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Am I eligible for a UK apprenticeship?
Am I eligible for a UK apprenticeship?

Eligibility requirements for those applying for an apprenticeship with their current employer

Updated over 2 weeks ago

This article is for those applying for an apprenticeship via their current employer. If you are a career starter applying for apprenticeship roles at a future employer, explore articles relevant to you here.

Overview

If you’re considering applying for an apprenticeship in the UK, it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements set by the UK government. Apprenticeships are government-backed training programmes designed to help individuals gain practical skills while working towards a qualification. To ensure you are eligible, certain criteria related to your right to work, employment contract, prior learning, and qualifications in maths and English must be met.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Right to Work

To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you must:

  • Be a UK citizen or have proof of your right to work in the UK.

  • Have lived in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) for the last 3 years or more.

  • If you are not a UK or EEA citizen, you must have resided in the UK for the last 3 years.

2. Contract of Employment

Your employment contract must align with the apprenticeship guidelines:

  • You must spend at least 50% of your working hours in England.

  • You are required to work a minimum of 28 hours per week if applying for a full-time apprenticeship.

  • Your employment contract must be longer than the time required to complete the apprenticeship.

3. Prior Learning

The apprenticeship programme is designed for individuals who do not possess extensive experience in the relevant learning areas. Specifically:

  • You should not have significant knowledge obtained through:

    • An academic setting (e.g., an undergraduate degree).

    • A professional environment (e.g., relevant prior work experience).

4. Maths and English Qualifications

To complete an apprenticeship in the UK, you need a Level 2 qualification (or its equivalent) in both English and maths. You must meet one of the following:

  • Hold a UK Level 2 qualification in maths and English (e.g., GCSEs graded C/4 or above).

  • Possess an overseas qualification equivalent to UK Level 2 qualifications.

  • Pass the application maths and English tests with 70% or more, allowing access to the free Functional Skills programme during the apprenticeship, where you can work towards these qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

I work shifts; is this OK?

  • Most shift patterns can be accommodated. You will need to provide details of your shift pattern during your application. However, if you work night shifts, you may miss daytime Multiverse-led sessions and meetings with your coach. If your employer can offer flexibility to adjust your schedule, you might still be eligible.

What right-to-work document should I provide?

  • For UK or Irish citizens, no proof is needed in your application, but you will need to provide your passport or birth certificate and National Insurance number once you begin the apprenticeship.

  • For non-UK or Irish citizens, the easiest proof is through a share code (obtainable online) starting with 'W'. You may also provide a valid letter from the Home Office or your work visa. Note: A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) alone is not acceptable for this purpose.

Does living in the UK for a specific period matter if I have the right to work?

  • Yes, aside from the right to work, you must have lived in the UK or EEA for the past 3 years. Non-UK or EEA citizens must also have resided in the UK for this duration to qualify.

  • Please note, if you have spent time in a non-UK (or EEA for UK and EEA citizens) country for the past 3 years, then there is a chance you will not be eligible, no matter your nationality. As a general rule, absences of more than a few months are not usually accepted, although some exceptions apply, such as gap years. There are some exceptions to this rule. You can check the latest regulations here, under ‘Annex A: Eligibility criteria (who we fund)’.

My right-to-work document has a ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ condition; can I still apply?

  • Absolutely! The apprenticeship counts as educational funding and is not affected by the ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ condition. You remain eligible to claim these funds.

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