Apprenticeships you can do without A levels
Programmes at employers we've researched whose own published entry requirements ask for GCSEs (or equivalent), not A levels, with what each one asks for.
Can you do an apprenticeship without A levels?
Yes. Many Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships only ask for GCSEs, usually including maths and English at grade 4. Among the employers we've researched, Rolls-Royce, JLR, Mercedes F1, Network Rail, KPMG, Deloitte, TfL and the Civil Service all have programmes you can join with GCSEs. Most degree apprenticeships do ask for A levels or equivalent.
| Employer | Programme | What the employer says |
|---|---|---|
| Rolls-Royce Engineering and manufacturing | Level 3 (Advanced / Modern Apprenticeship) | Completed or completing GCSEs, National 5s or equivalent. |
| Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Engineering and manufacturing | Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship | GCSE maths and English language at grade 4 (C) or above, plus three more GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including at least one STEM subject, or an engineering vocational qualification at Level 3 (90 credits or 540 guided learning hours) or higher. Achieved or on track to achieve. |
| Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Motorsport | Level 3 apprenticeships | At least 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 5 or above, including maths, science and English. |
| Network Rail Transport and aviation | Level 3 engineering (England and Wales) | GCSE maths at grade 9–5 (A*–C), plus English language, a science or engineering subject and one other subject at grade 9–4 (A*–C). Network Rail lists equivalents, including some Level 2 NVQ or BTEC qualifications and Functional Skills Level 2 in maths and English. |
| British Airways Transport and aviation | Heathrow Aircraft Maintenance | Grade 5 (B) in GCSE maths and in combined science or physics, plus grade 4 (C) in English language. Predicted grades are accepted. |
| Jet2 Transport and aviation | Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship | Five GCSEs at grade C/5 or equivalent, including maths, English and science or a technical subject, plus a talent for practical subjects. |
| Heathrow Transport and aviation | Engineering apprenticeship | GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in maths, English and science. Higher or further education qualifications or engineering foundation courses may also be considered. |
| Amazon UK Retail and logistics | Mechatronics Apprentice (Level 3) | At least 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including maths, English and a science or technology subject, or equivalent. |
| Transport for London (TfL) Transport and aviation | IT Solutions Technician (Level 3) | At least two GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including maths and English language. |
| KPMG UK Finance and professional services | Business Administration Apprenticeship | Five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including English language and maths. In Scotland, five Standard Grades at A–C, including English language and maths. |
| Deloitte UK Finance and professional services | Entry Level Apprenticeships (Cardiff) | At least five GCSEs (or equivalent), including grade 4 (C) in English language and maths, achieved or being worked towards. |
| Barclays Finance and professional services | Level 3 and 4 apprenticeships | Five GCSEs at grades 9–5 (A*–C), including maths and English, or equivalent. National 5s in Scotland. |
| Lloyds Banking Group Finance and professional services | All apprenticeships | GCSE (or equivalent) at grade 4 to 9 in maths and English, or National 5 at A to C in maths and English in Scotland. |
| Aviva Finance and professional services | Claims and corporate functions apprenticeships | At least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or Scottish National 5s at A to C, or equivalent, including English and maths. |
| Tesco Retail and logistics | Finance Apprenticeship | GCSE English Language and maths at grade C/4 or above. No professional experience needed. |
| Civil Service Public services | Career Launch | At least two GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C) or equivalent. You can apply before your results, but must show proof before starting. |
| Sky Media and creative | Digital Marketing and Journalism | Five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including English and maths, or BTEC Level 2. |
| Amazon UK Retail and logistics | Marketing Apprentice, Level 3 | At least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including maths and English. You must be 18 or over by the start, and not already have a qualification in a similar subject at the same level or higher. |
| Amazon UK Retail and logistics | Business Administrator Apprentice (Level 3) | At least 5 GCSEs at grades 4–9, including maths and English. |
| Arup Construction and infrastructure | All apprenticeships | At least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent, including English and maths (achieved or predicted), plus any extra requirements in the advert. |
| Balfour Beatty Construction and infrastructure | Advanced apprenticeships | Generally three GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English, maths and a science, or a completed Level 2 intermediate apprenticeship. |
| Laing O'Rourke Construction and infrastructure | Trade and technical apprenticeships | Three GCSEs (preferably grades 7–4), or at least six months' work experience in the construction industry. |
| Barratt Redrow Construction and infrastructure | Construction Support Technician Apprenticeship | Aged 16 or over, with 5 GCSEs at grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including maths and English. |
| NIE Networks Energy and utilities | All apprenticeships | At least 3 GCSEs, including maths, English and a STEM subject, at grade A* to D (or equivalent), achieved or expected. |
| Translink Transport and aviation | Body and Fleet Technician | At least five GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent), including maths and English, or expected by August. An engineering qualification or experience is desirable. |
| Aldi UK Retail and logistics | Store Management Apprenticeship | GCSE maths and English at grade 4 or above (C or equivalent). |
| Specsavers Health and life sciences | Optical Assistant apprenticeship | GCSE maths at grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent qualification. |