Apprenticeship glossary

Graduate scheme

What does Graduate scheme mean?

A training programme for people who have already finished a university degree. Apprenticeships are the main alternative route into many of the same employers.

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.