Apprenticeship glossary

Professional apprenticeship

What does Professional apprenticeship mean?

An apprenticeship in a professional office or technical role, often at higher or degree level. Laing O'Rourke uses the term for its Level 4 and 6 routes.

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Employer profile Laing O'Rourke apprenticeships The construction and engineering company behind major UK building and infrastructure projects. It runs trade and technical apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3 after GCSEs, and professional apprenticeships at Levels 4 and 6 after A levels or T Levels.
Building services engineering
Designing and installing the systems inside buildings, like heating, lighting, power and water. Laing O'Rourke has building services apprentices.
Trade apprenticeship
An apprenticeship in a skilled hands-on trade, such as electrician or pipe fitter. Laing O'Rourke's trade apprenticeships are at Levels 2 and 3.
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.
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.
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.

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.