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An apprentiship is a nationally recognised training programme combining real work with learning and training, both on and off the job. An apprentice may receive a wage, whilst training and working towards the full apprenticeship. If an apprentice does not receive a wage they will receive an allowance from the government. All apprentices on a level three will be paid by their employer. In Scotland, all Modern Apprentices must have employed status, be paid a wage by the employer and be given a contract of employment.
 
An apprentiship is available to anyone from the age of 16, subject to minimum entry requirements and is often available at both level 2 (equivalent to five or six GCSEs, grades A* to C) and 3 (equivalent to three A levels). In Scotland, no minimum entry requirements are required, however, SSCs are encouraged to indicate the types and levels of qualifications that employers will seek in the recruitment process.
 
Apprentiships are available in all nations of the UK but may be recognised by a slightly different name (e.g.) in Wales an apprentiship will be referred to as a foundation modern apprentiship (level 2) or a modern apprentiship (Level 3). In Scotland, Modern Apprentiships currently cover Levels 3, 4 and 5. From April 2009, this will be extended to cover Level 2 with SSCs being invited to develop new Modern Apprentiships where appropriate.
 
The apprentiship programme consists of a number of component parts. Through the programme an apprentice will develop and demonstrate their knowledge and skills and prove their occupational competence whilst also demonstrating that they have met the standards in key skill areas such as numeracy, literacy and communication. The remaining part of the apprenticeship is being aware of, and having an understanding of employment rights and responsibilities. Whilst these individual parts may be assessed separately, only when all parts are successfully achieved will an apprentice receive an apprentiship certificate. 

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the minimum components parts of an Apprentiship/Advanced Apprentiship are as follows:

Apprentiship

• NVQ Level 2
• A knowledge component or technical certificate at Level 2
• Key Skills at Level 1 in Literacy and Numeracy
• Employment Rights and Responsibilities 

Advanced Apprentiship

• NVQ Level 3
• A knowledge component or technical certificate at Level 3
• Key Skills at Level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy
• Employment Rights and Responsibilities

In Scotland, the component parts are:

• SVQ or NVQ level 3, 4 or 5
• 5 Core Skills.

Additional qualifications may be added if required by employers in the sector, but these are not mandatory.