It's never too late: Adult apprenticeships in London

Apprenticeship opportunities can knock at any age. Whether you’re 16 or 60, you can take a programme of work-based learning with an employer, get paid while you are doing it and learn practical skills that can help you to advance in your new career.  

Can adults do apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers or young people. Anyone of working age can take an apprenticeship. They are for anyone who is learning new skills and undertaking a formal programme of study as part of a career that is new to them. Many people retrain in later life and take a career change. In fact, in 2021/22, according to the latest government statistics, 47% of apprentices were over the age of 25.  

Applying for adult apprenticeship jobs in London is easy on Talentview. 

Is it more difficult for adults to get apprenticeships? 

No, people of any age have an equal chance of applying for an apprenticeship and being successful. There is no upper age limit. The only criteria are that you must be over the age of 16, living in the UK and not in full-time education. You may need a certain number of GCSE or A-Level passes, depending on the level of apprenticeship you are applying for.  

What apprenticeships are available for adults in London?

There are a huge range of apprenticeship programmes available for adults in London and the Greater London area. The best place to search for adult apprenticeship jobs in London is on Talentview. If you think that the job you are considering won’t have an apprenticeship, you might be wrong. You can take an apprenticeship in virtually anything – from civil engineering to policing, nursing to archaeology. If you are considering a career in construction, there are apprenticeship opportunities at every level, for a huge variety of job roles, from bricklaying to architecture, scaffolding to site management.  

Construction is particularly well served by apprenticeships in the London area. For example, three of the world’s largest construction companies, WSP, Balfour Beatty and BAM Nuttall offer degree apprenticeships in London.   

How to find an adult apprenticeship in London

There are several ways you can find employers who offer adult apprenticeship opportunities in the capital. You can use websites like Talentview, apply directly to employers, contact local colleges or ask friends or family members if they know of apprenticeships available at companies.   

If you are applying for apprenticeships, it is always a good idea to:   

• Research the organisation/company fully beforehand  
• Learn the basics of writing a covering letter  
• Prepare fully for interviews  

Is an adult apprenticeship right for you?

There are many different types of apprenticeship that you can do in London. Apprenticeship levels range from Intermediate (Level 2) to Advanced (Level 3), Higher (Level 4) and Degree (Levels 5-6). If you are re-training for a new career a Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship programme is probably going to be suitable for you to learn new skills and get work experience. If you already have experience from a particular job role, you may be given the opportunity to take a degree apprenticeship by your employer. This will enable you to study at a university while working and being paid a salary by your employer.

Find out more about construction apprenticeships 

There are hundreds of apprenticeships available in the construction industry. Earn while you learn and gain the qualifications and experience you need for a role in the construction sector.   

• Find out more at Go Construct