Apprenticeships

Applicants need to be over 16 years old, living in England or Wales and not be in full-time education (you can apply while you are still at school but you will need to have left before the start date).

While the entry criteria of any apprenticeship depends upon the company providing the apprenticeship, the vast majority of companies ask for GCSE Maths and English grade A-C. However, be sure to check the apprenticeship advertisement for exact requirements. For example, some companies ask for GCSE Maths and English and 2 more GCSEs (or equivalent), normally in IT and/or Science preferably.  

The location of your placement solely depends upon the location of your placement provider. When applying for placements please ensure the company’s location is accessible to you. It is important to note the nature of the job normally requires a lot of travelling around a particular region.  

Generally expenses will not be covered but please check the apprenticeship advertisement or with the apprenticeship provider. 

Apprentice vacancies are advertised throughout the year. The advertisement will state a deadline for applications and start dates. Please do not wait until the deadline to apply as some companies will stop accepting applications early because they have a sufficient number of candidates already. Also ensure that you will no longer be in full-time education by the start date.  

Generally, larger companies start advertising apprenticeship vacancies from September onwards with the majority appearing in January and February. Smaller companies normally advertise only a month or two before their start date. 

Again, this depends on the apprenticeship you have chosen. However, through the duration of your apprenticeship you should expect to obtain a NVQ Level 2 Plumbing and Heating qualification and be working towards or have completed your NVQ Level 3 Plumbing and Heating qualification. If you choose gas0related units at Level 3 you will also gain a Gas Safe licence – a legal requirement for installing gas boilers and appliances.

Unfortunately, normally there is no guaranteed employment upon completion of the apprenticeship. However, it is very common for apprenticeships to be offered employment from their apprenticeship employer.

With the correct qualifications and years of experience, it is up to you what you do with them. Self-employment is another common route people in the plumbing and heating industry take.