Apprenticeships and qualification-based programmes play a vital role in developing a skilled, competent, and diverse technical workforce across the UK. While the overarching goal of supporting technical education is shared nationally, the design and delivery of apprenticeship programmes is a devolved matter. This means that each UK nation – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – sets its own policies, funding structures, and qualification frameworks to meet local priorities and workforce needs.
The Science Council recognises and celebrates the distinct approaches taken by each nation to support learners, employers, and educators. We are also beginning to work more closely with the devolved nations to take a more inclusive approach to promoting professional registration for science apprentices – with the objective that recognition progression routes are accessible across all regions.
From foundation-level apprenticeships to degree and postgraduate pathways, these programmes offer valuable routes into science and technical careers, often aligned with professional registration standards such as RSciTech, RSci, and CSci.
To learn more about how apprenticeships operate in each devolved nation please use the dropdown menu below. Each page offers a brief overview and links to further guidance tailored to that nation’s system.
Apprenticeships in England
England offers a comprehensive and employer-led apprenticeship system designed to support learners at every stage of their career. Apprentices gain valuable industry experience while working toward nationally recognised qualifications, ensuring they develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for success in their chosen sector.
Apprenticeships are funded through the Department of Education and developed with employers, universities, and professional bodies through Trailblazer groups to maintain relevance and quality across all occupational areas.
Apprenticeship Levels in England
Apprenticeships in England align with the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and span Levels 2 to 7. Programmes combine on-the-job learning with structured training and culminate in an End-Point Assessment (EPA) to confirm occupational competence.
Apprenticeship Levels Table
| Apprenticeship Level | RQF Level | Typical Equivalence | Overview |
| Intermediate Apprenticeship | Level 2 | GCSEs | Entry-level programmes providing foundational knowledge and practical skills. |
| Advanced Apprenticeship | Level 3 | A-levels | Technical training for skilled roles; progression route to higher study. |
| Higher Apprenticeship | Levels 4–5 | HNC, HND, Foundation Degree | Specialist or supervisory roles; often linked to technical or scientific roles. |
| Degree Apprenticeship | Levels 6–7 | Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree | University-accredited programmes combining work and academic study. |
Programme duration typically ranges from one to five years, depending on the level and occupational standard. An occupational standard is an agreed description of what a person needs to know and be able to do to perform a specific job well. It acts as the foundation for an apprenticeship – a job blueprint created by employers so that every apprentice is trained to the same, industry-approved level.
Science-Focused Apprenticeships
England provides a wide range of science, research, and technical apprenticeships that support progression into professional registration such as RSciTech, and RSci. These programmes develop applied scientific competence and offer clear career pathways across laboratory, research, and industrial settings.
Please click here (note to team: please add link to new webpage which highlights the apprenticeships we’ve aligned to our registers) for more information about the apprenticeships in England we have aligned to RSci and RSciTech.
Apprenticeship Level Equivalence Across the UK
While England’s apprenticeships are structured around RQF levels, the devolved nations use their own qualification frameworks. The table below outlines broad equivalences to support cross-nation understanding of apprenticeship pathways.
UK Apprenticeship Level Equivalence Table
| England (RQF) | Northern Ireland | Wales (CQFW) | Scotland (SCQF) | Typical Qualification |
| Level 2 (Intermediate) | Level 2 | Level 2 | SCQF Level 5 | GCSEs / National 5 |
| Level 3 (Advanced) | Level 3 | Level 3 | SCQF Level 6 | A-Levels / Highers |
| Levels 4–5 (Higher) | Levels 4–5 | Levels 4–5 | SCQF Levels 7–9 | HNC / HND / Foundation Degree |
| Level 6 (Degree) | Level 6 | Level 6 | SCQF Level 10 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Level 7 (Degree/Postgraduate) | Level 7 | Level 7 | SCQF Level 11 | Master’s Degree |
| Level 8 (Doctoral / Postgraduate) | Level 8 | Level 8 | SCQF Level 12 | Doctorate |
Further Information
For more details on apprenticeship standards and opportunities in England, visit:
- Apprenticeships in England – About apprenticeships
(Overview of how apprenticeships work, funding, eligibility, and standards)
- Skills England – Apprenticeship search / Skills England
(Searchable database of approved apprenticeship standards)
- UCAS – Search apprenticeships | UCAS
(Information on Degree and Higher Apprenticeships)
- Science Council – Professional Registration
Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland offers a structured and progressive apprenticeship system, enabling learners to gain industry-relevant qualifications while earning a wage. Apprenticeships are funded and managed by the Department for the Economy and delivered through colleges and universities across the region.
Apprenticeship Levels
There are three main levels of apprenticeships available:
- Level 2 Apprenticeships
Entry-level programmes equivalent to GCSEs. Apprentices gain foundational skills and knowledge while working in a relevant role.
- Level 3 Apprenticeships
Equivalent to A-levels, these programmes build on Level 2 and prepare learners for technical roles or further study. Apprentices may enter directly at Level 3 depending on prior qualifications.
- Higher Level Apprenticeships (Levels 4–8)
These span from HNCs and Foundation Degrees to Honours and Master’s Degrees. HLAs are designed in collaboration with employers and education providers, offering advanced training in fields such as life sciences, engineering, and ICT.
Each level typically takes up to two years to complete, with flexibility based on the complexity of the framework and the apprentice’s prior experience.
Science-Focused Apprenticeships
Northern Ireland offers a range of science-related apprenticeships, including:
- Level 3 Scientific Technologies
Combines a competence-based qualification in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities with a BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
- Higher Level Apprenticeships in Life and Health Sciences
- Foundation Degree in Applied Industrial Science (Chemical or Life Science) – Southern Regional College
- BSc (Hons) Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences – Ulster University
- MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis – Queen’s University Belfast
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care – South Eastern Regional College
These programmes align with professional registration pathways such as RSci and RSciTech, supporting career progression and sector recognition.
Apprenticeship Level Equivalence Table
| England | Northern Ireland | Typical Qualification |
| Intermediate (Level 2) | Level 2 | GCSEs or equivalent |
| Advanced (Level 3) | Level 3 | A-Levels or equivalent |
| Higher (Levels 4–5) | Level 4–5 | HNC, HND, Foundation Degree |
| Degree (Levels 6–7) | Level 6–7 | Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree |
| Postgraduate (Level 7–8) | Level 7–8 | Master’s or Doctoral Degree |
Further Information
For more details on apprenticeship frameworks and opportunities in Northern Ireland, visit:
Apprenticeships in Scotland
Scotland’s apprenticeship system offers structured, work-based learning across a range of sectors, including science and technical roles. Delivered by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), these programmes support learners from school age through to degree-level qualifications.
Apprenticeship Pathways in Scotland
Scotland’s three-tier system includes:
1. Foundation Apprenticeships (FA)
- Audience: Senior phase school pupils (typically S5/S6)
- Purpose: Combine classroom learning with industry experience
- Science-relevant option: Scientific Technologies
- Includes a National Progression Award (NPA) in Applied Sciences
- SVQ units in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities
2. Modern Apprenticeships (MA)
- Audience: Individuals aged 16+
- Format: Full-time employment with training
- Science-related frameworks include:
- Life Sciences and Related Science Industries
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Food and Drink Technologies
3. Graduate Apprenticeships (GA)
- Audience: Individuals aged 16+
- Format: Full-time employment while earning a degree
- Science-relevant option: Data Science (SCQF Level 10)
Apprenticeship Level Equivalence: Scotland vs England
| Scottish Apprenticeship | SCQF Level | Typical Qualification | English Equivalent | RQF Level |
| Foundation Apprenticeship | Level 6 | SQA Higher / NPA | Intermediate Apprenticeship | Level 2 |
| Modern Apprenticeship | Level 6–7 | SVQ Level 2–3 / National Certificate | Advanced Apprenticeship | Level 3 |
| Higher Modern Apprenticeship | Level 8–9 | HNC / HND | Higher Apprenticeship | Level 4–5 |
| Graduate Apprenticeship | Level 10–11 | Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree | Degree Apprenticeship | Level 6–7 |
Strategic Relevance for Science Careers
Scotland’s apprenticeship frameworks embed technical competencies and workplace experience:
- Foundation Apprenticeships provide early exposure to lab-based skills and scientific principles.
- Modern Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience in regulated environments.
- Graduate Apprenticeships support advanced data and analytical skills essential for emerging science roles.
- For further information visit: GOV.UK comparison guide
Apprenticeships in Wales
Apprenticeships in Wales offer a structured route into employment, combining paid work with nationally recognised qualifications. They are available across more than 20 sectors—including Life Sciences—and support progression from entry-level roles to advanced technical and professional positions.
Programmes are funded by the Welsh Government and delivered through approved providers, with frameworks that outline qualifications, job roles, and progression routes.
Apprenticeship Levels in Wales
| Level | Name | Academic Equivalent |
| Level 2 | Foundation Apprenticeship | GCSEs (grades A*-C / 9–4) |
| Level 3 | Apprenticeship | A Levels |
| Level 4–5 | Higher Apprenticeship | HNC / HND / Foundation Degree |
| Level 6–7 | Degree Apprenticeship | Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree |
England – Wales Equivalence Table
| England | Wales | Equivalent Level |
| Traineeship / Pre-apprentice | Pre-apprenticeship Programme | Entry Level |
| Intermediate Apprenticeship | Foundation Apprenticeship | Level 2 |
| Advanced Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship | Level 3 |
| Higher Apprenticeship | Higher Apprenticeship | Level 4–5 |
| Degree Apprenticeship | Degree Apprenticeship | Level 6–7 |
Life Sciences Frameworks in Wales
Please see below for examples of Life Sciences frameworks available in Wales:
| Level | Framework | Typical Roles |
| 2–3 | Laboratory & Science Technicians | Lab Technician (education, industry, NHS) |
| 2–3 | Polymer Processing Operations | Production Technician, Composite Operator |
| 4 | Life Science & Related Industries | Food/Chemical/Life Science Technician |
Resources and Recognition
- Professional Registration: Apprenticeships can contribute to professional registration as RSciTech or RSci, supporting long-term career development. The Science Council has mapped over 30 apprenticeships in England to these registers and are working on a pilot project to map Welsh frameworks to them, too.
- Employer Support: The Employer Guide to Apprenticeships offers practical advice on recruiting and supporting apprentices.
- Celebrating Success: The annual Apprenticeship Awards Cymru recognise outstanding apprentices and employers across Wales.
To learn more about the shortened application route to professional registration for apprentices, click below.
Professional Registration for Apprentices
To learn about the benefits of professional registration for apprentices, please click here.