The short answer
Start with what the company actually does, then check who can apply, because rules on age, where you've lived and security checks can rule you out whatever your grades. Then compare each programme's level, qualification, length, location, entry requirements and pay, using the employer's official pages.
Key figures
- Minimum age for a BBC apprenticeship, while many others start at 16
- 18+
- Source: BBC Careers (opens in a new tab)
- Continuous UK residency typically needed for National Security Vetting at BAE Systems
- 5–10 years
- Source: BAE Systems careers (opens in a new tab)
- UCAS points KPMG asks for on its audit apprenticeship, from your top three grades
- 120
- Source: KPMG careers (opens in a new tab)
- UK locations offering Rolls-Royce apprenticeship programmes
- 11
- Source: Rolls-Royce careers (opens in a new tab)
Doing your homework on an employer before you apply helps you pick programmes that actually suit you, write better applications and avoid nasty surprises later. This guide is our own advice. Where we use examples, they come from employers’ official pages, which are listed at the bottom.
1. Work out what the company actually does
Start with the basics: what does it make, provide or do, and for who? Big employers often have several businesses under one name. BT Group, for example, includes BT, EE, Plusnet and Openreach, and an apprenticeship at one can be completely different from one at another.
2. Find the official early careers pages
Most big employers have an apprenticeships or “early careers” section on their website. That’s the most reliable place for programme details. Third-party sites and old news stories can be out of date. Every employer profile on this site links to the official page.
3. Check you can apply before anything else
Some rules can rule you out whatever your grades are, so check them first. Examples from employers we’ve researched:
- Age. The BBC only takes apprentices aged 18 or over. Lots of other apprenticeships start at 16.
- Where you’ve lived. The BBC needs you to have lived in the UK for the three years before you start.
- Security checks. BAE Systems says many of its roles need National Security Vetting, which usually means 5 to 10 years of living in the UK without a break.
4. Compare the programme, not just the job title
For each programme you’re interested in, find out:
- the level, and the qualification you’d finish with
- how long it lasts
- how the training works (a day a week at college, longer blocks, online or university)
- where it’s based, and how much travelling you’d do
- the entry requirements for that exact programme
- the pay and benefits, if they’re published
Programmes that sound similar can be really different. Among the employers we’ve researched, entry requirements go from no formal qualifications for some intermediate construction roles at Balfour Beatty to 120 UCAS points for KPMG’s audit apprenticeship. First-year pay goes from not published at all to £23,933 for a Rolls-Royce degree apprenticeship.
5. Check the timing
Every employer recruits on its own timetable, and some close early once they’ve filled their places. Check each employer’s official pages for their dates, rather than going off dates you’ve seen somewhere else.
6. Use the free help
Loads of employers publish help for applicants, and it’s worth using even before you decide to apply. Rolls-Royce publishes an application preparation guide and an assessment centre guide. The BBC runs taster days and virtual work experience.
Your research checklist
| Question | Where to look |
|---|---|
| What does the employer do? | Official website, “about us” pages |
| Which programmes and levels does it offer? | Official apprenticeship or early careers pages |
| Can I apply? | Eligibility and FAQ pages |
| What are the entry requirements? | Individual programme pages |
| What qualification will I finish with? | Programme pages |
Related video
Top Tips on Applying for an Apprenticeship
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.