There are four different types of paid apprenticeships in the UK, these are intermediate, advanced, higher and degree. With a broad range of different options available, it can be hard to understand which apprenticeship is right for you. Read on to learn more about the different apprenticeship levels.
What are the different levels of apprenticeships?
Apprenticeship levels in the UK set out the level of learning and skills development offered by each apprenticeship role.
More typical apprenticeship opportunities range from Level 2 to Level 6. These are paid apprenticeship roles, which offer you a salary as well as valuable work experience and qualifications. Each level helps you build the curiosity to pioneer new skills and the confidence to contribute to the work that protects people and national security.
In summary, these are:
- Level 2 – intermediate apprenticeships
- Level 3 – advanced apprenticeships
- Level 4 and 5 – higher apprenticeships
- Level 6 – degree apprenticeships
In the next section, we’ll explore these four main types of apprenticeships and how they correspond to the different apprenticeship levels. Read on to learn which apprentice level may be right for you.
Level 2 intermediate apprenticeships
A Level 2 intermediate apprenticeship gives you the chance to kick-start your career in a new job area. These roles offer a combination of hands-on experience alongside classroom-based learning.
They are typically completed within twelve to eighteen months, and you’ll receive industry-recognised technical qualifications to recognise your new skills.
The focus of roles at this level is building essential skills, workplace knowledge and confidence giving you the foundations to pioneer problem-solving skills and carry out your role safely and confidently as part of work that helps protect people, platforms and infrastructure. This will prepare you with everything you need to enter the workplace and thrive in your new chosen job area.
Level 2 apprenticeships make a great option for both school and college leavers, as well as someone looking to switch their career to something practical and hands on.
When you complete your apprenticeship, you may apply for a full-time role or move on to a Level 3 qualification.
Entry requirements
- Open to anyone over the age of 16 but there’s no maximum age limit
- Other entry requirements vary depending on the employer
- At BAE Systems, we ask for a minimum of three GCSEs (at grade A*-E / 3-9) or two National 4s, which include English and Maths (excluding Application of Maths)
BAE Systems opportunities for this apprenticeship level
- Skilled trades such as scaffolding, painting, joinery and more
- Engineering operative
- Logistics operative
Level 3 advanced apprenticeships
Level 3 advanced apprenticeships see apprentices not just gaining technical skills but awareness of the larger ‘why’ including how your work supports the teams and technologies that help protect national security. This means you will gradually gain more responsibility as your confidence rises and you’ll begin to help support projects and oversee certain processes within your department.
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you’ll earn a nationally recognised qualification equivalent to two A-Level passes. Plus, you’ll have learnt the skills and knowledge to progress further - growing both your ability to pioneer new ideas and take on responsibilities in work that has a real-world impact.
Entry requirements
- To apply for this type of apprenticeship at BAE Systems, you’ll need to be over 16
- For technical or engineering roles, you’ll also need five GCSEs or National 4s (at grade A*-C / 9-4), including Maths (excluding Application of Maths), English and a Science/Technical subject
- For some trade roles, we will accept five GCSEs or National 4s at grades A*-E / 9-3
BAE Systems opportunities for this apprenticeship level
- Engineering
- Technology
- Business
- Manufacturing
Level 4 and 5 higher apprenticeships
Higher apprenticeships at Level 4 and 5 are popular with people looking for an alternative to university. They are more academically demanding and have a wider selection of career areas, covering almost every type of job you could be interested in. The responsibility level is also higher and you’ll start applying your skills to complex projects that pioneer new engineering and digital solutions while helping to protect the people who rely on them. Some apprentices may even be asked to manage some of their colleagues.
Completing a Level 4 apprenticeship is the equivalent of finishing the first year of an undergraduate degree. For the Level 5 stage apprenticeship, you’ll earn a qualification equal to a Higher National Diploma (HND) or foundation degree. You’ll enjoy the best of both worlds as in-house training with experts where you’ll learn from people who are shaping the future of defence technology and safeguarding critical capabilities, combined with teaching at a college or university. Plus, you’ll be earning a salary as well as the vital workplace experience to thrive in your future career.
Entry requirements
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Only open to those who are over 18
- At BAE Systems, you’ll need 5 GCSE passes (A*-C / 9-4) including English, Maths and Science (for engineering and technical roles) and a minimum of 96 UCAS points
- Those from Scotland will need 5 National 5’s at grade C or above and 3 Highers at grade C or above, including English, Maths (excluding Application of Maths) and a Science subject (for technical roles)
- Specific requirements can vary depending on the role
BAE Systems opportunities for this apprenticeship level
- Finance and commerce
- Engineering
- Project management
- Human resources
- Supply chain
- Information technology (IT)
Level 6 degree apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships at Level 6 provide you with the chance to obtain a paid-for bachelors (Level 6) degree qualification as your training costs and tuition fees are paid for by your employer and the government. You’ll receive all the benefits of the workplace as well such as a wage and paid holiday, and through gaining real workplace experience on projects you could be making steps towards further professional achievements such as chartership.
For 20% of your apprenticeship, you’ll be studying the theory behind your job area. This usually happens on a partner university campus. For the remaining 80% of the time, you’ll be putting what you’ve learnt into practice, gaining invaluable experience on real projects with your employer. You’ll see directly how your work contributes to the systems, platforms and technologies that protect the armed forces and national security.
The responsibility level will be more advanced, with many degree level apprentices gaining experience in managing whole teams, complex processes, giving you the chance to pioneer solutions to complex tasks while growing as a trusted part of our mission to protect what matters most. As well as earning a competitive salary and obtaining a valuable degree level qualification, you’ll likely be able to continue your career with your employer.
Entry requirements
- Only open to those who are over 18 in England and Wales and over 16 in Scotland
- To start a Level 6 apprenticeship at BAE Systems, you’ll need 5 GSCEs at grade A*-C / 9-4, including Maths and English, plus 240/96 UCAS points, or equivalent
- Alternatively, you’ll have successfully completed a Level 5 apprenticeship
- In Scotland, 5 National 5s are required at grade C or above, including English, Maths (excluding Application of Maths) and Science, plus 3 to 4 Highers at grade C or above (depending on the role)
- Qualifications in additional Science/technical subjects may be needed for certain roles.
BAE Systems opportunities for Level 6 apprenticeships
- Engineering
- Technology
- Business services
- Manufacturing
What are apprenticeship levels equivalent to?
Still choosing which level of apprenticeship is right for you? The table below provides an overview of each paid apprenticeship level. This breaks down the equivalent qualifications for each type.
Why complete an apprenticeship with BAE Systems?
Our purpose is to serve, supply and protect, those who serve and protect us. As an apprentice, you’ll play a part in work that helps protect people, information and national security, while developing the skills and curiosity to pioneer the technology of tomorrow. Our company plays a very important role in society and our people are at the core of our success. This is why we need to attract and develop the very best talent by continuing to build a culture that’s inclusive and supportive, for talent just like you.
When you join us, your contribution will be valued and recognised, and in return for your hard work, we’ll ensure you’ll have all the resources you need to achieve your potential. Through hands on work experience as well as classroom learning, you’ll earn a competitive salary while gaining invaluable skills, building both the confidence to innovate and the capability to contribute to projects with real impact. You’ll gain industry recognised qualifications, setting you up for a lifetime of success. As our business grows to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world, you’ll grow with us, helping to shape solutions that protect and support the vital skills pipeline that secures our future. You’ll have the all the opportunities to take your career in whatever direction you choose.
Whether that’s to keep learning and gain additional qualifications, learn a new skill, move to a different site, or even to travel and work abroad - the opportunities really are limitless. A recent study found that 64% of apprentices continue working with the same employer, after completing their apprenticeship whereas at BAE Systems, 99% of our apprentices choose to continue their career with us. So, you can be sure your apprenticeship at BAE Systems is somewhere you can grow a career with confidence.
On your apprenticeship you’ll received structured support and coaching to help you every step of the way as you build your skills and knowledge. There’s also our early careers community made up of thousands of other UK apprentices who you’ll connect with at dedicated events, socials and forums.
Our apprentices tell us they feel proud to be working on projects helping to keep our armed forces safe. That sense of purpose is part of what makes our early careers community so powerful - every apprentice is helping to build, test or deliver something that protects lives and defends our nation. It’s meaningful work and a place you can make a real impact - from day one. You’ll be working on some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions, protecting national security and people, and keeping critical information and infrastructure secure.
Interested in learning more about being a BAE Systems apprentice? Take the first step toward an apprenticeship where you’ll pioneer new skills and make a meaningful impact from day one. Why not take a look at some of our employee stories, browse current apprenticeship opportunities or read more about why you should choose an apprenticeship with BAE Systems.
To note, our apprentice application window is open for a few months, usually opening at the beginning of November and closing end February.