An excellent opportunity for young Gibraltarians who do not wish to follow a university pathway, but would still like the experience of living in the UK is to undertake an apprenticeship.
Gibraltarians are eligible to apply for a UK Apprenticeship if they have been living in Gibraltar for at least the last 3 years before starting an apprenticeship. They need to spend at least 50% of their working hours in England during the apprenticeship and the apprenticeship must start before 1 January 2028.*
How apprenticeships work
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.
As an apprentice you’ll:
- be an employeeearning a wage and getting holiday pay<
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- get time for training and study related to your role (at least 20% of your normal working hours)
Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.
Levels of apprenticeship
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
| Level | Equivalent educational level | |
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 | A level |
| Higher | 4,5,6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor’s or master’s degree |
Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.
Who can start an apprenticeship
To start an apprenticeship, you’ll need to be:
- 16 or over
- living in England
- not in full-time education
You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school but you’ll need to be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship.
A useful website to search for UK Apprenticeship opportunities is https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/
