Everything You Need to Know About Finance Apprenticeships

A finance apprenticeship could be your smartest move. 

With an average UK salary of £55,000, finance is one of the most lucrative industries out there. And the best part? You don’t need a university degree to get started. 

A finance apprenticeship gives you hands-on experience, professional qualifications, and a paycheck from day one. Whether you see yourself in banking, investment, or financial planning, this route can fast-track you into a high-growth career with real earning potential. 

Here’s everything you need to know to get started, from roles and salaries to qualifications and next steps of your apprenticeship journey.What is a career in finance? 

Finance is a broad field of money management, investments and financial resources. This means that finance deals with all the decision-making and management of money, including how to raise funds for a business / individual, reaching financial goals and making wise investments.  

You might think finance is all about working with businesses and corporations, but there are many areas in which you could work:

• Personal finance 

• Corporate finance 

• Public finance 

• Investment finance 

• Financial markets 

• Banking 

• Risk management 

• International finance. 

Can you get an apprenticeship in finance? 

Yes! You can get your foot in the door of this exciting, lucrative industry with a finance apprenticeship and gain a qualification while gaining real-life experience on the job.   

Why should you do an apprenticeship in finance?   

UK apprenticeship programmes offer an internationally recognised qualification alongside valuable work experience, which can often be more appealing to employers than a traditional degree.  

When working alongside experienced colleagues, you get hands-on experience to ensure you can work on challenging projects, make critical financial decisions, and contribute directly to the success of your company. 

The financial industry is also known for its competitive salaries, and an apprenticeship means you can start earning while you learn, avoiding the burden of student loans. 

Also, the potential for career growth in finance is substantial. With experience, you can move into more specialised roles, take on leadership positions, or even transition to related fields.  

How much is the average finance salary in the UK? 

If all the perks listed above weren’t enough, the average finance salary in the UK is £54,690! A whopping £16,700 more than the average salary across all fields in the UK.   

What is the average salary for a finance apprentice? 

During your first year of training, starting salaries for apprenticeships are £7.55  per hour. However, employers may choose to pay apprentices above average to attract good candidates, especially if you are an older candidate or have more qualifications or experience to support your passion for the role. 

After the first year, you are entitled to the minimum wage that applies to your age   

bracket. However, your employer may choose to pay you more.  

Read more: Apprenticeship Wages: How Much Do Apprentices Get Paid in 2025? 

What you’ll do as a finance apprentice 

Here are some common tasks and duties you can expect during your role as a finance apprentice: 

• Advanced financial analysis 

• Budgeting and forecasting 

• Risk management 

• Utilising financial software 

• Financial reporting and compliance 

• Support for investment decisions 

• Collaboration and communication 

• Continuing education and professional development 

• Coursework. 

What can you do with a finance apprenticeship? 

What roles can you pursue upon completing your finance apprenticeship? Here are a few exciting avenues: 

• Financial Analyst 

• Accountant 

• Budget Analyst 

• Risk Manager 

• Investment Banking 

• Financial Planner 

• Corporate Finance 

• Treasury Analyst 

• Auditor 

• Financial Controller 

• Financial Consultant 

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 

• Chartered Financial Analyst  (CFA) 

• Financial Educator 

• Entrepreneur. 

What A-Levels do you need for a finance apprenticeship?  

Depending on your apprenticeship level, you don’t need A-Levels as part of the entry requirements. However, some employers may have their own requirements and may favour apprentices who have A-Levels such as maths, business or finance.  

The most important thing is to make sure you have your maths and English GCSEs.  

What is the difference between accounting and finance apprenticeships? 

The main difference between accounting and finance apprenticeships is in their focus and tasks: 

Accounting apprenticeships are more about keeping accurate financial records and compliance with rules and regulations. Accountants manage transactions, taxes, and financial statements. They typically deal with organising past financial decisions.  

Finance apprenticeships are about making financial decisions and managing money to help a business grow. Finance professionals analyse data, plan budgets, invest, and assess risks to guide strategic financial choices. They typically deal with organising future financial decisions.  

Finance apprenticeship FAQs 

1. Will I be stuck doing boring admin work as an apprentice? 

No. While you might start with some basic tasks, you’ll quickly get involved in real finance work, like analysing data, helping prepare reports, and supporting key business decisions. Apprentices are there to learn by doing, not just to observe from the sidelines. 

2. Can I still build a successful finance career without going to university? 

Absolutely. A finance apprenticeship gives you hands-on experience and a recognised qualification, without the debt. Many apprentices go on to earn just as much (or more) than graduates and progress into senior roles with time and experience. 

3. What if I’m not 18 or fresh out of school - am I too old to do a finance apprenticeship? 

Definitely not. There’s no upper age limit. Employers often value older apprentices for their maturity, work ethic, and transferable skills. Whether you're changing careers or returning to work, an apprenticeship can be a smart move. 

4. Will I be able to specialise later on? 

Yes. Once you’ve built a solid foundation, you can specialise in areas like investment, risk management, corporate finance, or even forensic accounting. Your apprenticeship gives you a strong launchpad to grow in the direction that fits your interests and strengths. 

5. Are finance apprenticeships respected by employers? 

Yes. Apprenticeships are backed by industry and government standards, and employers value the mix of practical experience and professional training. Many large companies actively prefer candidates who’ve come up through apprenticeship schemes because they’ve already proven themselves in the real world. 

Choose Total People for your finance apprenticeship 

With over 30 years of experience, Total People is the leading provider of apprenticeships and work-based learning in the North West. We’ve helped thousands of people take their first steps into rewarding careers, and you could be next. 

Whether you're fresh out of school or looking for a new direction, our finance apprenticeships give you the skills, experience, and support to succeed. 

Explore our finance apprenticeship pathways and register your interest today!