Two smiling apprentices in a car repair shop, showcasing teamwork and enthusiasm for their automotive training.

Apprenticeships Explained

Why not move your career forward with an apprenticeship, higher apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship from B&FC? There are various levels of apprenticeships available so you can find the right one for you.

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Apprenticeship Levels Explained

Intermediate (Level 2 - equivalent to 5 GCSEs)
Advanced (Level 3 - equivalent to 2 A-levels)
Higher (Levels 4 and 5 - equivalent to a Foundation Degree)
Degree (Levels 6 and 7 - equivalent to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree)

School leavers normally start an intermediate apprenticeship, lasting at least 1 year and 1 day.

Already in employment? An advanced apprenticeship - or even a higher/degree apprenticeship might suit you better.

Little or no work experience? Get started with a traineeship – a sort of pre-apprenticeship training course.

What you'll get from an apprenticeship

As an apprentice, you will be working full-time for an employer, developing skills in your chosen occupation.

You need to be in employment before you can start but through our vacancy matching service and strong employer relationships we can support you to find your ideal role.

Personalised programme

Your B&FC apprenticeship is made up of several different elements and each one reflects your individual abilities and career goals. Our expert tutors and assessors all benefit from relevant industry experience and will support you to achieve all your goals.

Off-the-job training

Developing your skills at work is called on-the-job training. However, 20% of your apprenticeship (equal to one full day a week) will be ‘off-the-job’. This might include attending College, tackling projects, online learning, coaching, shadowing, or training for your job.

Stacks of support

Assessment mostly takes place in the workplace. When you start, we will allocate you a skills coach, who will visit you at least once a month to guide and support you and help you to plan for your future. We will also provide you with specialist support for your English and maths and for any additional needs that you make us aware of.