Here at Damar Training, one of the questions we hear from both employers and candidates is: ‘How long do apprenticeships last?’ The answer depends on several key factors, including the individual’s starting point, the apprenticeship level, and the training provider’s delivery approach.
In this blog, we’ll offer some clarity on the length of apprenticeships by breaking down some of the various elements that determine how long it will last.
The eight-month minimum
Every apprenticeship in England must meet government-established minimum requirements. One of those rules is that all apprenticeships must last at least eight months. This minimum ensures apprenticeships provide meaningful training that significantly improves an individual’s knowledge, skills, and behaviours.
In practice, most apprenticeships are longer and can take up to six or seven years.
Apprenticeship levels
One of the factors determining apprenticeship length is the qualification level. Apprenticeships range from level 2 to level 7, and generally, higher-level apprenticeships require longer durations.
Foundation level (new government initiative)
- Duration: 8+ months
- Target audience: Complete beginners to the workforce
Intermediate level (level 2)
- Duration: Typically 12-18 months
- Target audience: Entry-level roles for people new to the profession
- Focus: Industry introduction and general workplace skills
Advanced level (level 3)
- Duration: Typically 18 months to 2 years
- Target audience: Slightly more experienced individuals
- Focus: More complex job roles requiring additional expertise
Higher and degree-level (levels 4-7)
- Duration: Can vary considerably, with some taking 5+ years
- Target audience: Individuals with substantial experience
- Focus: Technical and senior roles preparing managers, experts, and industry leaders
Provider delivery methods
The same apprenticeship can vary in length depending on the training provider. Different providers develop their own delivery approaches and training programs while ensuring they meet the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required by Skills England.
Prior learning and experience
An individual’s existing qualifications and experience can also affect apprenticeship duration. For example, Damar offers different programme lengths for solicitor apprenticeships:
- Longer program (35+ months): For those with paralegal apprenticeships or non-law degrees
- Shorter program (18+ months): For those with law degrees or graduate diplomas in law.
During initial assessment, training providers should analyse any previous relevant qualifications and experience that the apprentice has that could make them exempt from particular activities or modules and adjust the off-the-job study time in the training plan accordingly. In some cases, this could mean that the apprenticeship can be completed within a shorter timeframe.
Other individual circumstances
If an apprentice does not work full-time, it could mean that the length of the apprenticeship needs to be extended in order for them to have enough time during contracted working hours to complete the required off-the-job training. This would all be discussed and agreed with the training provider before the apprentice starts on programme.
Finally, apprenticeship length can vary by how quickly the apprentice is able to work through their training plan. Some apprentices are able to allocate more time on a weekly basis to their apprenticeship than others and, in some cases, this means that the apprentice can complete their programme in a shorter length of time.
Quality over speed
Following the 2017 move to apprenticeship standards, the government aimed to create a system providing meaningful training that benefits individuals, organisations, and the wider economy. Apprenticeships are not tick-box exercises for verifying existing skills – they’re designed to significantly increase someone’s knowledge, skills, and behaviours.
In fact, if an initial assessment doesn’t reveal a sufficient skills gap that the apprenticeship would bridge, the individual would be ineligible.
An investment
While apprenticeships lasting several years may seem like a significant investment, the combination of off-the-job training with on-the-job experience offers many substantial advantages:
For individuals:
- Employment is usually guaranteed throughout the programme
- Valuable work experience while earning a salary
- No student debt compared to standalone courses.
Megan O’Neill, business admin apprentice at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust, says:
“I decided to complete an apprenticeship so that I can progress in my career. It provides me with another qualification which I can use when applying for future job roles with higher responsibility. I have also come away with more knowledge and skills that I can use in both my current and future roles.”
For employers:
- Proven improvements to productivity
- Fresh ideas and innovation
- Improved staff morale and loyalty
- Future-proofed talent pipeline.
Jane Cordner, head of human resources and operations at Blanchards Bailey LLP, says:
“We have been delighted to witness the increase in our apprentices’ knowledge, which they have been able to apply to their work in order to improve their productivity and effectiveness. It has ultimately led us, as a business, to build a strong reputation for investing in our staff and allowed us to attract and retain good quality staff in a competitive recruitment market.”
Frequently asked questions:
How long do Damar’s apprenticeships last?
The apprenticeships that Damar offers range from 15 to 35 months. For example, the business admin, customer service and travel consultant apprenticeships usually last 15 months, paralegal takes around 21 months, and data protection apprenticeships typically lasts 19 months.
How long do accounting apprenticeships last?
At Damar, our accounts assistant apprenticeship usually lasts 16 months, the assistant accountant apprenticeship takes around 17 months and professional accounting technician is typically 19 months.
What happens if an apprentice needs a break from their apprenticeship?
In the UK, if an apprentice needs to take a break from their apprenticeship, there are established procedures to follow to ensure their learning can be paused and resumed appropriately. This is often referred to as a break in learning (BIL). Common reasons that apprentices take a break include medical treatment or long-term sickness, parental leave, or other personal reasons.
How can Damar help employees understand apprenticeship rules?
Here at Damar, we’ve got over 40 years of experience in the apprenticeship field. Therefore, you can rely on us for clear guidance and tailored support. We do this by offering an initial consultation and needs analysis, working with you to match your training requirements to the most relevant apprenticeship standards. We’ll be with you every step of the way of your apprenticeship journey.
Trust Damar to support your apprenticeship programme
As we’ve seen, the answer to the question ‘how long do apprenticeships last’ is more complicated than a simple number. It is a whole journey that is shaped by the apprenticeship standard, the level of qualification, and any prior learning experience,. From an eight month kickstart into a new career to a multi-year commitment to a degree-level qualification, apprenticeships offer remarkable flexibility.