If you're an adult with no formal qualifications and wondering what’s next, you’re not alone, and you’re not out of options. More adults than ever are turning to apprenticeships as a practical, hands-on way to build a new career.
In fact, on average, over 130,000 adults aged 25 and over start in England, proving that it’s never too late to start learning. If you’re an adult with no qualifications, and are thinking about how to get into a career that you’d love, this blog covers it all!
Can adults do an apprenticeship?
Yes. Apprenticeships aren't just for school leavers. Adults of all ages can do apprenticeships, and many employers are actively looking for mature learners who bring life experience, discipline, and motivation. Whether you're returning to work, switching careers, or starting from scratch, an apprenticeship can provide the structure and support to succeed.
Level 2 apprenticeships for adults
Level 2 apprenticeships are equivalent to GCSEs and are often a starting point for people without formal qualifications. They focus on building core workplace skills and knowledge.
These apprenticeships typically last 12 to 18 months and are suitable for beginners. They're ideal if you're new to an industry or returning to work after a break. You’ll spend time learning both on the job and through structured training with an apprenticeship provider like Total People.
Level 3 apprenticeships for adults
Level 3 apprenticeships are equivalent to A-levels and are usually the most common type of apprenticeships. These programmes go deeper into the technical aspects of a role and often require some basic knowledge or experience.
They typically take 18 to 24 months and can open doors to supervisory roles or advanced qualifications. If you’ve worked in an industry before or want to fast-track your progress, Level 3 could be the right fit.
Can you do an apprenticeship without formal qualifications?
Yes! Apprenticeships are designed to be accessible. Many don’t require formal qualifications like GCSEs, especially at Level 2. Instead, they focus on your potential, attitude, and willingness to learn. Some employers or providers might do a basic English and maths assessment to ensure you get the support you need.
Can I do an apprenticeship with no GCSEs?
Yes! You can still enrol in a Level 2 apprenticeship and gain functional skills in English and maths alongside your training if your employer agrees that this should be part of your training plan. These are often built into the programme so you can work and learn at the same time, without having to go back to school full-time.
Tips for apprenticeship applicants with no GCSEs
If you’re eager to do an apprenticeship, but don’t have GCSEs, here are some tips to get your foot in the door of your dream career!
-
Start with a Level 2 apprenticeship: These are designed for beginners and often don’t require any formal qualifications.
-
Focus on your attitude and motivation: Show you're eager to learn, reliable, and ready to work hard, employers value this more than grades.
-
Highlight your life experience: In your apprenticeship CV, talk about any part-time jobs, volunteering, or responsibilities that show transferable skills like teamwork or problem-solving.
-
Be honest but confident in interviews: Don’t apologise for what you don’t have, focus on what you can bring.
-
Prepare for basic English and maths assessments: Many providers include functional skills support, but brushing up can help you feel more confident.
-
Ask for support: Providers like Total People can guide you through the process and help find the right fit for your goals.
What is the best apprenticeship for adults?
The best apprenticeship depends on you: your interests, goals, and career plans. At Total People, we offer a range of apprenticeships across different industries to help you find the right fit. Here’s a snapshot of the pathways you can explore:
-
Accountancy Apprenticeships: Learn the fundamentals of finance and bookkeeping and work your way toward becoming a certified accountant.
-
Business Administration Apprenticeships: Develop skills in organisation, communication, and office management, ideal for roles in every sector.
-
Bus & Coach and HGV Apprenticeships: Get your engineering career in gear with qualifications to maintain and repair heavy vehicles in the logistics industry.
-
Customer Service Apprenticeships: Perfect if you enjoy working with people and want to build a career in hospitality, retail, or public services.
-
Early Years Apprenticeships: Train to work in nurseries or schools, helping shape young minds from the very beginning.
-
Engineering Apprenticeships: Gain technical skills for roles in manufacturing, production, or maintenance.
-
Human Resources Apprenticeships: Help organisations recruit, retain, and support their staff through an HR support apprenticeship.
-
Management Apprenticeships: Step into a leadership role with the skills to manage people, projects, or departments.
-
Property Apprenticeships: Become a licensed conveyancer, and help people’s dreams come true by helping them buy their dream homes or businesses.
-
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Apprenticeships: A specialised trade that’s always in demand in commercial and industrial sectors.
-
Scaffolder Apprenticeships: Train in a high-demand trade with great pay and opportunities for travel and development.
-
Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships: Support children in schools and become a crucial part of the education system.
Browse all our apprenticeship sectors at Total People to find your pathway.
Learn more: The 9 Benefits of Returning to Education as an Adult
What career opportunities can an apprenticeship lead to?
The career opportunities you gain through an apprenticeship depend on the level and industry. A Level 2 apprenticeship usually leads to entry-level roles where you build essential workplace skills.
A Level 3 apprenticeship prepares you for more skilled or assistant-level positions, with the potential to grow over time. Higher apprenticeships (Level 4 and above) can lead to supervisory, management, or specialist roles. Many adults use apprenticeships as a launchpad to progress their careers step-by-step, often moving on to further qualifications or promotions as they gain experience.
What are the benefits of an apprenticeship for adults?
1. Earn while you learn
Apprenticeships offer a combination: paid employment and structured training. You’ll be getting paid and getting real work experience while working toward a nationally recognised qualification. This is especially helpful for adults with financial responsibilities, from paying bills to supporting a family.
Learn more: Apprenticeship Wages: How Much Do Apprentices Get Paid?
2. Build real work experience
Employers want more than just a certificate, they want to see that you’ve done the job. As an apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a real role, learning from experienced colleagues and contributing to live projects. This kind of on-the-job learning not only boosts your confidence but also gives you solid, practical examples to talk about in interviews or appraisals.
Apprenticeships also give you the ‘soft skills’ that employers are desperate for: skills like team work, problem solving, communication, etc.
3. Gain recognised qualifications
Every apprenticeship includes a qualification that's recognised and respected by employers. Many also include functional skills in English and maths, especially if you don’t already have GCSEs. These qualifications stay with you for life and can unlock progression into higher levels or other roles in the future.
4. Flexible learning that fits your life
Apprenticeships are built to work around real life. You might work four days a week on the job and spend one day studying, either online or in a training centre. Many providers also offer flexible support for adult learners juggling work, childcare, or other commitments.
5. Start with no debt
Apprenticeships are funded by the government and your employer, so you can gain a qualification without taking on student loans or out-of-pocket costs. That means you’re building skills and improving your future earning potential without going into debt.
Can I do an apprenticeship with my current employer?
Yes. In fact, many adults upskill through apprenticeships with their existing employer. If you're in a job but want to grow into a new role or earn new qualifications, talk to your employer about how an apprenticeship could help you both.
Why choose an apprenticeship over an upskilling course?
Upskilling courses teach individual skills, but apprenticeships give you much more:
-
You learn on the job while doing real work
-
You have a mentor to guide and support you
-
You earn a recognised qualification that employers respect
-
You get feedback as you go so you can keep improving
-
You’re paid while you learn, so there’s no loss of income
-
You can progress to higher levels or even a degree.
Apprenticeships aren’t just about learning, they’re about building a full career.
How can I find an apprenticeship as an adult?
Here’s how to get started:
-
Think about your goals. What interests you? What skills do you want to build? Different providers focus on various apprenticeship sectors. Some may be more digital focused, while others may be more trade focused.
-
Check out apprenticeship providers like Total People. We offer adult-focused apprenticeships in a range of sectors.
-
Talk to your current employer. See if they’d support an apprenticeship to develop your role.
-
Look online. Platforms like the National Apprenticeship Service list hundreds of roles.
-
Apply. Don’t worry if you don’t meet every requirement, enthusiasm goes a long way!
Choose Total People apprenticeships for adults with no qualifications
Here at Total People, we specialise in helping adults without qualifications take the next step. With personalised support, flexible programmes, and connections to real employers, we make it easier for you to succeed, no matter where you’re starting from.
Our advisors will work with you to:
-
Assess your current skills
-
Recommend the right level and programme
-
Match you with employers or support you in your current job
-
Support you through every stage of your apprenticeship
Whether you want to fix an HGV, become a teaching assistant, or step into management, apprenticeships can get you there. And we’re here to help! Explore our apprenticeship pathways or our apprenticeship vacancies, and contact us today.
