Become an apprentice
About apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are real jobs which allow you to earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain skills and valuable work experience. All while studying a qualification. These can be in a variety of areas, from engineering to fashion to law, and a whole lot more.
Apprenticeships are for anyone aged 16 and over, and will help you gain the skills you need for your chosen career. Whether you're a school leaver or have been working for years and want a new career, you can apply for an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships can take between one and six years to complete, depending on the level of apprenticeship, your ability and the industry sector.
Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
Anyone who meets the following requirements can apply:
- aged 16 and over.
- living in England.
- not in full-time education.
Whether you’re a school leaver or have been working for years and want a new career, you can apply.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
It's easy to apply for an apprenticeship:
- Search GOV.UK for the latest apprenticeship vacancies in Derby.
- Sign in or register on the GOV.UK Apprenticeships website.
- Submit your application.
Some industries have specific entry requirements; we recommend you check before applying.
What are the benefits of apprenticeships?
Going straight to university isn't the only route to progress yourselves after GCSE's or college. Higher and Degree apprenticeships are real alternatives to following the traditional route.
The benefits include:
- gaining valuable work experience
- earning a salary
- getting paid holidays
- receiving training
- gaining nationally recognised / professional qualifications
- increased future earnings
- paid tuition fees
Visit the Amazing Apprenticeships and Apprenticeships websites for more information.
What apprenticeship levels are available?
You can start at an apprenticeship at any level, as long as you meet the entry requirements. You can start at level 2 all the way up to level 7.
There are four levels of apprenticeships available:
| Name | Level | Equivalent |
| Intermediate | 2 | 5 GCSE's at a pass |
| Advanced | 3 | 2 A Level's at a pass |
| Higher | 4, 5, 6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor's or master's degree |
What kind of apprenticeships are there?
You can do a variety of apprenticeships from engineering, fashion, law and whole lot more. You can find a full list of the opportunities apprenticeships provided on the A-Z guide for apprenticeships.
Please note that the apprenticeships listed are accurate at the time of publishing.
What apprenticeships can Derby City Council offer?
We offer apprenticeships in variety of areas such as; Business Administration, Customer Service, Finance, IT and Teaching.
For more information on the full Derby City Council offer, please visit the Apprenticeships with Derby City Council page.
I have a disability, what support is available?
Apprenticeships are available for anyone aged 16 and above. Apprenticeships can be a great, direct route for disabled people to get skilled jobs and careers.
To find out more information about the support available, please download Into Apprenticeships by Disability Rights UK.
Contact details
For further details email apprenticeships@derby.gov.uk.