Apprenticeships Without GCSEs | Apprenticeships With No Qualifications (2024)

Want tobecome a chef? How aboutlearning the ropes of retail sales? Or maybe you’d like to work as a hairdresser?

These are just some of the jobs you can pursue by doing an apprenticeship. And you don’t need any qualifications in order to apply – not a single GCSE.

In this guide we’ll look at apprenticeships without GCSEs – you can apply straight from school without any prior qualifications. So even if you’re thinking “I failed my GCSEs”, never fear!

We’ll answer all your questions about doing an apprenticeship without qualifications.

What is an apprenticeship?

First, a quick recap. Apprenticeships are programmes that combine work and study. You gain practical training on the job,developing key skillsand earning a salary. At the same time you attend college to study towards a recognised qualification.

Apprenticeships are a great option if you’renot sure university is for you.

You get:

Here are some useful articles you can read to learn more:

Can I do an apprenticeship if I don’t have any qualifications?

Apprenticeships Without GCSEs | Apprenticeships With No Qualifications (1)

In a nutshell, yes you can! There are a number of apprenticeship schemes out there that you can apply for even if you don’t have any qualifications. So if you’re wondered and thinking, “I failed my GCSEs”, don’t worry – a fantastic career could still be available to you.

There are different levels of apprenticeships. The ones that sometimes don’t ask for any qualifications are“intermediate apprenticeships”. Sometimes they’re called entry level or level 2 apprenticeships.

Intermediate apprenticeships usually last between one and two years. They give you a work-based qualification, such as an NVQ level 2, and a knowledge-based qualification like a BTEC. Once finished, intermediate apprenticeships are like having five GCSEs.

In 2014-15, more than over 298,000 young people started an intermediate apprenticeship.

Important point!If you don’t have GCSEs in English and maths, you’ll usually be asked to take qualifications in those subjects as part of the programme. You might be asked to take a literacy and numeracy test.

What can I do an apprenticeship in?

There are intermediate apprenticeships schemes in more than 1,200 jobs. Many of these are apprenticeships without GCSEs, so you don’t need qualifications to apply. Here are a handful of the industries and job roles you could apply for:

The best way to get started is to use the government’s Find An Apprenticeship search tool, and look for “intermediate apprenticeships” in your area. If you scroll down on the job listing, you can check for the listed apprenticeships without qualifications.

Related posts

How to make sense of qualification levels

What are the different types of apprenticeships?

What qualifications can I get from an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships Without GCSEs | Apprenticeships With No Qualifications (2024)

FAQs

What apprenticeship without GCSE? ›

no gcse apprenticeship jobs
  • Nursery Early Years Level 3 Apprenticeship. ...
  • Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship. ...
  • Marketing Apprentice. ...
  • Qualified Childcare Practitioner minimum L2 qualified. ...
  • Mobile Plant Engineer. ...
  • Strengthen your profile. ...
  • Smart Metering Apprentice. ...
  • Nursery Assistant (Apprenticeship)

Can you do anything with no GCSEs? ›

Starting a career without GCSEs can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Many industries value experience and practical skills over formal qualifications. Entry-level job opportunities are available in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and construction, where employers often provide on-the-job training.

Can non British citizens do apprenticeships? ›

Have the right to work and study in England and be one of the following: A citizen of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or have the right to abode in the UK and have been resident in the EEA for at least the previous three years on the first day of your apprenticeship.

Do degree apprenticeships look at GCSEs? ›

The requirements for each degree apprenticeship are different. Some Level 6 apprenticeships will ask for at least five GCSEs at 9-4 (or A*- C on the old grading scale), including English and maths.

Who is the 16 year old with 34 GCSE? ›

Manhoor Cheema is just 16 yet she has already got 34 A*s in her GCSEs and is now aiming to complete 28 A Levels. The youngster has already completed four A levels in just two months and if she achieves her aim it could be a record.

How to get into a trade with no experience in the UK? ›

How can I learn a trade?
  1. Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships have long been one of the most popular routes for those wanting to enter the construction industry. ...
  2. College courses. ...
  3. On-the-job training. ...
  4. Private training providers.
Mar 26, 2024

Is there an alternative to GCSEs? ›

BTECs are available in three main levels of study. BTEC Firsts are available from Level 1 to Level 2 and offer a general introduction to working in a specific industry. BTEC First are the qualifications most equivalent to GCSEs.

Can I do GCSE online? ›

The simple answer is yes! Here at Oxbridge, we offer you the chance to study fully recognised GCSEs and A-levels online in a way that suits you. This lets you fit your studies around your busy schedule in a way that simply wouldn't be possible while at school or college.

Do GCSEs matter anymore? ›

In the majority of cases, once you have the qualification and moved to the next step, the previous qualification doesn't matter anymore. For the majority of you, your GCSEs will just be important in determining what A-Level course you get onto or what A-Level college you get into.

What are the four types of apprenticeships? ›

What are the 4 types of apprenticeships? There are four levels of apprenticeship: intermediate, advanced, higher, and degree. Keep scrolling to find out what each level involves and what you need to apply for.

Can I get an apprenticeship in America? ›

If you are interested in seeking an apprenticeship but need more guidance, find an American Job Center near you. They help businesses find qualified workers and can help you obtain an apprenticeship to enhance your career.

Who is eligible for apprenticeship in England? ›

To start an apprenticeship, you'll need to be: 16 or over. living in England. not in full-time education.

What is the easiest apprenticeship to get into? ›

The easiest no-experience trade job to get into is often a position as a laborer or apprentice in construction or landscaping. These roles typically require minimal formal education or prior experience.

Are apprenticeships hard to get? ›

Since there is a lot of demand for apprentices, the competition is tough. As far as looking for an apprenticeship is concerned, you should follow the same approach that you follow when looking for any other job. In other words, you can create a network and look for these programs online.

What is a level 7 apprenticeship? ›

What is a Level 7 apprenticeship? The Level 7 is equivalent is a Master's degree. As it's the highest-level apprenticeship, there might also be some entry requirements. Again, these are set out by the employer or provider, but they might include: a Level 4 or 5 apprenticeship or equivalent qualification.

What is a level 1 apprenticeship? ›

Level 1 – This level includes Study programmes and Traineeships. This is aimed at individuals who have just left school and are looking for some knowledge of your preferred sector and some hands-on experience.

What is a level 5 apprenticeship equivalent to? ›

Level 5 apprenticeships are equivalent to a foundation degree, or a Higher National Diploma (HND).

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Margart Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 5769

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Margart Wisoky

Birthday: 1993-05-13

Address: 2113 Abernathy Knoll, New Tamerafurt, CT 66893-2169

Phone: +25815234346805

Job: Central Developer

Hobby: Machining, Pottery, Rafting, Cosplaying, Jogging, Taekwondo, Scouting

Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.