Parents: what is a Higher Apprenticeship?

Higher Apprenticeships offer your child a Level 4 or above qualification, which is the equivalent of a higher education qualification. The programmes function pretty much like a normal apprenticeship in the sense that it will give your child a mix of on and off-the-job training.

These apprenticeships are designed to develop your child’s skills and qualifications to the highest standard; in some cases, they offer another route to gaining a university qualification.

What industries offer Higher Apprenticeships?

There are Higher Apprenticeship vacancies in a wide range of industries:

Construction, Planning and the Built Environment: specifically, construction management.

Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care: specifically, agriculture. 

Arts, Media and Publishing: for example, advertising and marketing communications or broadcast production.

Business, Administration and Law: for example, accounting, public relations or social media and digital marketing.

Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies: for example, advanced manufacturing engineering, or technical fashion and textiles.

Retail and Commercial Enterprise: for example, facilities management or retail management.

Health, Public Services and Care: specifically, intelligence operations.

Education and Training: specifically, professional development for work-based learning practitioners.

Information and Communication Technology: for example, information security or IT, software, web and telecoms professionals.

Entry requirements will vary, but usually people who have already done an Advanced Apprenticeship or who have a minimum of two A-levels will be eligible for a Higher Apprenticeship.

What are the entry requirements for a Higher Apprenticeship?

It’s a serious apprenticeship and, as a result, school leavers opting for this level of apprenticeship are usually 18 and over.

Entry requirements will vary, but usually people who have already done an Advanced Apprenticeship or who have a minimum of two A-levels will be eligible for a Higher Apprenticeship.

If your child doesn’t have those, employers might take into account previous work experience or other criteria instead.

What qualifications will my child get with a Higher Apprenticeship?

The high entry requirements reflect the nature of the qualifications on offer with these apprenticeships.

Those on Higher Apprenticeships might be working towards a Level 4 or above Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in some cases, a knowledge-based qualification, such as a foundation degree, HND, or undergraduate degree.

As Higher Apprentices are a step above Advanced and Intermediate Apprenticeships, your child is likely to get paid a little bit more than other apprentices if they choose one of these programmes.