Apprenticeship glossary

HNC and HND

What does HNC and HND mean?

Higher National Certificate (Level 4) and Higher National Diploma (Level 5): work-focused qualifications often included in higher apprenticeships, like Amazon's mechatronics apprenticeship, which includes an HNC.

Find out more

Guide Apprenticeship levels explained Intermediate, advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships: what each level is equivalent to, how many people start at each one, and why employers don't all use the same names. Applies to: England
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.
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.
A level
An advanced subject qualification usually taken over two years at sixth form or college in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It sits at Level 3, the same level as an advanced apprenticeship.
Advanced apprenticeship
A Level 3 apprenticeship, roughly the same level as A levels. Some employers, like Rolls-Royce, call these 'advanced / modern apprenticeships'.
Foundation degree
A qualification at Level 5, below a full bachelor's degree. Most of Northern Ireland's Higher Level Apprenticeships are at this level.
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.