Apprenticeship glossary

Devolved

What does Devolved mean?

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.

Find out more

Guide Apprenticeships across the UK England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all run apprenticeships differently. Here's how the names, levels, numbers and official sources compare. Applies to: All of the UK
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.