Fiducia TogetherApprenticeship
Paid employment with training built in, from level 2 up to degree level.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
An apprenticeship is a genuine job with an accompanying skills development programme. The apprentice is employed, paid, and spends a proportion of their time — at least 20% — on off-the-job training.
They run from level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) to level 7 (master's).
Where it applies
Anyone aged 16 or over, not in full-time education. There is no upper age limit.
How it works
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate of the National Minimum Wage in the first year and under 19, and the age-appropriate rate afterwards.
English and maths at level 2 are normally required to complete, with adjustments for apprentices with an EHCP or an equivalent learning difficulty assessment.
What you can ask for
Ask about reasonable adjustments — they apply to apprenticeships as to any employment and any training.
Ask whether the minimum English and maths requirement is adjusted. For apprentices with an EHCP there is flexibility that is not widely known.
Ask what happens if the employment ends. The apprenticeship ends with it unless another employer is found, which is a real risk worth planning for.
Where to get help
Find an apprenticeship on GOV.UK. The National Careers Service. SENDIASS for young people with an EHCP.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.