FAQ
What is the difference between an Intermediate and a Level 2 apprenticeship?
An Intermediate and a Level 2 apprenticeship are the same thing, and the words can be used interchangeably! They are often used interchangeably, so make sure to keep an eye out for both descriptors to understand what level you’ll be applying for.
What are they like?
You’ll be working like any other employee doing the same job with the same duties and responsibilities, you’ll just have more support. You’ll spend 80% of your time at work, whether that’s on the workshop floor, answering calls in reception, or cooking up a storm in the kitchen – just keep the potty talk at home Gordon Ramsay.
At the same time, you’ll be working towards a qualification for 20% of your time with the help of your training provider and potentially a workplace mentor; this might be your manager, someone else you work with or someone that’s already completed the programme.
What qualification do I get?
While completing a Level 2 (Intermediate) apprenticeship, you’ll achieve qualifications that are equivalent to five, good GCSEs – that’s either A*-C or 9-4 grades. You might undergo BTECs or NVQs depending on which apprenticeship you choose to do. If you don’t have maths and English qualifications, you’ll also work towards a Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English to pass the apprenticeship programme.
Depending on your employer, you may also work on other qualifications which are more directly related to your job. That could be a qualification to use certain systems at your workplace or even certain pieces of machinery. It all depends on where you end up working!
How do they work?
As a Level 2 or intermediate apprentice, you’ll be spending 20% of your time training towards a qualification. How you spend this time will vary depending on your employer; you might have in-house training, or you could go to an external training provider or college.
The way this is organised will also depend on your employer, you might spend once a week training or you could spend a block release – this means working for a few weeks at the company and then a week working on your qualifications.
Can I do a Level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship?
An intermediate apprenticeship is for anyone regardless of your age, but due to the level of the qualification, they aren’t suited to everybody. One might be right for you if you don’t have any GCSEs, equivalent qualifications or it has been a few years since the last time you studied or you want to train in a new industry. If you do have GCSEs or experience in the industry your ideal apprenticeship is in, you may be better suited to an Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
What kind of apprenticeships can you do at Level 2?
There are more than 100 different apprenticeships you can do at a Level 2 (Intermediate), including:
- Adult Care Worker
- Animal Care and Welfare Assistant
- Beauty Therapist
- Commis Chef
- Credit Controller
- Gas Network Team Leader
- Golf Greenkeeper
- Junior Estate Agent
- Nuclear Operative
- Optical Assistant
What does an employer look for in my application?
In a Level 2 (Intermediate) apprenticeship application, an employer will be looking for your passion in the role or industry that you’re applying for. They won’t expect you to have loads of experience, but if you can show you have other useful skills such as good time management, an ability to prioritise and that you’re organised – this will get you a long way!
You’ll need three or more GCSEs to get onto an intermediate apprenticeship or potentially a traineeship qualification under your belt. If you have more experience than most this may not be as important – you’ll just have to pass some basic maths and numeracy tests before being enrolled on the course.
Where can I apply for intermediate apprenticeships?
You can apply for a Level 2 (Intermediate) apprenticeship with many employers directly, however, as the experts on apprenticeships you can find loads of apprenticeship opportunities on the GetMyFirstJob website. It’s even easier than pressing confirm on that next big ASOS delivery.