Are you coming to the UK soon? A lot of people look for opportunities overseas. Some of them want to pursue advanced studies and seek admission to UK universities. Others are applying for work visas and look for sponsors to help them enter the country. Now, what about the apprenticeship? Is it possible to get an apprenticeship visa for international students and professionals wanna-be? This is what is going to be answered and explained in today’s article.

International Apprenticeship Explained:

A job does not only rely on academic qualifications. Some professions are based on skills emanating from vocational training and expertise. Some myths are revolving around apprenticeship, which makes people believe less in an apprenticeship degree. Little do they know that:

-Apprenticeship replaces full-time college studies that must be followed by a non paid internship. Economically speaking, apprenticeships allow the balance between studying and professional training with cost-effective prices.

-Apprenticeship can be equivalent to the categorized qualification levels in the UK. For example, advanced and higher apprenticeships require applicants with 2 A-level passes to get admitted to the program. An advanced apprenticeship is equivalent to an NVQ or a BTCE, while higher apprenticeship can meet the value of a Bachelor's degree.

-Apprenticeships are open for 16 years old to 24 years old school leavers. Foreign applicants can directly pass the intermediate apprenticeship and get admitted to highly qualified apprenticeship types if they wish to pursue careers in finance and accounting, education and childcare, paralegal, or paramedical diploma.

Apprenticeship Visa in the UK:

Applying for a visa is a fundamental step to enter any country. A visa is always related to 5 tiers that classify applicants into five categories, depending on the purpose, the length of staying in the UK, and the applicant’s social and economic conditions. If you want to study and live in the UK as an apprentice, you need to apply as a student and not as a working individual. Although some apprenticeship levels involve paid training, in this case, you use, as if you are applying for a job and not for a studying admission. Fratres UK is a website, including job offers with a set of career advice. This website has always been showing tips for a successful job application. It can also include information to choose internship and apprenticeship program courses, by informing potential professionals about the different career paths emanating from certain specialties. According to Fratres, applying for a paid apprenticeship is different from applying for a job.

-Applying for a job requires a resume/ CV attached to a cover letter, while applying for apprenticeship requires school grades, and depending on your educational level, your apprenticeship application will be discussed.

-Applying for a paid apprenticeship requires paying fees, as an initial enrollment for the work and training programs, applying for a job is a cost-free process. Concerning apprenticeship fees, the costs depend on the chosen program. For example; adult apprentices need to pay fees for using tools and workplace access, while the government covers nonforeign apprentices fees.

-Age is involved in the terms and conditions of accepting applicants, while age does not matter in a job application. Are Apprenticeships Age-restricted in the UK? 

-An apprentice application form is quite similar to a job application. It involves your personal details, interests, previous experience. I was hoping you could take a look at; Can I Find Jobs in the UK Without a Degree

Apprenticeship Levels:

The best way to apply for apprenticeship is to specify your CV's educational level to know which apprenticeship level works for you. In the UK, there are four apprenticeship levels:

1. Intermediate apprenticeship for 16 years old applicants who didn’t complete a GCSE exam.
2. Advanced apprenticeship, for applicants who have obtained three-level qualifications by having already more than a GCSE passed subjects, including work experience without a degree.
3. Higher Apprenticeship, equivalent to an A-level, enabling applicants to reach a four levels qualification, equivalent to NVQ/SVQ or BTEC.
4. Degree apprenticeship for applicants with A-levels qualifications with high grades that can even contribute to college admission. Concerning paid apprenticeships, the national apprenticeship scheme ensures payment for apprentices working in manufacturing industries and contributes to its productivity. Payment can be estimated depending on the apprentice’s age:

If you are under 18 years old, your apprenticeship payment will reach £4,40 per hour.

From 18 to 20 years old, your apprenticeship payment will reach £6 per hour.

From 21 to 24 years old, your apprenticeship payment will reach £7,40 per hour.

From 25 years old, your apprenticeship payment will reach £8,20 per hour.

Careers through Apprenticeships:

In the UK, education might be long-lasting and expensive. That’s why people who cannot attend classes and pursue a traditional degree path can directly learn the professional crafts to get a job in many fields such as:

Industrial, paramedical, administrative, paralegal, etc..

An apprenticeship may start at the age of 16, depending on your educational level. The professional outcomes of an apprenticeship are decided through the qualification acquired. A level 2 apprentice may work for:

• Driving job
• Retail jobs
• A security guard or fire fighting jobs
• Customer service jobs
• Kitchen porters
• Social care jobs
• Blue-collar jobs

Level 3 qualification apprentices can apply depending on the programs they have chosen for studies and vocational training. Careers awaiting these apprentices include:

• Administrative jobs
• Marketing jobs
• Education and childcare jobs
• Bank clerks or receptionists

Level 4 or above qualifications apprentices can apply for employment in corporate firms

• Technical jobs
• Finance and accounting jobs
• Media and Art jobs

These were the advantages, including the levels of apprenticeship in the UK. Follow the apprenticeship application tips, and get expertise in a promising professional field.