Learning & Development
The Army has been awarded 1st place in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for the 4th year in a row.
Qualifications and Skills While You Serve
When you join the Army, you’ll not only learn how to be a world-class soldier or officer, but you’ll continue to learn while you work. With a range of qualifications available, from apprenticeships to Master's degrees, the Army offers many opportunities to support you to develop & learn while you serve.
Soldiers - Army Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a way to gain recognised qualifications while on the job and getting paid, making them the perfect alternative if learning in a classroom isn't for you.
You’ll do the apprenticeship most relevant to your job role, or an equivalent nationally recognised qualification, as part of your initial trade training. The courses are designed with other employers, ensuring the training is to industry standards and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
- 95%Soldiers enrol on an apprenticeship
- 40+ different schemes offered
- 3 Levels of apprenticeship available
- Same as 5 GCSEs When completing Level 2 apprenticeship
Your apprenticeship will be on one of the following areas:
Public services and health
Engineering
Telecommunications & IT
Animal care
Logistics
Construction
Business administration
The type of apprenticeship you end up completing will depend on your chosen role in the Army.
There are three levels of apprenticeships for entry level soldier roles.
LEVEL 2 - Intermediate
Intermediate Apprenticeships are the first level available. Gaining a Level 2 is the equivalent of getting five good GCSE passes.
If you have not got GCSEs in Maths and English at grades 4-9, we’ll help you gain functional skills as part of the apprentice, which is an alternative qualification to GCSEs.
The apprenticeship normally takes 12-18 months. You’ll start your Apprenticeship in initial trade training and put your knowledge into practice with your Field Army unit.
LEVEL 3 - Advanced
Advanced Apprenticeships (Level 3) are equivalent to two A level passes or a T level pass. If you already have Level 3 qualifications, including A levels, the Advanced Apprenticeship is a great way to gain practical, work-based skills and experience in a particular job and sector.
There are no entry requirements. However, you must have achieved Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths, the equivalent to GCSE 9-4/A*-C, on completion.
The apprenticeship takes 18-36 months. You’ll start your Apprenticeship in initial trade training and put your knowledge into practice with your Field Army unit.
LEVEL 4 - Higher
Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4) are equivalent to a foundation degree (first year of an undergraduate degree) which are equivalent to an NVQ Level 4, a Higher National Certificate (HNC), or a Higher National Diploma (HND).
There are no entry requirements. However, you must have achieved Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths, the equivalent to GCSE 9-4/A*-C, on completion.
The course takes 18-36 months. You’ll start your Apprenticeship in initial trade training and put your knowledge into practice with your Field Army unit.
Officers - Lead & Learn
You don’t have to have a degree to join the Army as an officer.
If university isn’t for you, you could be learning to lead at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst while enjoying opportunities for travel and adventure – plus earning a great salary (over £28,000 when you start your training, rising to more than £34,000 once you commission).
Academic Qualifications
As you rise through the ranks your education will grow too. You'll have the opportunity to study for first degrees and postgraduate qualifications - in a wide range of subjects.
Business and Leadership skills
As an Officer you'll be taught business skills like team leadership, project management and strategic management - all of which will stand you in good stead if you choose to leave the Army. You'll earn qualifications that are recognised worldwide.
Specialist Qualifications
If you're training or have already qualified as a specialist, such as a Doctor, Vet, Nurse, Dentist or Lawyer, you can join the Army as a Professionally Qualified Officer. You'll be supported with your professional development, you'll earn a competitive salary and get to enjoy the adventurous lifestyle that the Army offers. You'll also spend less time training at Sandhurst, compared to the full direct entry officers undertake.
You have the opportunity to get a fully funded degree when you join as an Officer
Instead of heading off to university, you may be eligible to get a fully-funded degree with the Army.
Your training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst can count towards a BSc in Leadership and Strategic Studies, as part of the Army Higher Education Pathway (AHEP) programme. This programme has been designed in partnership with Henley Business School, University of Reading. You'll continue your degree studies as your career continues beyond the Academy and you will not have to pay any fees.
If you've already got a degree, you could apply for a MSc in Leadership and Strategic Studies, as part of the AHEP Programme. This will see you supported on your chosen pathway at the start of your Army career.
How it fits with being an Army Officer
The degrees will start after you graduate from Sandhurst. The degree will be building on and accrediting the demanding and complex officer training you have already received.
The courses will help to develop your higher conceptual and analytical skills – supporting you in your role. The courses will continue during the early stages of your Army career, linking your training, education and role together.
As a result, these qualifications will be fully integrated within your career as a young officer. As a young officer, you'll continuously 'lead and learn' in training, at regimental duty and on operations. You'll capture real life lessons and earn credits for relevant experiential learning. This will support you in being professionally capable, intellectually eager and able to adapt and learn to succeed in a complex and rapidly evolving world.
How long will it take?
In simple terms, at Sandhurst, non-graduates will be provided with the opportunity to achieve a BSc in Leadership and Strategic Studies within the first 4-6 years of commissioned service. While selected graduates, chosen from those not pursuing specific degrees within their specialised units, will be provided with the opportunity to achieve an MSc in Leadership and Strategic Studies over the same timeframe.
Already serving?
If you're a serving officer, and interested in taking part, you can find more information by searching for ‘MyLearning’ on Defence Connect.
More Qualifications
You'll get the chance to apply for a degree level apprenticeship in Leadership and Management Studies, later in your career. Every job in the Army offers the opportunity to progress to gain professional skills leading to higher qualifications, including full Bachelors and Masters Degrees. Technical Corps like the Royal Engineers or the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, will support you in gaining civilian qualifications such as gaining Chartered Engineer status.
Many Officers and Soldiers also become qualified instructors or leaders for adventurous training activities, so this is a great chance to take your interests to the next level.