Apprenticeship glossary

Industrial placement

What does Industrial placement mean?

A period working in industry as part of a university course, often a year. It's different from an apprenticeship, where you're employed from the start.

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.
Insight day
A short, unpaid taster of what it's like to work somewhere, usually for students still in education. Several employers, like BAE Systems and Laing O'Rourke, run them, and they're a good way to find out if a job suits you.
Intermediate apprenticeship
A Level 2 apprenticeship, roughly the same level as GCSEs. Many don't ask for specific grades.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
A two-year qualification taken instead of A levels at some schools. Some employers, like JLR, say they accept it as an equivalent.
Internship
A short period of work at a company, often over a summer, usually for students. Unlike an apprenticeship, it doesn't lead to a qualification.

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.