

How much you’re paid also depends on the industry you’ve chosen, apprenticeship type, and location. So it literally pays to explore your options! For example:

• IT apprentices typically earn around £24,400 in their first year

• Marketing apprentices can expect about £23,550 per year.

Location matters, too. Apprentices in London earn approximately £21,580 yearly, while those in Scotland earn around £19,600.

Want to discover which apprenticeships offer the highest salaries? Check out our Highest Paid Apprenticeships.

Want to know about the best places to work? Check out our Top Apprenticeship Employers, in conjunction with the Department for Education. We ask apprentices what they think of their work experience, they leave reviews, and we get the Top 100.

How do you apply?

The application process can be super confusing when it’s your first time. We’ve got you covered. You’ll start by putting together a CV that’s tailored for an apprenticeship application.

Check out our guide to apprenticeship CVs (which has a FREE downloadable CV template).

If you’re unfamiliar with the application process, that’s okay. It goes a little something like this:

Application form → CV and cover letter → Psychometric tests → Face-to-face interview or video interview → Assessment centre → APPRENTICESHIP START

We have loads more to help you along the way with our application and interview toolkits.