Apprenticeship glossary

Clearing

What does Clearing mean?

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.

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.
Results day
The day exam results come out. If an apprenticeship offer depends on your grades, it's the day the employer checks them.
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.
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.

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.