Apprenticeship glossary

Participation age

What does Participation age mean?

The rule in England that you must stay in education or training until 18. Starting an apprenticeship counts.

Find out more

Guide Apprenticeships at 16 and straight after school When you can start an apprenticeship in each UK nation, what you'll be paid at 16, which employers take school leavers and which want you to be 18, and when to apply. Applies to: All of the UK
School-leaving age
The earliest age you can legally leave school. It and the leaving dates differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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.
Pathway
A route within an apprenticeship programme, such as a specialism or department. Williams, for example, has four apprenticeship pathways.
Pay rise
An increase in your pay. Some employers, like JLR and Rolls-Royce, publish pay that rises each year of the apprenticeship.
Payslip
The document showing what you were paid and what was taken off. Check it against your contract and the minimum wage.

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.