Apprenticeship glossary

Achievement rate

What does Achievement rate mean?

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.

Find out more

Guide UK apprenticeship statistics 2026 The latest official apprenticeship numbers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in one place: starts, levels, ages, completion rates and pay, each with its source. Applies to: All of the UK
Department for Education (DfE)
The UK government department responsible for apprenticeships in England. It publishes England's official apprenticeship statistics.
Apprentice
Someone doing an apprenticeship: an employee who is paid to work and train towards a recognised qualification at the same time.
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.
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.
Advanced apprenticeship
A Level 3 apprenticeship, roughly the same level as A levels. Some employers, like Rolls-Royce, call these 'advanced / modern apprenticeships'.
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.

Definitions are our own plain-English summaries. Where we give figures, they come from the official sources listed on the linked guide or profile. Rules can change, so check the official source before you make decisions.