Kickstart Your Career

Exclusive apprentice benefits, discounts, training resources, and career tools to help you succeed.

Exclusive: Apprentices can get 12 months of Checkatrade membership free

Start your trade career with full benefits access

Trade Explorer

Browse apprenticeships by trade and discover your perfect career path

Electrician

Install, maintain and repair electrical systems in homes and businesses.

Salary Range

£14,000 - £45,000

Qualification

Level 3

Duration

3-4 years

Demand

Very High

Suitability Checker

Find out if an apprenticeship is right for you in just 3 quick questions

How old are you?

16-18
19-24
25+

Where are you based?

England
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland

What is your current education status?

Still in full time school/college
Recently left education
Currently employed
Self Employed
Unemployed/seeking work

Great News!

Based on your answers, you’re likely suitable for an apprenticeship. Explore the trades above to find your perfect match!

Browse Courses

Oh No!

Based on your answers, you’re not likely suitable for an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship Courses

Explore popular apprenticeship paths and find the right trade for your future.

Electrical Apprenticeship

Typical duration: 3–4 years

Train to become a qualified electrician, working on domestic and commercial electrical systems. You’ll learn installation, testing, fault-finding, and maintenance while earning on the job.

Qualifications typically included:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Electrotechnical Services
  • NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnical Services
  • AM2 / End Point Assessment

Plumbing Apprenticeship

Typical duration: 2–4 years

Learn how to install, maintain, and repair plumbing and heating systems in residential and commercial settings. Develop practical skills while gaining industry-recognised qualifications.

Qualifications typically included:

  • Level 3 Plumbing Diploma
  • NVQ Level 3 in Plumbing and Heating
  • Gas Safe registration requires additional training and assessment after completing an apprenticeship.

Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship

Typical duration: 2–3 years

Develop skills in woodworking, construction, and installation. Apprenticeships usually focus on either site carpentry or bench joinery, depending on the role.

Qualifications typically included:

  • Level 2 or Level 3 Carpentry & Joinery Diploma
  • NVQ in Site Carpentry or Bench Joinery

HVAC Engineering Apprenticeship

Typical duration: 3–4 years

Specialise in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Learn installation, servicing, and fault diagnosis for modern climate-control systems.

Qualifications typically included:

  • Level 3 HVAC or Building Services Diploma
  • NVQ in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
  • F-Gas Certification

Painting & Decorating Apprenticeship

Typical duration: 2–3 years

Learn surface preparation, paint application techniques, and decorative finishes. Build practical experience while working towards recognised qualifications.

Qualifications typically included:

  • Level 2 or Level 3 Painting & Decorating Diploma
  • NVQ in Decorative Finishes
  • CSCS Card

Bricklaying Apprenticeship

Typical duration: 2–3 years

Learn how to construct walls and structures using brick, block, and stone. Gain experience reading plans, setting out work, and using construction materials safely.

Qualifications typically included:

  • Level 2 or Level 3 Bricklaying Diploma
  • NVQ in Bricklaying
  • CSCS Card

Day in the Life

Hear from real apprentices about their journey, progression and earning potential

Will Wilkinson (Welding and Metal Fabrication, KSW Engineering)
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Will Wilkinson (Welding and Metal Fabrication, KSW Engineering)

“I chose to do an apprenticeship because I wanted to be doing hands on work and I thought welding would be perfect as it’s a bit different to the other trades. The thing I’m enjoying most is working around in places I’ve never been in the UK and being able to make many things out of any types of metals.”

Max Rhodes (Groundworks P&T Contracts) York
M

Max Rhodes (Groundworks P&T Contracts) York

“I chose to do groundworks as soon as I left school because I wanted to get into a trade as I like to keep busy and do practical work. It’s challenging, but I enjoy it because it’s honest work and I enjoy laying flags, doing tarmac and concreting. I look at it as a good thing to do because it makes me hungry to be a rugby player as well as a good worker. I hope to say I put 100% effort into what I do and I take that attitude into work and training”

Ryan Hosier (Engineering, Mars Petcare)
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Ryan Hosier (Engineering, Mars Petcare)

“I chose my apprenticeship because I have always had an interest in engineering and practical work learning multiple skills at once. I saw the apprenticeship was local and with Mars which is a large well established and quality organisation and I thought it would be a good opportunity for me. I have enjoyed learning lots of practical skills I can apply outside of my job and have liked learning both mechanical and electrical based topics and how to use a variety of different tools and machinery.”

How to Get Started with an Apprenticeship

Follow this step-by-step guide to launch your apprenticeship journey successfully

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Congratulations! You’re Ready to Start

You’ve completed all the steps. Now go out there and make the most of your apprenticeship!

Graduate Trades Starter Kit

Helping new trades launch and grow their business, in partnership with Leeds College of Building and CTECs nationwide.

Starting with Leeds College of Building

The UK’s only specialist construction college. We aim to partner with Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs) across the country, offering all graduating learners a varied package of support to help them launch and grow their trade business.

Checkatrade Approved membership

A year’s free access to help new trades get started with vetted status, a live public profile, verified customer reviews, and the Checkatrade Guarantee covering every job on the platform up to £1,000.

TradeMore Pro

A year’s free access to the premium version of Checkatrade’s AI-powered job management platform — built to cut admin time and simplify job management from quote to invoice.

Checkatrade Shop discounts

Unique discounts on tools, equipment and materials, giving graduates what they need to do the job at the right price as they set up.

Exclusive partner offers

Free or discounted access to leading platforms for business banking, workwear, insurance cover and more — the essentials for launching a trade business.

Ready to launch your trade business?

Whether you’re a graduating learner or a college looking to partner with us, get in touch to find out more about the Graduate Trades Starter Kit.

Exclusive: Apprentices can get 12 months of Checkatrade membership free

Start your trade career with full benefits access

FAQs

Apprenticeship requirements, training structures, and support may vary by employer, training provider, and location. This information is intended as a general guide.