Eligibility for an apprenticeship – Apprenticeship eligibility

Apprenticeship Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

If you’re asking “Am I eligible for an apprenticeship?”—you’re not alone. Understanding apprenticeship eligibility is the first step toward starting a rewarding career. Whether you’re leaving school, changing careers, or upskilling in your current role, apprenticeships offer a flexible, government-funded route into professional development.

General Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an apprenticeship in England, you must meet the following basic criteria:

Age: You must be 16 or older.
Right to Work: You must have the legal right to work in England.
Residency: You must be living in England and not in full-time education.
Employment: You must be employed in a genuine job role for the duration of your apprenticeship.
Training Hours: You must complete a minimum average of six hours per week of off-the-job training during paid working hours.

These rules apply to all apprenticeship levels—from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Level 7 (Master’s degree equivalent).

Already Employed? You May be Eligible

If you’re already employed, you may still qualify for an apprenticeship—as long as your current job role aligns with the apprenticeship standard. This is a powerful way to upskill without changing employers.

Key Points for Employed Applicants:

Your employer must agree to support your apprenticeship.
Your role must allow you to apply the skills taught in the apprenticeship.
You must be given time during paid hours to complete off-the-job training.
You’ll continue earning your salary while gaining new qualifications.

For example, if you work in a marketing role and want to enrol on a Digital Marketing Level 3 Apprenticeship, your current position may be a perfect fit. Similarly, IT support staff, data analysts, and content creators often qualify for digital apprenticeships while remaining in their existing roles.

At NowSkills, we work closely with employers to ensure the apprenticeship fits the job description and offers real progression. We also help learners and managers understand how the programme will benefit both the individual and the organisation.

Prior Learning & Qualifications

Eligibility also depends on your prior learning. Apprenticeships are designed to build new skills, so if you already hold a qualification that covers the same content, you may not be eligible for funding in that area.

For most digital apprenticeships, you’ll need:

Basic English and maths qualifications (or be willing to work toward them during your programme)
A genuine interest in the subject area—whether through school, hobbies, or work experience

At NowSkills, we welcome learners from all backgrounds. Whether you’ve built websites for fun, helped friends with tech issues, or run social media accounts, we’ll help you showcase your potential.

Apprenticeship Eligibility at NowSkills

NowSkills specialises in digital apprenticeships at Level 3 and Level 4, including:

IT Support
Data Analysis
Digital Marketing
Content Creation

We screen over 500 applicants per month and match learners with trusted employers across the UK. If you meet the apprenticeship eligibility criteria, we’ll guide you through every step—from registration to interview preparation and onboarding.

Ready to Apply?

If you meet the apprenticeship eligibility requirements—or you’re not quite sure—NowSkills is here to help. Whether you’re a school leaver, career changer, or currently employed, our team offers tailored eligibility checks to assess your suitability for funded digital apprenticeships.

By registering with NowSkills, you’ll receive:

A personalised apprenticeship eligibility review
Expert advice on suitable apprenticeship standards
Guidance on how to apply and prepare for interviews
Support for employer engagement if you’re already working

Our programmes are fully funded, and you’ll earn a salary while gaining real-world experience in high-demand digital roles.