The short answer
A higher apprenticeship is a Level 4 or 5 apprenticeship, roughly the same level as a foundation degree, HNC or HND. They usually suit people with A levels or a Level 3 qualification. Examples include PwC's two-year Level 4 consulting apprenticeship and Specsavers' hearing aid dispenser route, which leads to a Foundation Degree in Audiology.
Key figures
- Higher apprenticeships, equivalent to a foundation degree and above
- Levels 4–5
- Source: GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)
- Length of PwC's Level 4 Junior Management Consulting apprenticeship
- 2 years
- Source: PwC UK (opens in a new tab)
- Typical length of Specsavers' hearing aid dispenser apprenticeship, with a Foundation Degree in Audiology
- 18–24 months
- Source: Specsavers (opens in a new tab)
- Starting salary for Level 2 to 5 apprentices at United Utilities
- £20,000
- Source: United Utilities (opens in a new tab)
Higher apprenticeships sit between an advanced apprenticeship (Level 3, like A levels) and a degree apprenticeship (Levels 6 and 7). They’re often overlooked, but they can be a great route into professional jobs.
Where they fit
| Name | Level | Roughly the same as |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSEs |
| Advanced | 3 | A levels |
| Higher | 4 and 5 | A foundation degree, HNC or HND |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | A bachelor’s or master’s degree |
Our apprenticeship levels guide explains each level in more detail.
Examples from employers
| Employer | Higher apprenticeship | What we know |
|---|---|---|
| PwC | Junior Management Consulting (Level 4) | 2 years; 112 UCAS points |
| Specsavers | Hearing aid dispenser | 18–24 months; Foundation Degree in Audiology |
| Yorkshire Water | Water regulations, asset management, project management (Level 4) | Roles across Yorkshire |
| KFC | Levels 4 and 5 | For restaurant managers and area coaches |
| United Utilities | Levels 2 to 5 | £20,000 starting salary |
Who they suit
Higher apprenticeships often suit people who:
- have A levels or another Level 3 qualification and want to start work rather than go to university
- want a professional or technical job, like consulting, project management or engineering support
- have finished a Level 3 apprenticeship and want to move up
What you’ll need
Requirements are set by each employer. Some ask for UCAS points, like PwC’s 112. Others look at your Level 3 qualification or your experience, and some promote people from within: KFC uses its Level 4 and 5 programmes for managers who’ve worked their way up.
What comes next
A higher apprenticeship can lead straight into a professional job, or be a step towards a degree apprenticeship. Our guide to moving from Level 3 to a degree apprenticeship explains how people move up.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.