What is a Level 4 apprenticeship equal to?

Apprenticeships are not just a thing of the past, they’re an excellent way to start a new career in today’s ever-changing job market. While it’s true that they are popular with school leavers, they are not just designed for the young. 

Each year, many mature professionals apply for apprenticeships to learn new skills and start an exciting career without the burden of student debt. Furthermore, they offer the advantage of on-the-job training and the opportunity to make industry contacts before you have even finished your course. 

Apprenticeships can offer flexibility, and there are several different levels to cater for the needs of companies and candidates. In this article, we review the different types of apprenticeships available, and explore the next steps to take after you finish. 

These programmes act as stepping-stones and you can work your way from the Intermediate level, right through to the Higher or degree levels.  

You can work in a wide range of sectors, including:  

•    Business & Data Analysis
•    Cloud Computing
•    Cyber Security
•    IT & Networking 

Here are 5 benefits of apprenticeships.

Different levels of apprenticeships        

There are four main levels: Intermediate, Advanced level, Higher level, and Degree level. We explore each level in detail below. 

Intermediate apprenticeships - Also known as a Level 2 apprenticeship, Intermediate apprenticeships are roughly comparable to five good grades at GCSE level. Intermediate levels are very common and are the most offered apprenticeships in the UK.   

Once enrolled on an Intermediate level scheme, you will gain on-the-job training on a full-time basis with a relevant employer. While gaining this experience, you will gain qualifications equating to 5 GCSEs. These courses could be NVQ Level 2, BTEC Diploma or Certificate level, depending on the area you are specialising in. This level is ideal for someone who doesn’t have GCSEs and wants to gain high-quality vocational training and qualifications.  

Advanced level apprenticeships - Also known as Level 3 apprenticeships, advanced levels are generally seen as comparable to two A level passes. Advanced level apprenticeships are an excellent option even for those who have already gained A levels in another subject and now looking to change industries or career direction.

Typically, you need to have at least five passes at GCSE level before being accepted onto an Advanced level apprenticeship.  

Like the Intermediate level, those accepted into Advanced level will spend time working with an appropriate employer while studying for their qualifications, which will equate roughly to two passes at A level. You will be studying for a course such as NVQ Level 3, BTEC Diploma or Certificate in your discipline of choice.  

Learn how to find an apprenticeship.

Higher apprenticeships - Higher apprenticeships (also known as Level 4+) are viewed as being comparable to first-year university level (Level 4) to postgraduate level (Level 7). 

The Higher level is an ideal way to gain university-level qualifications without having to take on student debt. Like both the Intermediate apprenticeships and Advanced level apprenticeships, Higher level involve working for an employer on a full-time basis while completing your course. However, Higher apprenticeships often involve an enhanced level of responsibility, and you may get the opportunity to work on important projects as part of your apprenticeship.  

The qualifications you will attain as part of your Higher apprenticeship will vary depending on the exact level of apprenticeship you are working towards; however, the following qualifications are often attained:  

•    Level 4  – HNC, CertHE, Level 4 NVQ, or BTEC (equivalent to first year at university).
•    Level 5 – DipHE, HND, Level 5 NVQ, or Level 5 BTEC (equivalent to a foundation degree or second year at university).
•    Level 6  – BA/BSc Degree, Graduate Certificate, Level 6 NVQ, or BTEC.
•    Level 7 – Meng, MA, MSc, Level 7 NVQ, PGCSE, or Postgraduate Certificate level. 

Degree level apprenticeships - Degree level apprenticeships are like Higher levels but offer candidates the opportunity to work towards a complete degree while gaining work experience. 

During your Degree level apprenticeship, you could complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree. These typically take between three and six years to complete. While there are not as many Degree apprenticeships available, they are an excellent way to bridge the gap between work and study while giving yourself the best possible chance at excelling in your career of choice.  

Are you an employer thinking about taking on an apprentice? Read our employer guide to apprenticeships to get started.

Next steps after your apprenticeship                                 

After completing your apprenticeship, take pride in what you have accomplished and the experience you have gained in your chosen field! Many apprentices find they are asked to stay on and offered a job at the company where they completed their apprenticeship, especially if they have found their niche and can continue to grow within the company.

However, other apprenticeship graduates find themselves looking for exciting opportunities elsewhere or may even continue their studies in a specialised area.

Call us on +44 (0) 20 3800 0144 to speak to one of our Apprenticeship Consultants today, to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Here are 5 benefits of apprenticeships.