Entry requirements: what you need to know

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Knowing what you need

Unlike traditional school, college, or higher education at university, apprenticeships combine work and study, enabling professionals to earn while they learn, enjoy employee benefits such as a regular salary and holiday pay, and gain real work experience along the way. In some cases, you don’t need prior work experience to begin an apprenticeship position, either.

Starting an apprenticeship is an exciting step for any learner, whether they’re looking to begin their career in care or develop their skills in full time education for your team. To make the journey smooth, it’s important to understand the eligibility rules set by the government.

In this guide, tend 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, especially within health and social care apprenticeship programmes. This can include national vocational qualifications and foundation apprenticeships.

Foundation apprenticeships are available for ages 16-21 (starting August 2025), and are a good alternative to foundations degrees. Apprenticeship levels include Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced, Higher, and Degree levels. The higher level apprenticeship standards may have additional entry criteria. While Level 3 apprenticeships are equivalent to A’ Levels, and Level 4 apprenticeships are equivalent to the first year of university, Degree apprenticeships (Levels 6-7) require strong Level 3 qualifications and may have specific subject requirements.

English and Maths requirements

In some cases, apprentices may be required to have a certain level of proven skill in English and Maths. For example:

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.

Some apprenticeships offer support to achieve required English and Maths qualifications during the apprenticeship. At tend, we have Functional Skills tutors on-hand to help apprentices who need to acquire a hight grade in either or both subjects.

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

While balancing a full-time job with a course can be challenging, there is plenty of support available to help you through it. Each tend apprentice is assigned a dedicated Development Coach, who will act as a tutor, mentor, and guide throughout their programme. Tuition fees are also fully funded, taking the financial pressure off of learners.

tend learners can also access additional support via their free Association of Apprentices membership. You can find out more about the AoA here.

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 equivalent educational level, from care assistants through to registered managers via adult care apprenticeship pathways.

Taking the next step

Knowing what you need to begin an additional qualification will enhance your ability to get started. Apprenticeships aren’t only for young people. They are for everyone. Whether you work in health, adult care, pharmacy, or in administration, tend has a pathway that will get you where you need to be. You don’t need to have a bachelor’s degree, undergraduate degree, masters degree, or previous experience to do an apprenticeship. As long as you meet the criteria for your chosen standard, you can do it.

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 across our range of health and social care apprenticeship courses and diplomas.

Apprenticeship entry requirements FAQs

Ready to begin your apprenticeship journey? Reach out to the tend Team today. Call 01753 596 004 or hit the button below.