Apprenticeship glossary

Apprenticeships come with a lot of jargon. Here's what the words actually mean, in plain English, with links to our guides if you want more detail.

A

A level
An advanced subject qualification usually taken over two years at sixth form or college in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It sits at Level 3, the same level as an advanced apprenticeship. Read more
AAT
The Association of Accounting Technicians qualification, a common first step in accountancy apprenticeships. KPMG, for example, has audit apprentices study AAT Level 3 and 4 in their first two years. Read more
ACA
The chartered accountancy qualification from the ICAEW. Several accountancy apprenticeships lead to it, like KPMG's five-year audit apprenticeship and Deloitte's 48-month Level 7 routes. Read more
Achievement rate
The share of apprentices who finish and pass their apprenticeship. Official statistics use it instead of 'completion rate'. In Scotland the Modern Apprenticeship achievement rate was 80.3% in 2025/26. Read more
Advanced apprenticeship
A Level 3 apprenticeship, roughly the same level as A levels. Some employers, like Rolls-Royce, call these 'advanced / modern apprenticeships'. Read more
Advanced Higher
A Scottish qualification usually taken in S6 after a Higher, at SCQF Level 7. Some employers, like KPMG, list Advanced Highers in their entry requirements. Read more
Application form
The online form you fill in to apply for an apprenticeship. It often asks for your details, qualifications and answers to written questions. Read more
Apprentice
Someone doing an apprenticeship: an employee who is paid to work and train towards a recognised qualification at the same time. Read more
Apprentice minimum wage
The lowest hourly rate an apprentice can legally be paid. From 1 April 2026 it's £8.00 an hour across the UK if you're under 19, or 19 or over and in your first year. Read more
Apprenticeship
A real, paid job where you also train towards a recognised qualification. In England at least 20% of your normal working hours are spent training, and you don't pay tuition fees. Read more
Apprenticeship framework
The set of qualifications and standards an apprenticeship is built around. Northern Ireland, for example, has frameworks for each of its Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships. Read more
Apprenticeship helpline
The official helpline for apprenticeship questions in England: 0800 015 0400, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Read more
Apprenticeship levy
A charge UK employers with an annual pay bill of more than £3 million pay through payroll, at 0.5% of their pay bill, with a £15,000 yearly allowance. Apprentices don't pay it.
Apprenticeship standard
In England, the official description of what an apprentice in a particular job needs to know and be able to do, which the training and the end-point assessment are based on. Read more
Apprenticeships.scot
Scotland's official apprenticeships website, run by Skills Development Scotland, with information on Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships. Read more
ApprenticeshipsNI
Northern Ireland's programme for Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships, open to anyone 16 or over who has a job or an employer willing to take them on. Read more
Assessment centre
A stage in some application processes where you do a mix of interviews, group tasks and sometimes practical tests, often in person at the employer's site. Read more
Assessment plan
In England, the document that sets out how an apprenticeship's end-point assessment works. It's different for every apprenticeship. Read more
Assurance
Another name for audit and related checking work at professional services firms. EY calls its audit business Assurance. Read more
Audit
Checking that an organisation's financial accounts are accurate. Audit apprenticeships at firms like KPMG and Deloitte usually lead to a chartered accountancy qualification. Read more

B

Bachelor's degree
An undergraduate university degree, such as a BA or BSc, at Level 6. Many degree apprenticeships lead to a full bachelor's degree. Read more
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
The basic level of security check for working on some UK government or defence work, covering identity, right to work and employment history. Read more
Benefits
Extras you get on top of your pay, such as a pension, extra holiday, discounts or private healthcare. Look at the whole package, not just the salary. Read more
Block release
Doing your off-the-job training in blocks, such as a week at college every so often, rather than one day a week (day release).
BSc (Hons)
A Bachelor of Science with honours, a common bachelor's degree. Several degree apprenticeships, like the Digital and Technology Solutions apprenticeships at KPMG and Lidl, lead to one. Read more
BTEC
A vocational qualification that many employers accept as an equivalent to GCSEs (at Level 2) or A levels (at Level 3). Sky, for example, accepts BTEC Level 2 instead of five GCSEs for some apprenticeships. Read more
Buddy
A colleague, often a current or recent apprentice, who helps you settle in. JLR and Laing O'Rourke both mention buddies for new starters. Read more
Building services engineering
Designing and installing the systems inside buildings, like heating, lighting, power and water. Laing O'Rourke has building services apprentices. Read more
Bursary
Money given to help with study costs, which you don't usually have to pay back.

C

Careers Service (Northern Ireland)
The free, impartial careers advice service in Northern Ireland, which can help you choose an apprenticeship. Read more
Careers Wales
The free, impartial careers service for Wales. It runs Working Wales, which gives advice on CVs, interviews and finding work. Read more
Chartered Manager
A professional status for managers. The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, offered by employers like Amazon, combines a degree with working towards it. Read more
Chartered status
A professional title, like Chartered Surveyor, Chartered Accountant or Chartered Manager, that shows you're fully qualified in your profession. Some degree apprenticeships are designed to lead to it.
Chartered Surveyor
A professional title for surveyors. Some construction degree apprenticeships, like quantity surveying routes, are designed to lead to it. Read more
CIMA
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualification. Sky's five-year finance apprenticeship starts with the CIMA Certificate at Level 4 and moves on to CIMA Professional Level at Level 7. Read more
Civil engineering
Designing and building infrastructure like roads, railways, bridges and water systems. Network Rail and Balfour Beatty both offer civil engineering apprenticeships. Read more
Clearing
The UCAS process for finding a university place after results day if you don't have one. Apprenticeships don't use Clearing: you apply to each employer directly.
Closing date
The last day you can apply for a role. Some employers close early once they've had enough applications, so don't leave it to the last minute.
CNC machining
Cutting metal or other materials with computer-controlled machines. Machinist apprentices, like those in the Mercedes F1 aero machine shop, learn to program and run them. Read more
Cohort
A group of apprentices who start at the same time, often called an intake. Many employers run one big cohort a year, often starting in September.
Commissioning (TV)
Choosing and paying for TV programmes made by production companies. Channel 4's apprentices can work in commissioning. Read more
Common Travel Area
An arrangement between the UK and Ireland. It means Republic of Ireland nationals are eligible for Higher Level Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland, if they meet the other rules. Read more
Commute
Your journey to and from work, and to your college or training provider. Check it's realistic before you apply, especially for factory or site-based roles. Read more
Competency question
An interview or application question asking for an example of something you've done, like 'Tell me about a time you worked in a team'. The STAR method helps you answer. Read more
Competency-based interview
An interview built around competency questions, where you give real examples of skills like teamwork or problem-solving. Williams' assessment centre includes one. Read more
Composites
Strong, light materials like carbon fibre, made by layering materials together. Formula 1 teams such as Williams and Alpine have composites apprenticeships. Read more
Conditional offer
A job offer that depends on something, usually getting certain exam grades. If you miss the condition, the employer may withdraw the offer. Read more
Consulting
Advising organisations on how to solve problems or improve the way they work. KPMG, Deloitte and EY all have consulting apprenticeships. Read more
Contract of employment
The agreement between you and your employer setting out your job, pay, hours and holiday. As an apprentice you get one like any other employee.
Core Skills
Skills like communication, numeracy and working with others that are built into every Modern Apprenticeship in Scotland. Read more
Cover letter
A short letter, usually three to five paragraphs, sent with an application to explain why you want the job and what you'd bring. Write a new one for every application. Read more
CV
Short for curriculum vitae: a one- or two-page summary of your education, experience and skills. If you're starting out, put education first. Read more
Cyber security
Protecting computer systems and data from attack. Amazon and Barclays both list cyber security apprenticeships. Read more

D

Data analyst
Someone who turns data into useful information for decisions. Deloitte, Amazon and M&S all have data analyst apprenticeships. Read more
Day release
Doing your off-the-job training one day a week, often at a college, and working the rest of the week. Compare block release.
Degree apprenticeship
An apprenticeship at Level 6 or 7 in England (Level 6 in Wales) where you can get a bachelor's or master's degree while working. Not every Level 6 or 7 apprenticeship includes a degree. Read more
Degree-level
At the same level as a degree (Levels 6 and 7) without necessarily giving you an actual degree. The BBC, for example, says not all of its Level 6 apprenticeships include a degree. Read more
Department for Education (DfE)
The UK government department responsible for apprenticeships in England. It publishes England's official apprenticeship statistics. Read more
Department for the Economy
The Northern Ireland government department responsible for apprenticeships there, including ApprenticeshipsNI and Higher Level Apprenticeships. Read more
Devolved
Run separately by each nation's own government rather than the UK government. Apprenticeships are devolved, which is why the rules differ in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Read more
Digital and Technology Solutions
A common degree apprenticeship in tech, leading to a BSc (Hons). Employers including KPMG, Deloitte, JLR, Amazon and Lidl offer it. Read more

E

Early careers
What big employers often call their schemes for school leavers, apprentices, interns and graduates. It's usually the best place to look on a company's careers website.
EHC plan
An education, health and care plan, for young people in England with special educational needs. Some age limits are relaxed if you have one: foundation apprenticeships, for example, are open to 22 to 24 year olds with an EHC plan. Read more
End-point assessment (EPA)
In England, the independent assessment at the end of an apprenticeship that checks you can do the job. It uses at least two methods, such as a practical test, a project or an interview. Read more
End-point assessment organisation (EPAO)
The independent organisation that runs your end-point assessment in England. It's separate from your training provider. Read more
Entry requirements
The grades, qualifications or experience an employer asks for before you can start a particular apprenticeship. They're set for each programme, not just each employer. Read more
Equivalent qualification
A qualification an employer accepts in place of the one it asks for, for example a BTEC instead of A levels. Always check which equivalents an employer accepts.
Experience day
An in-person assessment day at an employer's office, used by some employers like EY after the online assessments. Read more

F

Feedback
Comments from an employer on why your application or interview wasn't successful. It's worth asking for, because it helps your next application. Read more
Find an apprenticeship
The official government apprenticeship vacancy service. England and Wales each have their own version. Many big employers also recruit through their own careers websites. Read more
Fixed-term contract
A job that ends on a set date, such as the end of the apprenticeship. Ask what happens when the apprenticeship finishes.
Foundation apprenticeship
Means different things in each nation. In England, a newer Level 2 apprenticeship for 16 to 21 year olds that needs no grades. In Wales, a Level 2 apprenticeship. In Scotland, a subject you take at school in S5 or S6. Read more
Foundation degree
A qualification at Level 5, below a full bachelor's degree. Most of Northern Ireland's Higher Level Apprenticeships are at this level. Read more
Fulfilment centre
A large warehouse where online orders are picked, packed and sent out. Amazon's mechatronics apprentices can be based at one. Read more
Functional Skills
English and maths qualifications focused on everyday, practical use. Some employers accept Functional Skills Level 2 instead of GCSEs. Read more
Further education (FE) college
A college for people aged 16 and over, offering vocational courses, A levels and apprenticeship training. Many apprentices study at an FE college on day or block release.

G

Game-based assessment
An online assessment presented as a series of short games, used by some employers instead of traditional tests. It measures things like problem-solving and memory.
Gateway
In England, the check near the end of an apprenticeship when your employer and training provider agree you're ready for your end-point assessment. Read more
GCSE
The main qualifications taken at 16 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, graded 9 to 1 in England (where 4 is a standard pass). Level 2 apprenticeships are roughly the same level as GCSEs. Read more
Graduate Apprenticeship
Scotland's version of a degree apprenticeship. You work and study part-time at university for a degree from SCQF Level 9 (Ordinary degree) to Level 11 (Master's), over two to five years. Read more
Graduate scheme
A training programme for people who have already finished a university degree. Apprenticeships are the main alternative route into many of the same employers.
Gross pay
Your pay before tax and National Insurance are taken off. Advertised salaries are usually gross.
Group exercise
A task you work on with other candidates at an assessment centre. Employers watch how you communicate and work with others, so join in and listen. Read more

H

Higher (Scotland)
The main qualification Scottish pupils take in S5 and S6, at SCQF Level 6. Many employers accept Highers in place of A levels. Read more
Higher apprenticeship
Officially, an apprenticeship at Levels 4 to 7 in England. On this site we use 'higher' for Levels 4 and 5, roughly the level of a foundation degree, HNC or HND. Read more
Higher education
Study at Level 4 and above, such as foundation degrees, HNDs and university degrees. Higher and degree apprenticeships include higher education study.
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Northern Ireland's apprenticeships from Level 4 to Level 7. They let you get qualifications up to Master's level without paying higher education tuition fees. Read more
HMRC
HM Revenue and Customs, the UK tax authority. You can complain to HMRC for free if you think you're being paid less than the minimum wage. Read more
HNC and HND
Higher National Certificate (Level 4) and Higher National Diploma (Level 5): work-focused qualifications often included in higher apprenticeships, like Amazon's mechatronics apprenticeship, which includes an HNC. Read more
Holiday entitlement
The paid time off you get each year. Apprentices get at least 20 days plus bank holidays, and many employers give more. Read more
Honours degree
A bachelor's degree with honours, usually the standard degree from a three- or four-year university course. In Scotland it sits at SCQF Level 10.
Hourly rate
Your pay for each hour you work. The minimum wage is set as an hourly rate, so it's useful for comparing jobs with different hours. Read more
Hybrid working
Splitting your working week between the office and home. Some apprenticeships, like Barclays', use hybrid working; site-based roles usually don't. Read more

I

ICAEW
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, the professional body that awards the ACA qualification. Read more
ICAS
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, which awards the CA qualification. Deloitte and KPMG both offer routes to it in Scotland. Read more
Income Tax
Tax taken from your pay if you earn over a yearly tax-free amount. Apprentices pay Income Tax in the same way as other employees.
Incorporated Engineer
A professional engineering title. Balfour Beatty says its degree apprenticeships can lead to professional qualifications like Incorporated Engineer. Read more
Induction
Your first days or weeks in a new job, when you learn how the organisation works and meet your team.
Industrial placement
A period working in industry as part of a university course, often a year. It's different from an apprenticeship, where you're employed from the start.
Insight day
A short, unpaid taster of what it's like to work somewhere, usually for students still in education. Several employers, like BAE Systems and Laing O'Rourke, run them, and they're a good way to find out if a job suits you.
Intermediate apprenticeship
A Level 2 apprenticeship, roughly the same level as GCSEs. Many don't ask for specific grades. Read more
International Baccalaureate (IB)
A two-year qualification taken instead of A levels at some schools. Some employers, like JLR, say they accept it as an equivalent. Read more
Internship
A short period of work at a company, often over a summer, usually for students. Unlike an apprenticeship, it doesn't lead to a qualification.

J

Job description
An employer's description of a role: what you'd do, where, and what they're looking for. Re-read it before every interview. Read more

L

Level
How advanced an apprenticeship's qualification is. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland they run from Level 2 (like GCSEs) to Level 7 (like a master's degree). Scotland uses SCQF levels instead. Read more
Levy transfer
When a large employer passes some of its unused apprenticeship levy funds to another organisation, often a smaller business or a charity, to pay for apprenticeship training there.
Line manager
The person you report to day to day, who sets your work and supports your progress.
Logistics
Organising how goods are stored and moved. Big logistics employers like Amazon have apprenticeships at warehouses, delivery sites and offices. Read more
London weighting
Extra pay for working in or near London, where living costs are higher. Lidl adds 10% for stores inside the M25, and the BBC pays a living allowance for roles in London. Read more

M

Maintenance loan
A student loan in England to help with living costs at university. Apprentices don't need one, because they earn a wage. Read more
Master's degree
A postgraduate degree, one level above a bachelor's, at Level 7 (SCQF Level 11 in Scotland). Some Level 7 apprenticeships include one, but many lead to a professional qualification instead. Read more
Mechatronics
Engineering that combines mechanical, electrical and computer systems, like automated machinery. Amazon and Rolls-Royce both run mechatronics apprenticeships. Read more
Medical
A health check some employers need before you start, especially for safety-critical roles. Network Rail's application advice says successful Level 3 engineering candidates must attend one. Read more
Medr
The body that oversees post-16 education and training in Wales, including apprenticeships. It publishes Wales's apprenticeship statistics. Read more
Mentor
An experienced colleague who supports you during your apprenticeship, separate from your manager. Many employers also give you a 'buddy', often a current apprentice.
Metrology
The science of measuring things precisely. In manufacturing, metrology technicians check parts are made exactly to spec, as on Williams' metrology pathway. Read more
Modern Apprenticeship
Scotland's main apprenticeship: a paid job with training, from SCQF Level 4/5 up to Level 11. There are over 100 types and most take one to four years. Read more
My World of Work
Skills Development Scotland's free careers website for people in Scotland, with tools for exploring jobs and building a CV.

N

National 4
A Scottish qualification at SCQF Level 4, one level below National 5. Some Scottish Foundation Apprenticeships are at SCQF Level 4/5. Read more
National 5
A Scottish qualification usually taken in S4, roughly comparable to a GCSE. Some employers, like Barclays and Rolls-Royce, accept National 5s in their entry requirements. Read more
National Careers Service
England's free careers advice service, with guidance on CVs, cover letters and interviews, plus advisers you can talk to. Read more
National Insurance
A payment taken from your pay if you earn over a set amount, which builds your entitlement to things like the State Pension. Apprentices pay it like other employees.
National Living Wage
The minimum wage for people aged 21 and over: £12.71 an hour from 1 April 2026. Apprentices move onto their age's minimum rate once they're 19 or over and past their first year. Read more
National Security Vetting
Security clearance some defence employers need. BAE Systems says it usually means 5 to 10 years of living in the UK without a break. Read more
NCTJ Diploma
The National Council for the Training of Journalists' diploma, a widely recognised journalism qualification. Sky's Level 5 journalism apprenticeship includes it. Read more
Net pay
Your take-home pay after tax, National Insurance and anything else, like pension contributions, has been taken off.
nidirect
Northern Ireland's official government website, with the official information on apprenticeships there. Read more
Numerical reasoning test
A timed online test of how well you work with numbers, charts and tables. Many big employers use one early in the application process. Read more
NVQ
A National Vocational Qualification, which shows you can do a job to a set standard. Balfour Beatty's intermediate apprenticeships, for example, lead to an NVQ Level 2. Read more

O

Off-the-job training
The part of your apprenticeship spent learning rather than doing your normal job, at college, online or at work. In England it's at least 20% of your normal working hours. Read more
Offer letter
The written job offer an employer sends you. Read it carefully, especially any conditions such as grades you need to get. Read more
Ofsted
The inspectorate for education and training in England, including apprenticeship training. EY says Ofsted rates its Level 7 apprenticeships outstanding. Read more
On-the-job training
Learning by doing your actual job, alongside experienced colleagues. It makes up most of an apprenticeship.
Online assessment
Timed tests many employers use early in the application process, such as reasoning, numbers or how you like to work. Some are game-based. Read more
Ordinary degree
A bachelor's degree without honours. In Scotland it's at SCQF Level 9, the starting level for Graduate Apprenticeships. Read more

P

Panel interview
An interview with two or more interviewers at once. Look at whoever asked the question, but include everyone as you answer.
Participation age
The rule in England that you must stay in education or training until 18. Starting an apprenticeship counts. Read more
Pathway
A route within an apprenticeship programme, such as a specialism or department. Williams, for example, has four apprenticeship pathways. Read more
Pay rise
An increase in your pay. Some employers, like JLR and Rolls-Royce, publish pay that rises each year of the apprenticeship. Read more
Payslip
The document showing what you were paid and what was taken off. Check it against your contract and the minimum wage. Read more
Permanent contract
A job with no fixed end date. Some employers, like Barclays and the Higher Level Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland, offer apprenticeships on a permanent contract. Read more
Person specification
The list of qualifications, skills and qualities an employer wants for a role. Match your examples to it in your application.
Personal statement
A piece of writing about yourself, your interests and why you want something. University applications use one; some apprenticeship applications ask for something similar.
Postgraduate
Study after a first degree, such as a master's. Some Level 7 apprenticeships are postgraduate level.
Practical test
A hands-on task to show your skills, often for engineering or trade roles. Williams' assessment centre includes a practical skills test. Read more
Predicted grades
The grades your teachers expect you to get. Employers and universities may make offers based on them, which then depend on you getting those grades. Read more
Probation period
A trial period at the start of a job, often a few months, when you and your employer check it's working out.
Procurement
Buying the goods and services an organisation needs, at the right price and quality. JLR's supply chain and procurement degree apprenticeship covers it. Read more
Production (media)
Making TV, radio, audio or online content, from research to filming and editing. The BBC runs production apprenticeships. Read more
Professional apprenticeship
An apprenticeship in a professional office or technical role, often at higher or degree level. Laing O'Rourke uses the term for its Level 4 and 6 routes. Read more
Professional qualification
A qualification from a professional body, like the ACA, CIMA or NCTJ Diploma, that shows you can work in a particular profession. Many apprenticeships include one instead of, or as well as, a degree.
Progress review
A regular meeting to check how your apprenticeship is going. Laing O'Rourke holds quarterly reviews, and JLR holds reviews every twelve weeks for its Level 6 apprentices. Read more
Project management
Planning and running a piece of work so it finishes on time and on budget. Network Rail and Deloitte both offer project management apprenticeships. Read more
Psychometric test
A general name for tests that measure reasoning, abilities or personality. Online reasoning tests and situational judgement tests are both types.

Q

Quantity surveyor
Someone who manages the costs of a construction project, from estimates to final accounts. Balfour Beatty and Morgan Sindall both offer quantity surveying apprenticeships. Read more

R

Reasonable adjustments
Changes an employer makes so you can take part fairly, such as extra time in a test, if you have a disability or health condition. Most employers ask you to tell them in your application. Read more
Referee
The person who gives you a reference. Always ask before you name someone as a referee.
Reference
A short statement about you from someone who knows you, like a teacher or manager, that an employer asks for before you start. Read more
Relocation
Moving to a different area for a job. Some employers help with moving costs; others, like JLR, say they don't. Read more
Resit and retake
Your options in England if you don't pass your end-point assessment first time. A resit means doing one or more parts again without extra training; a retake means more training first. Read more
Results day
The day exam results come out. If an apprenticeship offer depends on your grades, it's the day the employer checks them. Read more
Right to work
Being legally allowed to work in the UK. Many employers say they can't sponsor visas for apprentices, so you need the right to work for the whole apprenticeship.
Right to work check
The check employers must make that you're legally allowed to work in the UK, usually by seeing your passport or immigration status, before you start.
Rotation
Moving between different teams or departments during your apprenticeship to get wider experience. Williams and Sky both run rotational programmes. Read more

S

Salary
Your pay for a year, before tax. Apprentices are paid a salary or an hourly rate, and many employers publish starting salaries. Read more
School leaver programme
An employer's scheme for people finishing school or college, often an apprenticeship. Deloitte, for example, calls its school and college leaver programmes BrightStart. Read more
School-leaving age
The earliest age you can legally leave school. It and the leaving dates differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Read more
SCQF
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, Scotland's system of levels. Its numbers don't match England's: SCQF Level 6 is the level of a Higher, but Level 6 in England is degree level. Read more
Security clearance
Checks some employers, especially in defence, need you to pass before you can work on certain projects. BAE Systems says everyone needs at least the Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Read more
Shift work
Working set periods that can include early mornings, nights or weekends. Amazon's mechatronics apprentices, for example, may work weekend or night shifts. Read more
Site manager
The person who runs a construction site day to day, keeping work safe, on time and on budget. Morgan Sindall has site management apprenticeships. Read more
Situational judgement test
An online test that describes work situations and asks what you'd do. It's about how you'd behave at work, not what you know.
Sixth form
The last two years of school (Years 12 and 13 in England and Wales), usually studying A levels or equivalents. Lots of people apply for apprenticeships during sixth form.
Skills Bootcamp
A short, free course in England for adults to learn skills employers need, such as coding or construction. It's not an apprenticeship, but some lead to job interviews.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
Scotland's national skills body, which runs Apprenticeships.scot and publishes Scotland's Modern Apprenticeship statistics. Read more
Skills England
The body in England that looks after apprenticeship standards and assessment plans, and runs a searchable list of apprenticeships.
Soft skills
Personal skills like communication, teamwork and time management, as opposed to technical skills. Employers often say they care about these as much as grades.
Software engineering
Designing, building and testing software. Many digital degree apprenticeships, like those at BT, JLR and Lidl, include a software pathway. Read more
Specialism
The specific area you train in within an apprenticeship, such as electrical engineering, audit or software.
STAR method
A way to answer 'give an example' questions: describe the Situation, the Task, the Action you took and the Result. Read more
Store manager
The person who runs a shop, its team and its results. Lidl's and M&S's retail programmes are designed to train future store managers. Read more
Strengths-based interview
An interview that focuses on what you enjoy and are naturally good at, rather than what you've done before. There are no wrong answers, so be honest.
Student loan (Plan 5)
The loan system for new university students in England. You repay 9% of your income over £25,000 a year, and anything left is written off after 40 years. Apprentices don't need one, because they don't pay tuition fees. Read more
Supply chain
Everything involved in getting products from suppliers to customers, from buying materials to delivery. Read more

T

T Level
A two-year course in England, roughly equivalent to three A levels, that mixes classroom study with an industry placement. Some employers accept T Levels for their higher-level apprenticeships.
Talent pool
A list you can join to hear when an employer opens applications. Barclays, for example, lets you sign up to its talent pool. Read more
Technician
A skilled practical role that keeps equipment, systems or processes working. Many Level 3 engineering apprenticeships train technicians. Read more
Telephone interview
An early-stage interview by phone, usually short, to check your interest and basic suitability before later stages.
Trade apprenticeship
An apprenticeship in a skilled hands-on trade, such as electrician or pipe fitter. Laing O'Rourke's trade apprenticeships are at Levels 2 and 3. Read more
Traineeship
A training programme that prepares you for work. Some employers, like ITV and Channel 4, run paid traineeships that are separate from their apprenticeships.
Training contractor
In Northern Ireland, the organisation that arranges and delivers your off-the-job training on an ApprenticeshipsNI apprenticeship. You and your employer agree it with them. Read more
Training plan
The plan agreed between you, your employer and your training provider setting out what you'll learn and when during your apprenticeship.
Training provider
The college, university or training company that delivers the learning part of your apprenticeship. Some employers choose it for you.
Transferable skills
Skills you can use in lots of jobs, like communication, teamwork and organisation. School, hobbies and part-time work all build them. Read more
Tuition fees
What a university or course charges for teaching. University students in England usually borrow them; apprentices don't pay them. Read more

U

UCAS
The service you use to apply to university courses in the UK. Some degree apprenticeships are also listed there, and UCAS points are used in some entry requirements.
UCAS points
Points given for qualifications like A levels and BTECs. Some employers ask for a minimum: KPMG, for example, asks for 120 UCAS points from your top three grades. Read more
Unconditional offer
A job offer with no conditions attached, so it doesn't depend on your exam results.
Undergraduate
A student studying for a first degree, such as a bachelor's. Degree apprentices are undergraduates who also have a job.

V

Verbal reasoning test
A timed online test of how well you understand and draw conclusions from written information.
Video interview
An interview over video, either live with an interviewer or recorded, where you answer questions shown on screen. KPMG's process includes video interviews. Read more
Visa sponsorship
When an employer supports someone's application for a work visa. Many employers, including Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS, Williams and EY, say they can't sponsor visas for apprentices.

W

Welsh-medium
Taught in Welsh. In Wales you can do your apprenticeship training in Welsh or English. Read more
Work experience
A short placement to see what a job is like, usually while you're at school or college. Employers like Williams, BAE Systems and Laing O'Rourke run work experience, and it can strengthen an application. Read more
Workplace pension
A pension your employer pays into alongside you. Many employers list it as a benefit; Sky, for example, says it contributes up to 9%. Read more

Y

Young Apprenticeship
A route offered by some employers that starts while you're still at school. Rolls-Royce, for example, lists a Young Apprenticeship that starts from Year 9. Read more