Apprenticeship glossary

Personal Allowance

What does Personal Allowance mean?

The amount you can earn each year before paying Income Tax. For most people it's £12,570.

Find out more

Guide Do apprentices pay tax and National Insurance? Apprentices pay Income Tax and National Insurance like any employee, but only on earnings above the tax-free thresholds. What that means for your payslip, with 2026 to 2027 rates. Applies to: England, Wales, Northern Ireland
Tax code
The code your employer uses to work out how much Income Tax to take from your pay. If you're put on an emergency code, HMRC can correct it.
Income Tax
Tax taken from your pay if you earn over a yearly tax-free amount. Apprentices pay Income Tax in the same way as other employees.
Personal statement
A piece of writing about yourself, your interests and why you want something. University applications use one; some apprenticeship applications ask for something similar.
Postgraduate
Study after a first degree, such as a master's. Some Level 7 apprenticeships are postgraduate level.
Practical period
The part of an apprenticeship where you do your learning and training, before your end-point assessment. Your apprenticeship agreement in England sets out when it starts and ends.
Practical test
A hands-on task to show your skills, often for engineering or trade roles. Williams' assessment centre includes a practical skills test.

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.