The Highest Paid Apprenticeships in

the UK

Apprenticeships name have changed; they have been given a hip new name –
the modern apprenticeship. Modern apprenticeships have been designed to give 16-24
year olds the work experience, the job-specific skills and the qualifications that they
need to start a career.

I know what you’re thinking. Apprenticeships are for ‘trades-people’. Apprenticeships

are for young people who want to get into plumbing, bricklaying or carpentry.

No more.

Gorillas are still endangered, England’s football team are still rubbish, and Take That
are somehow still together, but apprenticeships have changed.
There are now professional apprenticeships available in a marvellous range of job-roles
and industries. Some of the UK’s top employers in banking, accounting, engineering
and law are hunting for career conscious school leavers (like you).

So read on, future apprentice. Here are the highest paid apprenticeships in 2016/17, by
industry.

POSITION INDUSTRY AVERAGE SALARY

1 Banking £17,827
2 Legal/Law £16,185
3 Engineering £15,635

4 Accountancy £15,359

5 IT £15,254
6 Business £14,263
7 Health £13,734
8 FMCG £13,305
The highest paid apprenticeships, displayed in the handsome table above, are based on
thousands of reviews of apprenticeship schemes.

They provide peer-to-peer feedback on schemes in an array of industries, with some of

the UK's biggest and smallest employers.
Each review reveals valuable information about the content and structure of an
apprenticeship, the support received from the employer, and the social opportunities
outside of work. It's delightful.

Apprentices also disclose how much they were paid! The salaries for intermediate,
advanced and higher level apprenticeships have been combined to give an average
salary for each industry (see the handsome table).

If you're ready for more tables and general tomfoolery, read on for a breakdown of the
highest paid intermediate, advanced and higher apprenticeships.

Intermediate Apprenticeships
Intermediate apprenticeships (level 2) are the primary level of the modern
apprenticeship. Schemes can last anywhere between 12-18 months.
 The entry requirements for intermediate apprenticeships vary from scheme to scheme.
Employers usually look for applicants with two or more GCSEs, including passes in
English and Maths. If you do not have GCSEs, you have the option of completing a
traineeship.

An intermediate apprentice will work towards a Level 2 Competency qualification, and

a knowledge-based qualification.
These qualifications are equivalent to 5 GCSE passes.

If you do an intermediate apprenticeship you will qualify for an advanced

apprenticeship, and one day, quite possibly, you will be Lord Sugar's apprentice.

The charming table below shows the average salaries for intermediate
apprentices in different industries.

POSITION INDUSTRY AVERAGE SALARY

1 Banking £16,825
2 IT £14,646
3 Engineering £14,204
4 Accountancy £13,319
5 Health £11,599
6 Business £10,884
7 Legal/Law £9,955
8 FMCG £9,387
No, you haven't gone totally mad. Intermediate apprentices in banking really can earn a
salary of over £16,000. If I was 16 years old and had £16,000 in my pocket, I know
what I would do, and it rhymes with LEGOLAND.
291,330 people started an intermediate apprenticeship last year, so take a trip to our
jobs page and see what all the fuss is about.

Advanced Apprenticeships
Advanced apprenticeships (level 3) are designed for career-conscious young people.
An advanced apprentice will work on full-time basis in industry, and study towards
nationally certified qualifications on the side.

This includes a National Vocational Qualification (level 3), and a knowledge-based

qualification. These are equivalent to two A-level passes, and also qualify candidates
for higher level apprenticeships. The excitement is real.
The entry requirements for advanced apprenticeships are typically 5 GCSEs (including
English and Maths). Employers go absolutely bananas for GCSEs in English and
Maths.

The table below reveals the salaries of advanced apprentices in different

industries. Have a wonderful time.
POSITION INDUSTRY AVERAGE SALARY
1 Legal/Law £18,950
2 Banking £18,943
3 Accountancy £15,970
4 Engineering £15,063
5 IT £15,020
6 Business £14,413
7 FMCG £13,428
8 Health £12,841
The average salary for an advanced apprentice across all industries is £15,241...
imagine how many burritos you could buy with that!

An advanced apprenticeship will provide you with the work experience, the
qualifications and the professional skills that young people need to start a career.

'Well that sounds fantastic,' you might say (and you would be right).

'This is the best thing to happen for young people since the invention of the skipping
rope!'

Right again. However, on top the skills, experience and qualifications, an advanced
apprenticeship are an opportunity for you to get a taste of financial independence.

You're but one click away from that future...

Higher Apprenticeships
Higher apprenticeships - also called level 4/5 apprenticeships - are schemes for 18-24
year olds. A higher apprenticeship can last anywhere between 3-4 years, in which an
apprentice will combine full-time employment with academic study.

Employers look for applicants with two or more A levels in subjects that are relevant to
the scheme on offer. Advanced apprentices are also eligible!

A higher apprentice will work towards a Level 4 Competency qualification and

a knowledge-based qualification - which could include:

• Higher National Diploma (HND)

• a foundation degree

• or an undergraduate degree

There were 27,160 higher level apprenticeship starts in 2015/16.

 The table below shows the average salaries paid to higher level apprentices in
different sectors

POSITION INDUSTRY AVERAGE SALARY

1 Legal/Law £19,649
2 Accountancy £18,509
3 Banking £17,714
4 Engineering £17,639
5 Business £17,491
6 Health £17,141
7 FMCG £17,099
8 IT £16,097
As the table reveals, higher level apprentices receive a smashing salary across all
industries. In fact, the average salary for a higher apprentice in 2015/16 was £17,534!
Whether it's a career in law, accountancy, banking or engineering that interests you,
choose an apprenticeship!

When a higher apprentice walks into the room, everybody stops talking. For a moment
or two, there is a breathless silence.

A person claps, then another, and soon enough, the crowd goes absolutely bananas.
The entire room is applauding, cheering and stamping their feet. They demand
autographs, selfies and a speech.

It’s like when Gryffindor win the House Cup, at the end of Harry Potter and the
Philosopher’s Stone.
Well, RateMyApprenticeship is here to explain. We have a thing for apprenticeships.
You could say, we are the Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry of the apprenticeship market.
Experts. Real enthusiasts.

You must have so many questions… Who are these higher apprentices? What is a
higher apprenticeship? Where can I find vacancies? Does my cat even know my name?

Read on for all the answers: an enthusiast’s guide to higher apprenticeships.

What is a higher Apprenticeship?

A higher apprenticeship, also called level 4 or 5 apprenticeships, are the level above
advanced (level 3) and intermediate (level 2) apprenticeships. Higher apprentices work
for a company, receiving on-the-job training while the study towards a qualification on
the side.
If you complete a higher apprenticeship, you will be awarded with a level 4 (or above)
competence qualification, and a knowledge based qualification – a higher national
diploma or foundation degree.

Higher apprenticeships are designed for students who are aged 18 or over. If you’ve
just finished your GCSEs, an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship are the schemes
to be looking at.

Once you have completed an advanced apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for
a higher apprenticeship. Likewise, if you finish a higher apprenticeship, it can lead onto
a degree apprenticeship or a university degree. There are so many pathways – it’s like
the New Forest.

The entry requirements for higher apprenticeships can vary. However, most employers
require applicants to have a minimum of two A-levels, or an advanced apprenticeship
under their belt.

Higher apprenticeships are designed to train a candidate for a particular job, or for a
specific role within a company. The majority of higher apprenticeships have a
permanent job waiting at the end. If the company doesn’t employ you after the
apprenticeship, or you decide to move on, you will still be a highly employable
candidate.

Employers will fight like walruses over you. If that sounds cool, and you haven’t already,
have a look at the vacancies we have for higher apprenticeships. (If you have already
looked, look again).

How do higher apprenticeships work?

Higher apprenticeships are organised in the same fashion as other types of
apprenticeships. You will work full-time for a company, with regular day releases for you
to study and attend classes with your training provider. It is combination of work and
study.

Each higher apprenticeship will be structured slightly differently. Some companies will
send you off to study with the training provider for one day in each week, others could
organize a two-week study break intermittently throughout the year.

As a higher apprentice, you will be expected to work for a minimum of thirty hours a
week, for a minimum of thirty weeks in a year. The length of your apprenticeship will
depend on your employer, but higher apprenticeships can last anywhere between one
and four years. The video below explains further how a higher apprenticeship is
organized. See if you can count how many clichés are used... not many videos have
‘the sky is the limit’ and ‘the world is your oyster’ in them. It’s impressive.
The best higher apprenticeships
Now you know, higher apprenticeships are the best thing that has happened since the
invention of the sandwich.

With that in mind, how do you about finding the best higher apprenticeships. How do
you find the higher level apprenticeship that best suits your skills and your career
aspirations?

Here is an extract from one of our reviews, a Software Engineering higher

apprenticeship at Capgemini...

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day
basis:
I am currently a software engineer for the Welsh Government, my role covers a vast
range of technologies, including writing Java for screens, rules and letters. I manage all
my own tasks using Jira and will take it upon myself to work through all the tasks I have
prioritised. There are daily meetings to update your team on the progress and discuss
any problems you've encountered.
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
As stated above, there is a vast range of work to do; I've developed my knowledge in
Java significantly since joining the project, these skills will be essential throughout my
career and I wouldn't have been able to learn this anywhere near as quickly and
efficiently. Each day is faced with new challenges to learn from and add to your skill set.

How well organised/structured is your programme?

The structure of the programme has been very good, the training and support provided
has been very good. The study time allowance was very helpful when learning new
skills. The meetings arranged were professional and structured well.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Capgemini?

There is a lot of teamwork involved when working on a project, you must be able to
work efficiently and effectively in a team and have good communication skills; the desire
to work alone would be a big negative. You must be honest at all times to ensure
everyone is understanding of each situation. The experiences I have had from the
moment I have started will never be forgotten as they were very enjoyable.

If you’re applying for a higher apprenticeship, these reviews can help you find the
perfect programme. You could compare the reviews to CompareTheMarket, but without
the meerkats.

Imagine the situation: you have applied, and been accepted onto a marine engineering
apprenticeship. When you heard that your application was successful, you went
absolutely bananas. It’s the most excited you’ve been since you saw a man on the train
who looked like Robert Downey Jnr.

But when you arrive on the first morning of your marine engineering higher
apprenticeship, you get are greeted with a nasty surprise. The laboratory that you
assumed you would be working in is actually a fishmonger. Your main responsibility is
to restock the cod.

As you look down at the large tuna, and its cold, lifeless eyes stare back, you’ve realise
that you made a terrible mistake.

If you had read reviews of this higher apprenticeship, you might have been able to avoid
this disaster. The reviews are an opportunity for you have a look inside apprenticeships
in a range of industries. Don’t miss out!

Higher apprenticeships vacancies

When you hear the word apprenticeship, often the first thought that comes to mind is a
skinny teenager in overalls, with an oily rag and a clipboard.

Apprenticeships are associated with trades, such as plumbing and construction. They
are generally perceived as less prestigious than a university degree. A university degree
is also seen as the only pathway to white collar careers, like accounting and
architecture.

This could not be further from the truth! Some of the UK’s top employers are hiring
higher apprentices, in all manner of industries. Did you know that most MP’s offices hire
apprentices? The video below reveals secrets about the higher apprenticeship with the
BBC...

Higher apprenticeship case study

Below is a case study of a higher apprenticeship with McEwan Wallace Chartered
Accountants and BPP. Meet Rebecca – she is enchanted with her apprenticeship.
Nineteen-year-old Rebecca Hulse gained three As in her A-levels, including maths, and
was accepted into her top five university choices. However, she decided to take the
Apprenticeship route to fast-forward her career.

“I’m employed as an apprentice and tax assistant at McEwan Wallace Chartered

Accountants, studying towards becoming a Chartered Tax Advisor,” says Rebecca.

By beginning training straight from leaving sixth form, I already have a minimum of a
three-year head start over my graduate competitors. In addition to this, the professional
services aspect to my Apprenticeship means that I have a multi-dimensional
qualification. I not only possess the knowledge of a tax technician, but I am also able to
translate this in many different ways to maximise my career potential.

For me, BPP couldn’t be a better provider for my Higher Apprenticeship. I can structure
my revision around my own commitments and workload to ensure that everything is
completed to the highest standard. My tutors are only ever an email or phone call away
to help me with any queries, and my work-based assessor provides continued support
and guidance at our frequent meetings.

All in all I feel incredibly lucky to be able to train in such a fantastic environment, and I
would recommend Apprenticeships to anyone with the commitment and drive to
succeed in a top professional career.”

Rebecca is thrilled, absolutely thrilled with her decision to do a higher apprenticeship. It

could be you. You could be a higher apprentice, and take your first steps towards world
domination.

Higher apprenticeship salary

Did we mention that higher apprentices receive a crazy salary? By crazy, we don’t
mean £100 million a year. That would be a bit too crazy. Imagine the situation… you’re
about to sneeze, so you pull your handkerchief out of your pocket, and £10,000 falls
out. They would think you’re a bank robber. Or an ivory salesman.

Each higher apprenticeship programme will pay a different salary. Your wage will
depend on...
• The company your apprenticeship is with
• The type of apprenticeship
• Your age (the table below gives the current rates)
• Location (higher apprentices in London are paid more due to high living/travel costs)
This table shows the current rates for the National Minimum Wage*. You can
visit gov.ukfor the full lowdown on apprenticeship pay and holidays.
Age Current Rate

25 and over £7.50

21 - 24 £7.05

18 - 20 £5.60

Under 18 £4.05

Apprentice £3.50

*as of October 2016.

The salaries for the higher level apprenticeship vacancies on RateMyApprenticeship

start around £18,000, and can rise to £28-29,000 on completion.

Salary information is usually listed in the job vacancy. So have a peek at the information
provided on the vacancy page to see how much different companies pay their higher
apprentices.

Higher apprenticeships in London

There is frightening number of opportunities to do a higher apprenticeship in London.
The capital is a one of the world’s chief centres for business. Some of the world’s
largest international companies have offices in old London town.

Why should I do a higher apprenticeship?

Why should you do a higher apprenticeship? Well, if the previous 2225 words hadn’t
convinced you, here are TEN reasons why YOU should apply for a higher
apprenticeship,
If you complete a higher apprenticeship, you will gain marvellous qualifications! Higher
apprentices are revered like the American mountain lion.

1. A higher apprenticeship is an opportunity work alongside experienced professionals.

2. Higher apprentices earn while they learn. They can earn a smashing salary, without
the burdens of loans, fees and student debt.

3. You will be trained for a specific role within a profession. Higher apprentices are
highly employable, with all the skills and knowledge required to start a job
immediately.

4. A higher apprenticeship will impart practical work skills. No matter which path you
take after your apprenticeship, you will have those skills forever.

5. Higher apprenticeships are a charming combination of work and study. You will
receive on-the-job training, as well as relevant qualifications.

6. Once you have finished your higher apprenticeship, you will be eligible for a
university degree, or a degree apprenticeship. If you’re thought higher
apprenticeships were snazzy.

7. Higher apprenticeships are available in surprising array of industries. There are

apprenticeships for 1,500 different job roles, covering more than 170 industries.

8. Most higher apprentices stay with their employer after the programme ends. 71% of
apprentices stay with the same employer post-apprenticeship.

9. A higher apprenticeship is strong first step onto the career ladder. You will have the
practical work skills, specialist knowledge and the qualifications that will have
employers sending you baskets of mini-muffins.
Degree Apprenticeships
WHAT IS A DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP? I hear you scream. Well, before you
completely lose your mind, read on for a step-by-step guide to achieving a debt-free,
industry designed degree, and planting your foot firmly on the career ladder.

Degree apprenticeships are aimed at 18 to 19-year-old school leavers as an alternative

route into higher education. Apprentices will combine full-time work for an industry
leading company with part-time university study. These courses last between one and
four years, with a Bachelors or Masters degree waiting at the end.
Degree apprenticeship programmes have been developed through a collaboration
between the Tech Partnership and higher education institutions. With government
backing, a network of graduate employers and universities have joined forces to train a
highly skilled workforce for key industries.

Did I mention that all apprentices are paid? I’ll let David Cameron explain:

“Degree Apprenticeships will give people a great head start, combining a full degree
with the real life practical skills gained in work and the financial security of a regular pay
packet.” David Cameron, 2015

It almost sounds too good to be true; but remember, politicians always tell the truth.

Why should I do a degree apprenticeship?

The Institute of Fiscal Studies have reported the average student “leaves university
with £44k of debt, and no guarantee of job.”
The 2012 hike in student fees has forced school leavers to be shrewder consumers of
higher education. A degree apprenticeship has all the benefits of a conventional degree
programme, without the financial anxieties. On top of this, degree apprentices are
provided with the practical experience and wider employability skills which are crucial to
career success.

What are the benefits

DEBT FREE
Degree apprentices achieve a full Bachelors or Masters degree but avoid the colossal
debts from tuition fees and maintenance loans.

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN

Degree apprentices are employed throughout the programme, completing paid work
from day one.

Jaguar Land Rover’s Engineering Degree Apprenticeship scheme has a starting salary
of £18,500 per year, increasing by 10% every 6 months. Apprentices are expected to
earn over £35k per year on completion of the course!

EMPLOYABILITY

Although degree apprenticeships do not guarantee a permanent job, apprentices are

highly employable graduates. Building a relationship with an employer over a
programme of work and study will open doors into an industry.
Retention rates for apprentices can exceed 80%. (UCAS, 2016)
RELEVANT SKILLS
Employers and professional bodies design the overall programme, so apprentices
obtain the specific practical skills which are necessary for a job. Apprentices can move
seamlessly from their degree apprenticeship into a skilled profession.

Still interested? Only a madman would click away now. So keep reading to find out
which companies and universities are offering degree apprenticeships in 2016/2017.

How do degree apprenticeships work?

The funding for degree apprenticeships is divided between the government and your
employer. The government pays two-thirds of your costs and fees, capped at £18,000,
while your employer coughs up the rest. Who knew the government could be so
generous?

Apprentices will work for a minimum of 30 hours a week for 30 weeks a year. It’s not
the get up at midday, watch Cash in the Attic, put on a Sainsbury’s basics toad-in-the-
hole and wait for The Chase to begin lifestyle which I became familiar with at university.
The government doesn’t fund these pursuits – it costs £9,000 per year for the privilege.

Degree apprentices will be expected to achieve academically while they are in full-time
employment.

Below is a breakdown of a Software Engineering degree

apprenticeship with Custodian Solutions and the University of Exeter.
Meet Tom. Tom is very excited about his degree apprenticeship.
Tom is working for Custodian Solutions, with structured intervals to attend lectures and
complete online classes, in order to gain a BSc Digital and Technology Solutions from
the University of Exeter. Tom is developing a technical and professional expertise in IT
in a real-life working environment. His degree is tailored to the specific and relevant
skills he needs for a career in software engineering.

Tom can barely contain his joy. He is earning a salary of £18,000 and is debt free as his
employers are paying for his degree from a Russell Group university.

What degree apprenticeships are available?

There are currently 24 degree apprenticeships in different industries on offer. These
programmes – and some of the companies supporting them – are listed below:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Aerospace Software Development
• Automotive Engineering
• Banking Relationship Manager
• Bespoke Tailoring
• Chartered Legal Executive
• Chartered Manager
• Chartered Surveying
• Construction
• Defence Systems Engineering
• Dental Technician
• Digital and Technology Solutions
• Electronic Systems Engineering
• Healthcare Assistant Practitioner
• Laboratory Science
• Licensed Conveyancer
• Nuclear Science
• Operations Manager
• Outside Broadcasting Engineering
• Power Systems
• Product Design and Development
• Solicitor
• Technical Support Engineering

Degree Apprenticeships in Engineering

For engineering enthusiasts, there are a wide range of opportunities to work with
industry leaders in the field. EDF Energy, Airbus and BMW Group UK are just a handful
of the blue-chip companies supporting degree apprenticeships.

No longer will school leavers have to hide in the shrubbery outside factories, with faint
hopes of a lax security guard leaving a door unlocked, just to get a peek inside the
engineering industry. No more climbing of barbed-wire fences. No more baskets of mini-
muffins sent into HR departments, for one day’s work experience making tea at Toyota.

The incentive of a debt-free degree and a salary make degree apprenticeships an

alluring prospect for all school leavers seeking higher education. But for students
looking for a start in engineering, working with professionals inside the industry is a
priceless opportunity.

“70% of employers were very satisfied with apprenticeships because it is ‘the most relevant form
of training to their business.”Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Apprentice Evaluation:
employer survey, 2014
There are currently degree apprenticeships established in Electronic Systems
Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Engineering and Automotive
Engineering.
To find out what working for an engineering company is like, read reviews of engineering
apprenticeships on RateMyApprenticeship.

Degree Apprenticeships in Business and Finance

Students are already completing courses in business and finance with various graduate
employers and universities.

Anglia Ruskin University have partnered with Barclays, to offer a 3-year BA (Hons)
Management & Leadership.

Airbus are delivering a 3-year degree apprenticeship in Finance and Accounting, in

partnership with either Bangor University, Swansea University or the University of the
West of England

Degree apprenticeships of this kind can cover diverse areas of work and study. It may
not be as glamorous as Lord Sugar’s The Apprentice, but full-time employment with an
industry leading company will give you a serious grounding in a wide variety of roles:

• Management
• Sales or business development
• Customer Service
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Public Relations
• Administration
• Finance

Degree apprenticeships in London

There are six higher education institutions which are offering degree apprenticeships in
London.

BPP Business School are providing two programmes, a BBA (Hons) Chartered
Management and BSc (Hons) Design and Technology Solutions.
The University of Roehampton are also offering a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology
Solutions, specialising in network engineering, software engineering and data analysis.
Queen Mary University of London are in partnership with Goldman Sachs, GSK, IBM,
and have designed an IT Degree Apprenticeship with John Lewis.
The University of West London have introduced three new programmes; a Chartered
Manager Degree Apprenticeship, a Digital and Technology Solutions Manager Degree
Apprenticeship, and Healthcare Assistant (Practitioner) Higher Degree Apprenticeship.
The University of Greenwich and Ravensborne College have yet to declare which
courses they are launching next year.
Pearson College London provide three degree apprenticeship programmes: a
Business Management degree in partnership with the BBC, a Chartered Manager
Degree Apprenticeship, and a Rotational Degree Apprenticeship, which includes
professional work experience with three industry leading companies.
Birkbeck, University of London offer two schemes, a Digital and Technology
Solutions Degree Apprenticeship and a Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship.

Degree apprenticeships in the UK

At this point in time, degree apprenticeships are only available in England. But before
the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish school leavers start rioting, I should probably
mention, you can all still apply!

Degree apprenticeships from English universities are open to applications for school
leavers from across the UK.

Keep reading, we’ll go through where to find degree apprenticeships and the varying
entry requirements. It would be a terrible time to leave.

Entry requirements
The entry requirement s for each degree apprenticeship varies from programme to
programme.

Importantly, not all employers are requiring candidates to have A Levels to qualify for
applications. Degree apprenticeships are suitable for school leavers who have
completed lower level apprenticeships.

Take Fujitsu for example, which are offering a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technological
Solutions in partnership with the University of Winchester. For this course, employers
have required candidates to have 280 UCAS points. This means candidates with a
BTEC qualification, or advanced/higher apprenticeships are eligible for this degree
apprenticeship.

Relevant work experience can also be considered by employers if other criteria are not
met.

For full entry requirements, it’s best to look at university websites and employer’s
recruitment materials. You may be surprised about which degree apprenticeships you
are eligible for!

School Leaver Programmes in 2017

With each passing year, the reputations of schemes that offer alternatives to university
continue to grow. This year promises to be no different.

For example, if you were to get involved in a school leaver programme, you could find
yourself working for a major company like:
• KPMG
• BDO
• Ernst & Young (EY)
• Mazars
• Nestlé
• Marks & Spencer (M&S)
• RBS
• Grant Thornton
• Deloitte (school leavers)
• PwC (school leavers)
• ACCA
These businesses operate in key economic industries like finance, banking, investment,
retail, law, consultancy, FMCG and accountancy.

If you are interested in applying for a school leaver programme, you should be aware
that some organisations will place you into specific departments.

For instance, KPMG school leavers will be asked to work in the audit department, Marks
& Spencer runs a management scheme for school leavers and ACCA operates
accounting school leaver programmes.

Make sure that if you apply for a school leaver program, it's offering work in a field that
you're interested in!

School Leaver Programmes in London

Some of the world’s biggest companies have headquarters in London. There are
countless opportunities for school leavers to find schemes in the capital.

On our jobs board, you can set filters to search for school leaver programmes that are
based in London. If you click here, you’ll be teleported to our pages for London
vacancies.
You can set filters for locations across the UK, to discover which companies offer school
leaver programmes near you.

Benefits of School Leaver Programmes

We’re near the end now. It’s like the last song at a Beyoncé concert. The big finish.

So we thought we’d have a little recap of the benefits of school leaver programmes...
just for the fun of it.

To start with, if you choose a school leaver programme ahead of going to university, you
will avoid hefty student debt. These schemes give you an opportunity to gain the
qualifications to start a career, without financial burden.
Not only can you save money, you will be bringing home a pay cheque. Some
companies offer a salary that exceeds £20,000, along with perks and benefits! Imagine
what you can do with that sort of coinage, the world is your oyster.

On top of this, as the study periods of school leaver initiatives often take place at
university, companies will PAY for your tuition fees! You will be receiving, for free, the
education that other people are paying thousands for.

The graduate market is also still very competitive. The school leaver market is less so.
You might find that it's actually easier to find employment with the top companies as a
school leaver than as a graduate.

Furthermore, starting work with a top company at such a young age will allow you to
develop practical work skills at an alarming speed. Employers crave candidates that
have these practical work skills.

As if it couldn’t get any better, the chance to work with keen business minds and
seasoned professionals will establish a network of influential contacts. These contacts
could be influential in your future career development.

The good news is endless. Companies that offer these schemes that position them as
clear alternatives to university, often offer you the chance to gain cracking qualifications.

It could be a bachelor's degree, foundation degree or professional accredited

qualifications. Essentially, you have the main benefit of going to university, without the
financial drawbacks.

Nestlé are looking for ‘ambitious’ and ‘innovative’ school leavers for their scheme. They
require applicants to have completed their A-levels within the last two years, and 300
UCAS points. Standard entry requirements: 280 UCAS points from 3 A- standards.
Levels (obtained or predicted) + grade B in English and maths at GCSE/Scottish
Top Most paying sector wise

1 Financial services apprenticeships

There are a variety of apprenticeships available in financial services, which span a

range of specialisms, including: investment, operations, technology and finance.
Investment banking companies such as JP Morgan offer a scheme that covers these
areas, while Barclays, Lloyds and Santander offer trainee roles in finance, digital
technology, audit and management. These schemes are all-inclusive and often come
with a guaranteed job offered on successful completion of the apprenticeship. They tend
to be London or city-based.

Starting pay before tax: £15,000-£21,996

Qualifying pay before tax: in excess of £31,000

Requirements: three C grades at A-Level or equivalent. English and mathematics

grade B or above at GCSE.

2 Business and accountancy apprenticeships

Leading professional services firms such as PwC, KPMG, Deloitte and EY offer
apprenticeships that enable school leavers to become fully-qualified chartered
accountants without completing a degree. These jobs span a variety of sectors,
including: assurance, technology management consultancy, deals or tax. The trainee
schemes are city-based and generally take three to five years to complete, depending
on the scheme and qualifications you undertake.

Starting pay before tax: £17,000-£20,000

Qualifying pay before tax: in excess of £25,000

Requirements: five GCSEs, including maths and English, at grade C or above, and
three A-levels at grade C.

3 Legal apprenticeships

The government will soon be launching an apprenticeship scheme to enable school

leavers to become fully-qualified solicitors without completing a degree. The scheme
enables students to sign up straight from school to a five or six year programme of
work-based learning and assessment that gives them the qualification of solicitor.

There are also a variety of legal apprenticeship schemes currently used by employers.
Top law firms such as Gordons and Fieldfisher combine on-the-job training
with Chartered Institute of Legal Executives courses, which qualify people as chartered
legal executives. This gives them a similar role to solicitors, however some areas of
their work must be supervised.

Other apprenticeship schemes involve partnerships with universities. For example, Co-
operative Legal Services has partnered with Manchester Metropolitan University to train
employees as paralegals, lawyers and managers.

Starting pay before tax: approximately £17,000

Qualifying pay before tax: in excess of £35,000

Requirements: five GCSEs, including maths and English, at grade C or above, and
three A-levels at grade C.w paid, antisocial and non-academic: common apprenticeship
myths

Starting pay before tax: approximately £18,000

Qualifying pay before tax: in excess of £25,000

Requirements: a demonstrable interest in marketing and social media. Work

experience in marketing, a creative CV or a personal blog to show off your marketing
skills will all be looked at favourably.
5 Computer hardware apprenticeships

Advanced, higher and degree-level apprenticeships are available across the IT sector.
From computer manufacturers to software and electronic engineers, these roles are
perfect for someone with technical skills who likes solving problems in a logical manner.
Apprenticeships in this sector have strong possibilities of progression into leadership
and further options to specialise as you progress.

Starting pay before tax: in excess of £15,000

Qualifying pay before tax: once specialised, salaries can reach over £40,000

Requirements: five GCSEs, including maths and English, at grade C or above. Other
relevant higher qualifications such as A-levels, NVQs and diplomas are required for a
higher apprenticeship.

All the Best……………….