Apprenticeship glossary

GCSE

What does GCSE mean?

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.

Find out more

Guide Can you get an apprenticeship without GCSEs? Yes, you can. Here's which apprenticeships don't ask for grades, how English and maths work if you haven't passed them yet, and real examples from employers across the UK. Applies to: All of the UK
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.
Functional Skills
English and maths qualifications focused on everyday, practical use. Some employers accept Functional Skills Level 2 instead of GCSEs.
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.
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.
Intermediate apprenticeship
A Level 2 apprenticeship, roughly the same level as GCSEs. Many don't ask for specific grades.

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.