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Apprenticeship Standards explained

Apprenticeship Standards are nationally recognised training programmes, mapped to a specific occupation across a range of industries.

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What is an Apprenticeship Standard?

An Apprenticeship Standard is a detailed description of the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to perform in a specific job role effectively.  

Developed between employers and industry experts, they are designed to ensure that apprentices gain the practical and theoretical skills needed to maximise their impact in the workplace. 

Apprenticeship Levels

There are four types of apprenticeship, across six levels (level 2 to 7). Each one is equivalent to a traditional academic qualification. An apprentice can continue to further their education and progress through increasing apprenticeship levels, providing that higher relevant Apprenticeship Standard levels and the necessary apprenticeship funding are available.  

Apprenticeship Level Equivalent To
Intermediate apprenticeships Level 2 5 GCSEs
Advanced apprenticeships Level 3 2 A-Levels
Higher apprenticeships Levels 4 & 5 Foundation Degree or Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Degree apprenticeships Levels 6 & 7 Bachelor's or Master's degree

Our Apprenticeships Standards

As the UK’s leading apprenticeship training provider, our unrivalled range of Apprenticeships Standards are purpose-built to upskill learners and meet the critical skills shortages businesses face.

We cover a wide range of disciplines from level 2 to master’s level 7 apprenticeships.  

Actuarial
Woman on laptopAccountancy & Tax
Financial Services
A barrister wigLaw
A metrics dashboardData and Analytics
Digital Marketing
student looking at phoneCyber Security
Networking cablesIT Infrastructure & Networking
A screenshot of code on a computerSoftware
A team meeting in an officeBusiness, Leadership & Management
Meeting at a deskHR
Nursing walkingNursing & Healthcare

Apprenticeship Standards; the terminology, explained

You can find a full list of Apprenticeship Standards by visiting the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE)

Occupational duties are the agreed responsibilities an apprentice will carry out during and on completion of their apprenticeship. Employers can use the occupational duties outlined to decide what activities the apprentice will perform day-to-day to develop relevant knowledge and workable skills.

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