Learning & Development
- 95%Soldiers enrol on an apprenticeship
- 40+ different schemes offered
- 3levels of apprenticeship available – up to degree level
- 5good GCSEs – value of the entry level apprenticeship
Apprenticeships, Skills & Qualifications
When you join the Army, you’ll not only learn how to be one a world-class soldier or officer, but you’ll continue to develop skills and earn qualifications while you work.
Soldiers - Army Apprenticeships
You’ll do the apprenticeship most relevant to your job role, 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.
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 that you will do will depend on your chosen role in the Army.
There are three levels of apprenticeships for entry level soldier roles.
LEVEL 2
Intermediate Apprenticeships are the first level of apprenticeship. An Intermediate Apprenticeship is equivalent to five good GCSE passes. If you have not got GCSEs in Maths and English at 4-9, we’ll help you gain level 2 functional skills qualifications.
The apprenticeship normally takes 12-18 months.
LEVEL 3
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.
Entry requirements vary, but typically you will need at least five GCSEs with grades 9 to 4/A* to C, including English and maths.
The apprenticeship takes 18-36 months. You’ll start your training in initial trade training before completing the qualification putting your knowledge into practice with your Field Army unit.
LEVEL 4
Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4) are an equivalent to a foundation degree they can be; an NVQ Level 4, a Higher National Certificate (HNC), a Higher National Diploma (HND), or foundation degree. There is also the opportunity to progress to Level 7, postgraduate degree level.
A Higher Apprenticeship can take up to five years to complete, Entry requirements for a higher apprenticeship may include at least five GCSEs grades A* – C (9 – 4 on the new grading system), including English and maths.
The course takes 18-36 months.
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 44 weeks regular officers undertake.
Your training at the Academy counts towards a BSc in Leadership and Strategic Studies, designed with Henley Business School and the University of Reading. You'll carry on with your 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 place on the Army's Masters programme. This will see you supported towards earning a MSc in Leadership and Strategic Studies, at the start of your Army career.
How it fits with being an Army Officer
The degrees will start during the commissioning course at Sandhurst, building on and accrediting your demanding and complex officer training.
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 you'll 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 3-5 years of commissioned service; whilst selected graduates, chosen from those not pursuing specific degrees with 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 are interested in taking part, you can find more information by searching for ‘IDev Branch’ on the Defence Intranet.
More Qualifications
You'll get the chance to undertake a degree level apprenticeship in leadership, 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.