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FOUNDATION
APPRENTICESHIPS

Explore this exciting new apprenticeship programme

What are Foundation Apprenticeships?

Foundation apprenticeships help young people gain technical knowledge and skills while earning a wage. They are designed for young people typically aged 16 to 21 (or 22-24 meeting the eligibility criteria) who want hands-on experience in key sectors like construction, digital and social care.

These level 2 apprenticeships combine technical knowledge and skills with workplace learning, helping the apprentice to decide their next career steps.

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Which standards are available?

The first foundation apprenticeships focus on industrial strategy and government mission areas, including:

Engineering & manufacturing

 Building service engineering

 Engineering and manufacturing

Construction

 Finishing trades  Onsite trades

Digital

 Hardware, network and infrastructure  Software and data

Health

 Health and social care

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Where can you find vacancies?

As foundation apprenticeships are a new programme from 1st August 2025, it may take some time before we start to see lots of vacancies become available. Vacancies will start to appear on the Government’s Find an Apprenticeship website, as well as other jobs sites, employer websites and social media.

 

Who can be a foundation apprentice?

Foundation apprenticeships are only available for young people who are:

  •   aged between 16 and 21 (or 15 years of age if the apprentice’s 16th birthday is between the last Friday of June and 31st August)

  •   aged between 22 and 24 years old, who either

  •   hold an Education, Health and Care plan

  •   have been, or are, in the care of their local authority

  •   are in prison or a prison leaver

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KEY FACTS

  • Foundation apprenticeships typically last for 8 months.

  • support progression to more

specialised apprenticeships (level 2 or 3) or direct entry to employment.

  • help apprentices to develop employability skills and behaviours common to the workplace.

  • are paid positions where the apprentice must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices .

  • are currently available in 4 sectors, covering 7 different job roles.

  • are for young people aged 16-21 (or 22-24 meeting eligibility criteria).

  • have their own apprenticeship standard and assessment plan.

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