How long is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a fantastic way for people to gain hands-on experience whilst earning qualifications in a trade of their choice. Apprenticeship courses can be more beneficial and cost effective than traditional qualifications. But the question many people ask is: how long is a typical apprenticeship?

In this blog we’re going to explore timescales based on two key specialism examples - electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. We will provide a typical breakdown for both industries, as well as an explanation of how apprentices are assessed and what the typical working hours are.

Jump to:

• What are the different levels of apprenticeship?

• How long are certain types of apprenticeship?

• How many hours must an apprentice work?

• How long is the final assessment?

What are the different levels of apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship qualifications are split up into Levels. From Level 2, which is equivalent to GCSE, right the way through to Level 6 and 7, which equate to a degree.

The typical time it takes to complete an apprenticeship will change depending on both the Level and sector, but we’ve broadly broken it down below:

Before qualifying, apprentices will have to take part in an End Point Assessment, which will test what they have learnt.

Each apprenticeship is unique, so they have different milestones, but the example below is a typical pathway for them - from onboarding an apprentice to them being fully qualified.

Keep reading for more specific examples across electrical and engineering apprenticeships.

How long are certain types of apprenticeship?

How long is an electrician apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships that offer electrician training will typically study for 3-4 years, and will learn how to install and repair electrical systems in industrial, residential and commercial environments.

It’ll usually mean 4 days learning practical skills on the job, with a further day a week spent learning the theory; however at Thrive we offer a block release, which means learners will spend one week at our academy, and then the following three weeks of the months practising what they’ve learnt with their employer.

The typical things an electrical apprentice will learn when studying includes: 

• Basic electrical principles

• Understanding wiring diagrams

• Installing and maintaining electrical systems

• Health and Safety in the workplace, including the use of PPE and using tools safely

• Understanding electrical regulations

To successfully complete an apprenticeship, students will have to show that they have the skills, knowledge, and competence to work safely with electronics.

How long does a carpentry apprenticeship take?

Apprentices wanting to qualify as joiners will usually study a Level 2 qualification in Carpentry and Joinery, which involves learning both site carpentry and bench joinery.

A typical course lasts 2 years, and will give learners a broad experience of working in different industrial environments. Similar to other professions, apprentices will have to demonstrate that they can operate machinery safely and to a high standard, with their practical skills assessed at the end of the course.

How long is a plumbing apprenticeship?

Depending on the course level, a plumbing apprenticeship can last up to 4 years and will teach the fundamental skills on inspecting, maintaining, and installing domestic water systems. Our Domestic Plumbing and Heating apprenticeship lasts 4 years with the first 3 focusing on pipework, fitting systems and design work, including inspecting. The final year varies depending on the route that the employer and apprentice wish to take, and could be focusing on domestic gas engineering, non-domestic systems or environmental fuel systems.

When an apprentice’s qualified they can automatically register with Gas Safe. This’ll allow them to legally work as a plumber in the UK, and also gives them access to other courses that’ll allow them to work on commercial water systems too.

How long is an engineering apprenticeship?

The length of an engineering apprenticeship, like a gas engineer apprenticeship, depends on which Level an apprentice chooses to study, with it taking as little as 18 months, or as long as 5 years to qualify. Similar to other apprenticeships, courses will be a mix of theory and practical learning, with those at Level 6 or 7 likely to have a more technical focus.

Here’s a list of typical time frames for apprentices studying engineering;

• Level 2 Apprenticeship: Typically lasts 1 to 2 years, and is an entry-level qualification providing apprentices with the basic skills and knowledge needed for an engineering role. They’ll learn the basics of the trade, like technical maths and basic engineering principles.

• Level 3 Apprenticeship: Typically lasts 2 to 4 years, and is designed to equip students with more technical skills.

• Level 4 or 5 Apprenticeship: This usually lasts 3 to 5 years and is the equivalent of a foundation degree, so it provides a more in depth technical understanding of engineering.

• Level 6 or 7 Apprenticeship: Lasting up to 5 years, this allows apprentices to study for the equivalent of a bachelor’s or master’s degree, while learning on the job. Typical roles include design engineers, engineering managers, and civil engineering specialists.

More advanced engineering courses will focus on specialised areas, like aerospace, civil engineering, or robotics. For budding civil engineers, they’ll develop an understanding of building complex infrastructure, like roads and bridges, but for aerospace engineers they’ll study things like aerodynamics and how avionics work.

How many hours must an apprentice work?

Apprentices must work a minimum of 30 hours per week, including time spent off the job studying in college or with their specialist training provider. They’re allowed to work a maximum of 48 hours a week, which is reduced to 40 hours if they’re under 18 - with at least 20% of an apprentice’s working hours dedicated to education or training.

More and more people are choosing to study an apprenticeship part-time, which gives them more flexibility. To be eligible, an apprentice must work a minimum of 16 hours per week, ensuring 20% of their working hours are dedicated to study. Part-time apprenticeships are ideal for industries that work seasonally, or for people that need flexibility.

How long is the final assessment?

At the end of any apprenticeship there’s an End Point Assessment (EPA), which is designed to assess an apprentice’s skills and knowledge. The assessment is carried out independently and usually includes a mix of practical assessments, written tests, and portfolio reviews.

For trades like electricians and engineers, the practical skills test is vital in making sure apprentices are ready to enter the world of work safely.

Once an apprentice has passed, they are fully qualified, and can then apply to be registered with a regulatory body. For example, electricians can apply for their first ‘gold card’ under the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme, and engineers may gain registration with bodies like the Engineering Council.