Advanced apprenticeships (Level 3)

Advanced apprenticeships are also called Level 3 apprenticeships and are the equivalent of studying for academic A-Levels.

Some people who already have Level 3 qualifications, including A Levels, choose the advanced apprenticeship route because it enables them to develop work-based skills and gain experience in a particular job and sector.

Find all the apprenticeship levels we offer here.

Advanced apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers and those who might want to change careers or develop the one they already have. To be offered an apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre you must have GCSE level qualifications or equivalent.

The current minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £6.40 per hour - raising to £7.55 in April 2025. This rate applies to apprentices under 19 years and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year. Many of our employers offer more than this.

Apprentices who are looking to upskill and are already employed in the industry would normally remain on their current salary when they start an apprenticeship.

Apprentices receive impressive salary increases as they progress through their apprenticeship journey and become skilled. On average a graduate advanced apprentice can expect a 16% boost to their earnings.

The AMRC Training Centre’s apprenticeships typically run for three years.

You will spend a minimum of 16 to 38 weeks at the start of your apprenticeship programme at the AMRC Training Centre; depending on the apprenticeship pathway you select and the skills your employer would like you to develop before returning to them.

We deliver several advanced apprenticeship standards at the training centre. Depending on the requirements of the company, we offer different courses to ensure that our apprentices receive the right skills for their roles.

Engineering technician apprenticeship

Courses we offer:

• Technical Support Technician
• Mechatronics Maintenance Technician

Machining technician apprenticeship

Courses we offer:

• Machinist Technician

Engineering fitter apprenticeship

Courses we offer: 

• Engineering Fitter

Metal fabricator apprenticeship

Courses we offer:

• Metal Fabricator

Plate welder apprenticeship

Courses we offer:

• Plate Welder

You will need both of the following:

• GCSE English language - grade C or 4 or above
• GCSE Maths - grade C or 4 or above.

Applicants are also required to successfully complete a series of assessments at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre, as well as an employer recruitment and selection process to secure a place on an apprenticeship programme.

General requirements

UK Nationals

• UK passport, showing you are a British citizen or a citizen of the UK, having the right of abode in the UK
• Birth certificate - please also bear in mind, that if your name is different from the name you are using, you must also have your deed poll documentation.

Non-UK Nationals - EEA/Swiss nationals and international passport holders:

• Your Passport or Birth Certificate
• Official current, ‘Settled Immigration Status’ document obtained from the UK Home Office. Stating that you have resided in the EEA, Switzerland or the UK, and therefore have the right of abode in the UK, for at least 3 years, before the start of your apprenticeship
• Copy of your eVisa

The apprenticeship funding guidance states applicants must be resident in the UK for 3 years prior to applying, for this reason we are unable to accept a share code.

At the AMRC Training Centre our aim is to match you with the right job and employer. Once you have decided on which apprenticeship is for you and you meet the entry requirements, the next step is to apply. We require everyone that applies to complete an assessment centre.

Find out more about our application process.