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Entry requirements: what you need to know
Knowing what you need
Starting an apprenticeship is an exciting step for any learner, whether they’re looking to begin their career in care or develop their skills for your team. To make the journey smooth, it’s important to understand the eligibility rules set by the government.
This guide walks you through the key entry requirements, covering age, residency, qualifications, and commitment, so you know exactly what’s expected. For more detailed questions, don’t miss our Apprenticeship Entry Requirements FAQs at the end of this article.
Who can start an apprenticeship?
To be eligible for an apprenticeship in England, applicants must:
- Have lived in the UK, EEA or EU for at least the past three years
- Be aged 16 or over at the start of the programme
- Be in (or about to start) a role that allows them to apply the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard
Apprenticeships are open to both new recruits and existing employees looking to upskill.
English and Maths requirements
Aged 16–18: If the apprentice does not already hold a Level 2 qualification (GCSE grade 4/C or above) in English and Maths, they must work towards achieving these Functional Skills qualifications during their apprenticeship.
Aged 19+: English and Maths remain important for progression, but completing Functional Skills is not always mandatory to complete the apprenticeship. This will be agreed between the employer, training provider, and learner at the start of the programme.
Commitment to the programme
Apprenticeships are a blend of work and learning. To succeed, apprentices must:
- Commit to the full duration of the programme (from 12 months up to 21 months, depending on the level)
- Be able to meet the apprenticeship requirements through their day-to-day job role
- Complete a minimum of 20% off-the-job training during working hours
Why this matters in the care sector
For care employers, understanding entry requirements helps you identify the right candidates; those who can meet regulatory standards, bring passion to the role, and grow into highly skilled professionals. Apprenticeships allow you to nurture talent at every level, from care assistants through to registered managers.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re an employer considering apprenticeships for your team, or an individual ready to apply, tend is here to guide you through eligibility, funding, and programme requirements.
Apprenticeship entry requirements FAQs
Can someone from overseas undertake an apprenticeship in England?
To be eligible for government-funded apprenticeships in England, overseas applicants must:
Have permission from the UK government to live in the UK not for education purposes and;
Have been ordinarily resident in the UK, EEA, or EU for at least the previous three years. This includes those with refugee status, humanitarian protection, indefinite leave to remain, or similar permitted statuses, as outlined in the government’s criteria.
Their visa must also remain valid for the full duration of the apprenticeship, including the end-point assessment.
What if I’ve lived outside the UK recently?
To be eligible, you must have been a UK, EEA, or EU resident for at least three years before starting the apprenticeship.
What age can you start an apprenticeship in England?
You can start an apprenticeship from the age of 16. There is no upper age limit, so apprenticeships are open to people at any stage of their career.
Do I need GCSEs to start an apprenticeship?
No. You do not need GCSEs to begin an apprenticeship. However, if you are aged 16–18 and do not have GCSE grade 4/C in English and Maths (or equivalent), you’ll need to work towards achieving Functional Skills qualifications during your apprenticeship.
If you are aged 19 or over, Functional Skills may not be mandatory but are strongly encouraged and agreed with your employer and training provider.
Do I need to be employed to start an apprenticeship?
Yes. Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes, so you need to be employed (or about to start employment) in a role that matches the apprenticeship standard.
If you’re not currently employed, tend can help. We offer a free recruitment service to connect you with care employers looking for apprentices. You can also browse our latest apprenticeship vacancies directly on our website and apply for roles that fit your career goals.
How long do apprenticeships last?
Apprenticeships run from a minimum of 12 months to up to 2 years, depending on the level and programme. Most care sector apprenticeships last between 12 and 24 months.
Can existing employees do an apprenticeship?
Yes. Apprenticeships are not just for new hires, they are an excellent way to upskill your current workforce, whether that’s supporting frontline carers to achieve qualifications or preparing managers for leadership roles.
How much off-the-job training is required?
Apprentices must complete a minimum of 20% off-the-job training during paid working hours. This is built into the programme and delivered in partnership with your training provider.
Are entry requirements the same across all apprenticeships?
For the most part, yes. Although, it can vary, as there are certain programmes that have a few extra steps involved to satisfy eligibility. Please get in touch with us to see whether these apply to the programme you’re interested in.
