Levels and qualifications

From Level 3 to a degree apprenticeship

How to move up from a Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship to a higher or degree apprenticeship: what employers accept instead of A levels, how internal progression works, and real routes at big employers.

  • Applies to England
  • Reviewed
  • Reading time 1 min

The short answer

Many employers accept a Level 3 apprenticeship or qualification instead of A levels for higher and degree apprenticeships. Some build the route in: KFC has programmes from Level 2 to Level 7, and Aldi's store route moves from Level 2 to Level 3. Others, like Lloyds and Aviva, say apprentices can go on to a higher-level apprenticeship when they finish.

Key figures

Range of KFC's apprenticeship ladder, from team member to senior manager
Level 2 to 7
Source: KFC UK
Accepted by Kier for its construction management and quantity surveying degree apprenticeships, alongside A levels or a Level 3
T Level merit
Source: Kier
Aldi's Store Management Apprenticeship, from Level 2 Retailer to Level 3 Team Leader
Up to 36 months
Source: Aldi UK

Starting at Level 2 or 3 doesn’t mean you’re stuck there. Plenty of people work their way up to a degree apprenticeship, sometimes without ever doing A levels.

Two ways to move up

  1. Inside the same employer. Some employers have a ladder of apprenticeships and promote people up it.
  2. By applying for a new one. A finished Level 3 apprenticeship is a Level 3 qualification, which many employers accept instead of A levels.

Employers with a built-in ladder

Employer How it works
KFC Level 2 for team members, Level 3 for supervisors, Levels 4–5 for managers, Levels 6–7 for senior leaders
Aldi Store Management: Level 2 Retailer, then Level 3 Team Leader, over up to 36 months
Barratt Redrow Trade apprentices can move on to higher and degree apprenticeships or site supervision
Lloyds Banking Group Some apprenticeships progress to higher-level programmes
Aviva You can go on to study for a higher-level apprenticeship

Using your Level 3 to apply

When degree apprenticeships list their requirements, look out for words like “or equivalent” or “Level 3 qualification”. For example, Kier accepts two A levels, a Level 3 qualification or a T Level at merit for its construction management and quantity surveying degree apprenticeships.

Some routes ask for specific subjects. Kier’s civil engineering degree apprenticeship wants maths or physics, or a Level 3 with a lot of maths.

Tips for moving up

  • Tell your manager early. If you want to progress, say so in your progress reviews.
  • Get your English and maths sorted. Many higher programmes need GCSE grade 4 or equivalent. See our English and maths guide.
  • Ask about prior learning. GOV.UK says relevant qualifications or experience can shorten your training.
  • Keep a record. Projects you’ve worked on make great examples for your next application.

Summary

  • A Level 3 apprenticeship or qualification can get you onto a higher or degree apprenticeship without A levels.
  • Some employers build in a ladder, like KFC's Level 2 to Level 7 programmes.
  • Lloyds Banking Group and Aviva say apprentices can move on to higher-level apprenticeships.
  • Relevant experience can sometimes shorten the next apprenticeship.

Questions you might have

Can you do a degree apprenticeship after a Level 3 apprenticeship?

Yes. Many employers accept a Level 3 qualification instead of A levels. Kier, for example, accepts two A levels, a Level 3 qualification or a T Level at merit for its construction management and quantity surveying degree apprenticeships.

Do you need A levels for a degree apprenticeship?

Not always. Equivalent Level 3 qualifications are often accepted, including a completed Level 3 apprenticeship. Always check the employer's requirements, because some ask for specific subjects, like maths or physics for engineering.

Can you move up apprenticeship levels with the same employer?

Often, yes. KFC uses Level 2 for team members, Level 3 for supervisors, Levels 4 and 5 for managers and Levels 6 and 7 for senior leaders. Lloyds Banking Group says some apprenticeships progress to higher-level programmes.

Will my Level 3 apprenticeship shorten a degree apprenticeship?

It might. GOV.UK says you could spend less time training if you have relevant qualifications or experience, which you agree with your employer and training provider when you start.

Do trade apprentices go on to degree apprenticeships?

Some do. Barratt Redrow says some of its bricklaying and carpentry apprentices move on to higher and degree apprenticeships or site supervision.

Sources and review

Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.

  1. Career development KFC UK · accessed
  2. Apprenticeships Kier · accessed
  3. Store Apprenticeships Aldi UK · accessed
  4. Apprenticeships FAQs Lloyds Banking Group · accessed
  5. Apprenticeships Aviva · accessed
  6. Trade Apprenticeship Barratt Redrow · accessed
  7. Become an apprentice GOV.UK · accessed

Read about how we research and review content.

  • Aldi apprenticeships

    The supermarket chain. It runs store, warehouse and HGV driver apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 3, paying from £343 to £415 a week for 30 hours. The Career Starter store and warehouse routes need no qualifications.

    Retail and logistics
    • L2 Intermediate
    • L3 Advanced

  • Barratt Redrow apprenticeships

    The housebuilder behind Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Redrow. It runs bricklaying and site carpentry apprenticeships (18 months in England and Wales, four years in Scotland), a construction support technician apprenticeship, and higher and degree routes.

    Construction and infrastructure
    • L2 Intermediate
    • L3 Advanced
    • L4–5 Higher
    • L6–7 Degree

  • KFC apprenticeships

    The fried chicken restaurant chain. It has run hospitality apprenticeships since 2012, from Level 2 for team members up to Level 6 and 7 degree-level programmes for senior managers, so you can start in a restaurant and work your way up.

    Hospitality and food
    • L2 Intermediate
    • L3 Advanced
    • L4–5 Higher
    • L6–7 Degree

  • Kier apprenticeships

    The UK construction and infrastructure company. It offers apprenticeships from Level 2 to degree level, in roles from highways maintenance to quantity surveying, all on permanent contracts. Its degree apprenticeships take 4 to 5 years with fees covered.

    Construction and infrastructure
    • L2 Intermediate
    • L3 Advanced
    • L6–7 Degree