Can I Do an Apprenticeship Without GCSEs?

Reviewed by: Liam Taft

Published

24 June 2025

Contents

Not everyone leaves school with the GCSE results they hoped for, and it’s easy to feel like doors are closing if your grades aren’t high enough. Apprenticeships can seem out of reach, especially if you’ve heard they require pass grades in English and Maths. But that’s not the full story.

There are apprenticeships you can start without any GCSEs. Whether you’re 16 and just finishing school or a little older and ready to work, you still have real opportunities to earn money and build a career, gaining qualifications as you go.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to access apprenticeships without GCSEs, what your options are, and how to take the next step, even if your grades aren’t what you hoped for.

So, Can You Do an Apprenticeship Without GCSEs?

Yes, you can do an apprenticeship without GCSEs.

There are many entry-level apprenticeships (usually at Level 2) that don’t require formal qualifications to apply. Employers often look for your enthusiasm, work ethic, and willingness to learn rather than focusing solely on exam results.

If you don’t yet have English and Maths GCSEs, you’ll usually be given the chance to study for equivalent qualifications, like Functional Skills, as part of your apprenticeship. Even without GCSEs, you can still get started, gain experience, and work your way up to higher levels over time.

Industry leader Nicholas Brosnan, Managing Director of Proactive Young People CIC, explains, “Many entry-level apprenticeships do not require formal qualifications or will support learners to achieve the required level in English and maths during the programme.

“Intermediate Apprenticeships (Level 2) in sectors such as construction, hospitality, hair and beauty, customer service, warehousing, and catering often provide opportunities for those without strong GCSEs.

“In addition, some employers value work ethic, attitude, and practical ability more than academic results, and will help apprentices build their skills on the job.”

Entry Requirements for Apprenticeships

There are certain entry requirements for all apprenticeships.

Age and status

To access an apprenticeship, you must be 16 or older and no longer in full-time education. You can apply while you’re still in school, but you must be at least 16 years old by the time it starts.

Formal qualifications

Level 2 apprenticeships usually do not require GCSEs. Some employers may ask for a couple of passes, but most focus on your motivation and skills.

Level 3 and above apprenticeships generally require five GCSEs at grades 4–9 (A*–C), including English and Maths.

GCSE English and Maths

If you don’t have these, most apprenticeships include Functional Skills or GCSE classes alongside your job.

A 2025 update from the Department for Education (DfE) now allows people aged 19 and older to start apprenticeships without requiring GCSEs or equivalent qualifications in maths and English. However, employers may still expect to see them.

Your Options

Here are some of the routes you might take towards your apprenticeship.

Traineeships

Traineeships are short programmes designed for 16 to 24-year-olds who aren’t yet ready for an apprenticeship or job. They help you build work skills, improve your CV, and get support with Maths and English if you didn’t pass your GCSEs.

Most traineeships last between 6 weeks and 6 months and often include a work placement. Completing a traineeship can lead to an apprenticeship or a paid employment opportunity.

T Level Foundation Year

Also known as the T Level Transition Programme, this one-year course is designed to help 16–to 19-year-olds who aren’t yet ready for a full T Level.

The T Level Foundation Year focuses on strengthening your Maths and English, building study and technical skills, and preparing you for the demands of Level 3 study. You don’t need GCSEs to enrol, and it provides a clear route to a full T Level afterwards.

Functional Skills Qualifications

Functional Skills qualifications are practical alternatives to GCSEs in Maths and English. You can study them through colleges or training providers, and many apprenticeships will accept Functional Skills Level 1 or Level 2 instead of GCSE passes.

Functional Skills qualifications are often built into the first part of your apprenticeship if you haven’t already passed your English or Maths at school.

Intermediate Apprenticeships (Level 2)

Some intermediate apprenticeships are open to students without GCSEs, especially if you're prepared to work towards Functional Skills as part of the course.

These apprenticeships are equivalent to five GCSE passes and are available in various sectors, including retail, construction, catering, and healthcare. You’ll gain hands-on experience while continuing to study for essential qualifications.

Supported Internships

If you have special educational needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), supported internships can help you move into employment. These structured programmes combine real workplace experience with support from job coaches and skills training.

They don’t usually require GCSEs and are designed to help young people with learning difficulties gain confidence and independence.

Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs)

SWAPs are short training and work experience programmes linked to specific industries such as hospitality, construction, or social care.

Run by Jobcentre Plus for people aged 18 and over, these programmes often lead to job interviews at the end. You usually don’t need any qualifications to take part, and they can lead to further training or apprenticeships.

How to Apply for An Apprenticeship Without GCSEs

If you’re thinking about applying for an apprenticeship without GCSEs, here’s how to go about it.

1. Explore Level 2/3 roles

Use sites like Find an Apprenticeship and RateMyApprenticeship to search for opportunities requiring no GCSEs.

2. Prepare a strong application

Highlight your skills, enthusiasm, and any work experience. Employers will prioritise your attitude over your grades, so make sure you give a good impression.

3. Attend interviews

Prepare to talk confidently about yourself at the interview, so you’re ready to answer questions about why you're interested in the opportunity on offer, what you’d bring to the team, and how you learn.

4. Take Functional Skills classes

If your apprenticeship requires GCSE English or Maths, you can study these alongside the programme.

5. Keep progressing

Start on a Level 2 apprenticeship and advance to higher levels as you gain qualifications and experience.

Final Thoughts

An apprenticeship offers a real pathway to a successful career, even without GCSEs. With many Level 2 programmes requiring no prior qualifications, employers are looking for motivated individuals rather than just exam results.

As Brosnan explains, “If you don’t get the GCSE grades you were aiming for, it doesn’t mean you can’t start an apprenticeship or begin building a great career. Many apprenticeships, especially at entry level, focus on developing your practical skills and provide support to help you gain essential qualifications along the way.

“Employers are often looking for potential, reliability, and enthusiasm – qualities that aren’t measured by exam results alone. With determination and the right attitude, an apprenticeship can still be a fantastic pathway, whatever your starting point.”

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