Your Options After Completing an Apprenticeship in the UK
An apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for your career, and there are several excellent routes you can take once you’ve completed it.
1. Continue with Your Current Employer/ Full-Time Employment
Many apprentices are offered a permanent position with the company where they trained. Employers highly value apprentices who understand their business operations, have practical skills, and have demonstrated loyalty. This is often the most direct path to continued employment and career progression within the same organisation. You also have strong job readiness to apply for roles with other employers in your industry, as many actively seek out apprenticeship graduates.
TFTG apprentices mostly transfer from being an apprentice to becoming full time within the same workplace. 90% of last year’s cohort entered full time employment.
2. Progress to a Higher-Level Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are designed for progression. You can build on your current qualification by undertaking a Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4 and above) or even a Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6 and 7).
- Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4/5): These are equivalent to qualifications like a CertHE, DipHE, HNC, HND, or the first/second year of an undergraduate degree. They allow you to deepen your expertise in your field.
- Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6/7): These enable you to gain a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree while continuing to work and earn a salary. Your employer and the government typically fund the tuition fees, meaning you can graduate debt-free with significant work experience. This pathway is becoming increasingly popular.
TFTG apprentices who study on our Assistant Accountant apprenticeship are most likely to enrol onto a higher apprenticeship with us either directly after completing their level 3 or after working in the industry to ground their skills and create advancement opportunities in the workplace.
3. Pursue Further Education (University or College)
Your apprenticeship can be a strong springboard into traditional higher education:
- University: Yes, you can absolutely go to university after an apprenticeship!
- UCAS Points: A Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship is generally equivalent to two A-level passes and carries UCAS points, which you can use for university applications.
- Valued Experience: Universities increasingly recognise the practical experience and vocational skills gained during an apprenticeship. This can make your application stand out, especially for mature students (over 22), where universities may have more flexible entry requirements beyond A-levels.
- “Topping Up” Qualifications: If you’ve completed a Level 4 or higher apprenticeship, universities can often advise on how to “top up” your existing qualifications to achieve a full degree.
- College Courses: You might choose to pursue other specialist courses or qualifications at a college to hone niche skills or explore a different area of interest.
Some apprentices enrol onto further education courses on a full time basis and many apprentices enrol onto further CPD courses to enhance their current skills.
Case Study – Going to University
Case Study – Installation Electrician to a Design Electrician
TFTG enrols experienced electricians (including ex-apprentices) on the City & Guilds Design, Erection and Verification qualification where advanced skills and knowledge in design and supervision are required to enhance career opportunities.
4. Start Your Own Business / Go Freelance
The hands-on experience, industry knowledge, and professional network developed during an apprenticeship can provide an excellent foundation for entrepreneurship. If you have an innovative idea or a desire to be your own boss, you could start your own business or offer your services as a freelancer.
Case Study – Running My Own Business
5. Take Time to Plan Your Career Path
It’s also perfectly fine to take some time to reflect on your apprenticeship experience. Consider what you enjoyed, what skills you’d like to develop further, and what your long-term career goals are. Speaking with a careers adviser or a mentor, updating your CV, and exploring different sectors can help you make an informed decision about your next steps.
Your apprenticeship is a significant achievement and a powerful foundation. Whichever path you choose, the practical skills, professional attitude, and industry insight you’ve developed will be invaluable.
6. Taking a Gap Year
After your educational experience, you might decide to travel around the world, or visit a specific place that interests you, or even do something different for a year. This experience can offer a valuable insight into the world we live in and allow you to experience different cultures and experiences that you would not otherwise have encountered.
Whatever you decide to do, ensure that your skills and experiences are transferable into your day to day life and support your ongoing career and personal development