Apprenticeships offer a practical, paid route into skilled work and are open to women at any career stage. Whether you are leaving school, returning after a break or changing direction entirely, this guide answers the questions we hear most often about women and apprenticeships UK.

Is there an age limit?

In England, you can start an apprenticeship from the age of 16, provided you are not in full-time education. There is no upper age limit, and an increasing number of apprentices are career changers and returners in their 30s, 40s and beyond. Funding rules differ by age. According to the gov.uk apprenticeship funding rules (2024/25), the Apprenticeship Levy is paid by employers with an annual pay bill of more than £3 million. Training for 16- to 18-year-olds is fully funded, and employers receive a £1,000 incentive payment. Non-levy employers usually pay 5% towards training costs for apprentices aged 19 and over, with the government covering the remaining 95%. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland there is also no upper age limit for apprenticeships, although programmes are most commonly aimed at people aged 16 and over. If you are 14 or 15, T Levels and other school-based technical programmes may be a better first step.

Are apprenticeships popular with women?

In the latest final academic year, 2022/23, there were 752,000 apprenticeship starts in England and women accounted for 50.1% of them, according to the Department for Education’s apprenticeship statistics published in 2023. Women are still under-represented in some sectors: they made up 14.2% of starts in engineering and manufacturing, and 6.8% of starts in construction, planning and the built environment. Targeted programmes and networks are working to improve these figures.

How much will it cost me?

Apprenticeships are funded by the government and your employer, so you do not pay training fees or tuition costs. Some introductory taster courses, Skills Bootcamps and pre-apprenticeship programmes are also free. In Scotland, funding is managed by Skills Development Scotland; in Wales by the Welsh Government through Careers Wales; and in Northern Ireland by the Department for the Economy. You may need to budget for travel, tools or protective clothing, but bursaries and grants are available in some nations, for example for care leavers or apprentices in rural areas.

Where is my nearest training centre or employer?

The best place to start is the official apprenticeship service for your nation. In England, search Find an apprenticeship and browse the National Careers Service. In Scotland, use apprenticeships.scot; in Wales, Careers Wales; and in Northern Ireland, nidirect. For women interested in science, engineering, construction or technology, organisations such as WISE, Women into Construction and the National Association of Women in Construction offer advice, mentoring and employer connections. Places in popular sectors are competitive, so apply early and register for alerts.

Can I train part-time if I need to carry on working?

Most apprenticeships are full-time jobs that include at least 20% off-the-job training, as required by gov.uk apprenticeship rules (2024/25). The 20% can often be arranged flexibly around your working hours. Part-time apprenticeships do exist and your training can be pro-rata. If you cannot commit to a full apprenticeship straight away, part-time Skills Bootcamps, evening classes at a further education college or a traineeship can help you build confidence and qualifications before you apply. The Career Returner Women UK: How to Restart in 2026 guide has more advice if you are coming back after a career break.

Will I receive a salary?

Yes. An apprenticeship is a paid job. As of April 2025, HMRC’s National Minimum Wage rates set the apprentice rate at £7.55 per hour if you are under 19 or in the first year of your apprenticeship. After that, you are entitled to the rate for your age group. Rates are reviewed each April, so check gov.uk for the latest figure. Many employers pay significantly more, particularly in sectors such as engineering, IT, finance and healthcare, and higher and degree apprenticeships can pay £20,000 a year or above. As an employee, you are also entitled to paid holiday, rest breaks and may be automatically enrolled into a workplace pension. If you employ apprentices yourself, see our guide on the National Living Wage £12.21: what women founders pay.

Will transport be provided?

This depends on the employer and training provider. Most apprentices arrange their own travel, but some employers offer season ticket loans, cycle-to-work schemes or relocation support. In Wales, an Apprenticeship Travel Grant may help with travel costs. Always ask about travel support at interview stage.

What qualification will I receive?

In England, apprenticeships now follow employer-designed standards and are assessed through an end-point assessment. You will gain a recognised qualification at a level from 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) up to 6 or 7 (equivalent to a degree). In Scotland, Modern Apprenticeships lead to Scottish Vocational Qualifications and Core Skills; in Wales and Northern Ireland, apprenticeships can lead to NVQs or qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. A higher or degree apprenticeship can also give you entry to professional membership or further study.

What are the job opportunities after training?

Demand remains strong in digital and IT, engineering, construction, healthcare, green energy, financial services and advanced manufacturing. Many apprentices are offered a permanent role with the same employer, while others use their qualification to move into self-employment, higher education or a related specialism. Some women use their qualification to set up their own business or become self-employed, particularly in trades such as plumbing, electrics, hairdressing and digital services. Women are still under-represented in construction and engineering, but targeted recruitment and support networks are helping to change that.

What are my chances of finding a job locally?

Many apprenticeships are advertised locally and you can search by postcode on the national apprenticeship websites. Larger employers and some specialist sectors may be concentrated in particular regions, but most towns and cities have opportunities in business administration, health and social care, childcare, hospitality, retail, digital and construction trades. Your local college, careers adviser or Jobcentre Plus work coach can point you towards vacancies in your area.

Will I have to move home?

Usually no. Because apprenticeships combine work with training, most are designed to be accessible from home. However, some higher or degree apprenticeships, large engineering projects or specialist roles may require you to relocate or travel for block-release training. Ask the employer about flexible, hybrid or remote working options before you accept an offer.

What will it be like?

Apprenticeships are varied and practical. You will solve real problems, see the results of your work, work as part of a team and gain skills that employers value. It can be demanding, especially while you balance work and study, but you will be supported by a workplace mentor and a training provider. Many women say the confidence and financial independence they gain is one of the biggest benefits.

Can I speak to a former apprentice?

Yes. The Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, employer open days, college taster events and women-in-industry networks can put you in touch with female apprentices and qualified tradeswomen. Hearing first-hand experiences can help you decide which sector and level are right for you.

How long will it take to be qualified?

This depends on the level and sector. A level 2 apprenticeship typically takes 12 to 18 months, a level 3 apprenticeship around 18 months to two years, and a higher or degree apprenticeship can take three to six years. If you already have relevant experience or qualifications, you may be able to complete sooner through recognition of prior learning.

Will I be the only woman there?

In some trades and technical roles you may be one of few women, but numbers are growing. Many employers now run diversity programmes, women’s networks and mentoring schemes specifically to support female apprentices. If you do feel isolated, organisations such as WISE, Women into Construction and your trade union can connect you with peers. You are also protected by law from discrimination and harassment.

Am I capable and strong enough for this work?

Like any career, you are not expected to know everything on day one. Your training will teach you safe ways to carry out physical tasks, including manual handling and the use of lifting equipment. Health and safety training is mandatory, and employers must make reasonable adjustments if you have a disability or additional need. Physical requirements vary widely by role, and many skilled trades rely on technique, planning and problem-solving rather than brute strength.

I’m not sure I’m any good at technical things.

Most apprenticeships start with the basics and build your technical knowledge step by step. You probably already use more technology and problem-solving skills than you realise, from managing a household budget to using apps, spreadsheets or DIY tools. Taster sessions, virtual work experience and short courses can help you discover whether a technical career suits you before you commit.

Do I need any particular skills or qualifications before I apply?

Entry requirements vary. Some level 2 apprenticeships ask for no formal qualifications, while level 3 apprenticeships may require GCSEs in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. If you do not already have the required maths and English qualifications, many apprenticeships include Functional Skills training as part of the programme. Employers also value reliability, communication, teamwork and a willingness to learn.

What support is available in a male-dominated workplace?

You have a legal right not to be discriminated against, harassed or treated unfairly because of your sex under the Equality Act 2010. Start by speaking to your line manager, training provider or HR department. If the issue is not resolved, you can contact Acas for workplace advice or the Equality and Human Rights Commission for guidance. Trade unions and women’s networks can also offer practical support.

Where can I find out about work experience?

Many apprenticeships include work experience or a probationary period as part of the programme. You can also arrange experience directly by contacting local employers, colleges and training providers. The National Careers Service, Springpod, Speakers for Schools and employer insight days offer virtual and in-person work experience. T Levels include a substantial industry placement and can be a useful stepping stone to an apprenticeship.

Women and apprenticeships UK: your next steps

For women and apprenticeships UK, the next step is to search the official apprenticeship service for your nation, then speak to training providers and employers about funding, flexibility and support. Apprenticeships can be a powerful way to earn, learn and build a new career without student debt. If you run your own business, taking on an apprentice can also be a cost-effective way to grow your team and develop future talent. For broader context on women in the UK economy, see our Women in Business: Key UK Facts page.