STEM Apprenticeships in the UK: A Complete Beginner's Guide

What a STEM apprenticeship actually is

An apprenticeship is a paid job with structured training attached. You are an employee from day one, you earn a wage, and a portion of your working week is set aside for study towards a recognised qualification. In science, technology, engineering and maths, that usually means a mix of workshop or lab time, on-the-job mentoring and college or university study.

Unlike an internship, an apprenticeship is a permanent-style contract for the length of the programme, typically between 18 months and four years depending on the level.

The levels, explained without jargon

Apprenticeship levels describe how advanced the qualification is, not how long it takes.

• Level 2 (Intermediate) — roughly GCSE standard, a common entry route straight after school.
• Level 3 (Advanced) — roughly A-level standard, the most common technician entry point.
• Level 4 and 5 (Higher) — equivalent to the first years of a degree, often HNC/HND.
• Level 6 and 7 (Degree) — a full bachelor's or master's degree, paid for by the employer.

What you can expect to be paid

There is a legal apprentice minimum wage, but most STEM employers pay well above it because they are competing for the same small pool of candidates. Engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships commonly start between £18,000 and £24,000, and degree apprenticeships in software or data often start higher, with tuition fees covered.

How to apply well

Applications tend to open in waves between September and March for September starts, and popular schemes close early once they fill. Apply as soon as a listing goes live rather than waiting for the deadline.

Most employers use an online form, a short online test, and then an assessment centre or interview. You are not expected to have commercial experience — they are looking for evidence that you can learn, follow a process safely and explain your thinking.