Apprenticeship glossary

London weighting

What does London weighting mean?

Extra pay for working in or near London, where living costs are higher. Lidl adds 10% for stores inside the M25, and the BBC pays a living allowance for roles in London.

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Compare Highest-paying apprenticeships in the UK What the employers we've researched actually pay their apprentices, highest first. These are the starting salaries they publish on their own websites, so you can see the real numbers before you apply.
Salary
Your pay for a year, before tax. Apprentices are paid a salary or an hourly rate, and many employers publish starting salaries.
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.
Maintenance loan
A student loan in England to help with living costs at university. Apprentices don't need one, because they earn a wage.
Master's degree
A postgraduate degree, one level above a bachelor's, at Level 7 (SCQF Level 11 in Scotland). Some Level 7 apprenticeships include one, but many lead to a professional qualification instead.
Mechatronics
Engineering that combines mechanical, electrical and computer systems, like automated machinery. Amazon and Rolls-Royce both run mechatronics apprenticeships.
Medical
A health check some employers need before you start, especially for safety-critical roles. Network Rail's application advice says successful Level 3 engineering candidates must attend one.

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.