The Best Tech Apprenticeships in London

1 in 5 jobs in London are now in tech.

The tech sector is growing quickly, and skill shortages mean that there are plenty of opportunities for driven people to build successful careers.

An apprenticeship is an excellent entry route into the sector, especially if you haven’t been to university. While your wages may be reduced compared to other jobs, you learn invaluable skills and industry-specific knowledge that you can take into a continued position at the same company or a new role somewhere else.

Many of the biggest tech companies have offices in London, making the city the perfect place to kickstart your tech career. Below are some great options in London for you to consider:

The top tech apprenticeships in London:

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but gives you some ideas about what training and progression the most successful tech companies can offer you:

IBM: IBM offers a range of apprenticeships in technology, including software engineering and technical support. They provide training, support and on-the-job experience to help apprentices build a successful career in the tech sector. Simply register your interest and see what opportunities IBM offers. More information, including suggestions for developing your skill set, can be found here.

BT: BT is one of the UK’s largest telecommunications companies. It offers apprenticeships in a variety of roles, including network engineering and cyber security. BT’s current list of available apprenticeships can be found in the link.

Microsoft: Microsoft products power the business world, from desktop operating systems to cloud storage solutions. Apprenticeships are highly competitive, but reward successful applicants with the best experience and credentials for their CVs. The Microsoft Apprenticeship Network has already helped over 30,000 people build their tech careers in areas such as software engineering, data science and digital marketing.

Apple: Apple is the world’s biggest tech company. Apprentices and interns get the opportunity to work on the latest Apple products and learn from some of the leading minds in the sector. There’s plenty of opportunity for growth, but their internships are reserved for students at a college or university.

Google: Another tech juggernaut, an internship with Google develops your technical skills alongside meaningful work on Google products. The range of apprenticeship schemes allows you to find your strengths and passions, whether that’s in software engineering or sales and marketing.

Which apprenticeship is right for you?

In the UK, a person can undertake four levels of apprenticeships, each with its own qualification and entry requirements. The four levels are:

Intermediate Apprenticeships (Level 2): This apprenticeship is equivalent to five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and is aimed at school leavers aged 16 or over. Intermediate apprenticeships provide basic job training, typically lasting between 12 and 18 months.

Advanced Apprenticeships (Level 3): This apprenticeship is equivalent to two A-levels. It is aimed at school leavers aged 16 or over who have completed an intermediate apprenticeship or have some prior experience in their chosen industry. Advanced apprenticeships provide a higher level of training and typically last between 18 and 24 months.

Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4-5): The equivalent to a foundation degree or higher this apprenticeship is aimed at school leavers aged 18 or over who have completed an advanced apprenticeship or have some prior industry experience. Higher apprenticeships can take between 18 months to 4 years to complete, depending on the level and industry.

Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6-7): This apprenticeship is equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree and is aimed at school leavers aged 18 or over. Degree apprenticeships provide a degree-level qualification combined with work experience and typically take between 3 to 6 years to complete.

If you aren’t ready to take an apprenticeship, a traineeship can give you the skills needed to take that next step successfully.

Other places to check out available apprenticeships and training opportunities:

Indeed: Indeed is one of the largest job-hunting sites, with listings from thousands of companies. Simply input your search parameters and see what opportunities are available.

UCAS: UCAS isn’t just a site for filling out applications to colleges and universities. The ‘careerfinder’ function can connect you with tech apprenticeships across the country.