Apprenticeship glossary

Insight day

What does Insight day mean?

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.
Job description
An employer's description of a role: what you'd do, where, and what they're looking for. Re-read it before every interview.
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.
Levy transfer
When a large employer passes some of its unused apprenticeship levy funds to another organisation, often a smaller business or a charity, to pay for apprenticeship training there.

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.