Apprenticeship information and advice
There are lots of useful resources available to help you understand apprenticeships, explore the different levels and decide whether this pathway is right for you.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain valuable experience and earn a wage while working towards a recognised qualification.
As an apprentice, you are employed by a company and have a contract of employment, with benefits such as paid annual leave. You will develop practical skills and knowledge through on-the-job training, alongside learning that supports your chosen career. By the end of your apprenticeship, you will have gained relevant qualifications and valuable hands-on experience. Find out more by watching this video.
How long do apprenticeship take?
Apprenticeships typically take between one and six years to complete, depending on the level and type of apprenticeship.
They are funded through contributions from the Government and employers, so apprentices do not pay tuition fees for their apprenticeship training. Those undertaking a degree apprenticeship can gain a university-level degree while earning a salary, without paying university tuition fees or needing to take out a student loan for their apprenticeship.
What can I do an apprenticeship in?
Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of industries, offering opportunities to develop skills and build a career in almost any sector.
Local apprenticeship opportunities
Some of the most popular and competitive apprenticeship opportunities in our local area are offered by employers such as:
Airbus
BAE Systems
STS Defence
QinetiQ
These employers offer opportunities across a range of industries, including engineering, technology, defence and manufacturing.
Find current apprenticeship vacancies
We maintain a list of the local apprenticeship vacancies we are aware of on our Apprenticeship Vacancies page. We aim to keep this as up to date as possible, including application closing dates and salaries where available.
Apprenticeship videos and real-life experience
Apprenticeships open doors to exciting careers, helping people develop the skills knowledge and experience they need to take advantage of new opportunities.
Celebrating apprenticeships
This video celebrates apprentices and the employers and training providers who support them.
Discover different routes into apprenticeships
There is no singe route into an apprenticeship. Some people secure opportunities through work experience and work engagement programmes, while others apply while they are still at school or after gaining experience in full-time employment.
Watch this short film to hear from ten different apprentices about their jouneys and discover the different pathways that led them to their apprenticeship.
A day in the life of a Local Government apprentice
Watch this short video to meet young people working in a variety of roles, from environmental services to communications, and discover the opportunities available within local governement.
Unifrog has a really good section on Apprenticeships, the different careers available, how the different apprenticeships levels work, why an apprenticeship may be the best pathway for you, how you apply, and a list of current vacancies.
The Amazing Apprenticeship: Applying for an Apprenticeship booklet explores key information to include in your application forms, CV's, cover letters, assessments, interviews and much more.
This MyPath to apprenticeships infographic help to explain apprenticeships and the different levels available.
This infographic has the 10 Key facts you need to know about apprenticeships
Amazing Apprenticeships has information on the levels and benefits on an apprenticeship.
BAE Systems offer Intermediate, Advanced, Higher and Degree apprenticeships.
Complete Apprenticeship Guide offers an overview of apprenticeships and the application process.
The Earn While You Learn guide is filled with tips and advice on apprenticeships.
GetMyFirstJob will connect you with Employers and Colleges to get you on the right track.
HTP offer apprenticeships in Business, Hospitality and Medical.
Intequal is a specialist technical training provider delivering apprenticeships in software development, data, digital and technology.
The Law Apprenticeship Guide 2026 can help you whether you're deciding to go to university after leaving school or start your career as a lawyer with an apprenticeship.
Meet the Employer lets you explore the skills employers look for, learn about the application process and the help and support available.
Not Going to Uni showcases the alternatives to go to university and allows you to find career opportunities and browse employer profiles.
Peta specialists in corporate training for the most in demand professional skills and business improvement courses in Hampshire.
HIGHERiN lets you browse reviews from current apprentices, find helpful tips, job opportunities and rates the top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.
The Black Apprentice Network is a community for aspiring apprentices.
The government apprenticeship site has a wide range of information, live vacancies searchable by area, and the ability to apply online.
The Sixth Former's Guide to Degree Apprenticeships is an A-Z guide to degree apprenticeship employers in the UK.
The Solent Apprenticeship Hub has a wide range of information and guidance to help find an apprenticeships in the Solent area.
Young Professionals connects young people to big brands to secure work experience or an apprenticeship with links to events and interview practice.
During this video you can hear the latest from the T Levels team about the subjects available and why T Levels are such a popular choice.
This video shares the experiences of current apprentices' working in the Solent region. Ella, a Marine Apprentice at William's Shipping and Aidan, an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor working at Mountjoy.
This video discovers the benefits of apprenticeships, answers some key questions around apprenticeships, covers what you can expect and the range of opportunities available.