What happens if you fail an apprenticeship?

Failing an apprenticeship usually means you don't pass the final assessment (End-Point Assessment or EPA), but it doesn't always end your journey; you often get chances to retake assessments, receive extra training, or create a supportive plan with your employer/provider, though repeated failures or significant underperformance can lead to dismissal, termination, or needing to find a new path. Support systems aim to get you back on track, but it depends on your contract, program rules, and the reasons for failure (like poor performance or test issues).

What happens if you don't finish your apprenticeship?

It's important to remember that when you leave an apprenticeship early you will lose any progress you have made in your training. Even though you might have completed work in your programme, you will not be eligible to receive your qualifications.

What percentage of apprentices drop out?

Overall, 47.9% of apprenticeships and traineeships commenced in 2020 had completed by the 4-year mark. This is a decrease of 2.5 percentage points compared to the 2019 commencing cohort, which had a 4-year completion rate of 50.4%.

Can you get kicked off an apprenticeship?

Apprentices have the same employment rights as ordinary employees on this agreement. They can be dismissed for all the reasons just discussed and more. But only if a fair dismissal process is undertaken. As an employer, you must still follow fair disciplinary procedures before a dismissal.

What happens if you lose your apprenticeship?

If an apprentice is dismissed from his job, he can be out of placement for 30 days and if has not secured alternative employment in that time, he can then be put on a BIL for up to 12 weeks and then withdrawn if not found an employer.

Why sometimes apprentices FAIL when it's not their fault.

Is it possible to fail an apprenticeship?

What Does “Failing” an Apprenticeship Mean? An Apprenticeship combines on-the-job experience with off-the-job training and ends with an End-Point Assessment (EPA). If you don't meet the required standard in that assessment, it's considered a non-completion, but that doesn't mean the journey is over.

Do I have to pay back my apprenticeship if I quit?

In most government-funded apprenticeships, the training costs are covered by the government and/or the employer via the Apprenticeship Levy or co-investment. These funds go to the training provider, not directly to the apprentice. That means you can't charge the apprentice for this training, even if they leave early.

Do I have to pay if I quit my apprenticeship?

Most training contracts will have a cooling off period, which means you can change your mind and withdraw without penalty. After the cooling off period, you may need to pay some fees if you withdraw from your studies.

Can you redo an apprenticeship?

Yes, you will be allowed to resit or retake the end point assessment. If a retake of the EPA is recommended, your employer and training provider should work together with your EPAO (end point assessment organisation) to provide an action plan that supports you in preparation for the retake.

Can you be rejected from an apprenticeship?

Rejection is a common part of the search - don't let it discourage you. Review your rejected applications to identify areas for improvement. This will help you learn from your experiences and strengthen future applications. Don't be deterred - continue applying for apprenticeships and other job opportunities.

Why do so many apprentices quit?

The authors show that the reasons why new apprentices do not complete their training are more often concerned with issues in the workplace than with problems encountered with training undertaken. Such issues include leaving for a higher paid job, dismissal or redundancy, and relations with managers or supervisors.

What is the lowest apprentice wage?

As of April 1st 2025 the national minimum wage for apprentices is £7.55 an hour and applies to time working, plus time spent training that is part of the Apprenticeship. This rate applies to apprentices under 19 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year of the apprenticeship.

What is the pass rate for apprenticeships?

60.1% of apprentices (553 of 920) completed a course and passed the end-point assessment with this training provider in academic year 2023 to 2024.

Who cannot do an apprenticeship?

You cannot apply for a modern apprenticeship if you're an overseas national or if there is a time limit on your stay in the UK, but you can apply if you are a refugee or asylum seeker. You can find out more about modern apprenticeships on the Skills Development Scotland website.

Can I quit my apprenticeship after a day?

This will depend on your employer, but usually the terms of your notice will be stated in your contract. Most employers will require you to fulfil an apprenticeship notice period before leaving an apprenticeship, but what happens at the end of an apprenticeship varies between employers.

What are three disadvantages of apprenticeship?

The cons of an apprenticeship

• They can be competitive to secure. It's true that companies will offer a select number of apprenticeship opportunities. ...
• You'll need some minimum qualifications. ...
• Lower starting salary. ...
• A different social setting.

What is the easiest apprenticeship to get into?

The easiest apprenticeships to get into are often in laborer roles in construction or landscaping, requiring minimal experience, or entry-level "career starter" roles in sectors like logistics (warehouse) or hospitality, but demand varies; construction/trades generally have high demand but can be competitive, while other fields like IT or healthcare (dental nurse) also offer beginner paths. Your best bet for easier entry involves roles needing basic skills, like material handling or site cleaning, and applying for programs focused on entry-level talent. 

What if I don't like my apprenticeship?

If you decide to leave your apprenticeship

Explore job opportunities, look at other apprenticeships, and consider whether you want a career change or simply a different employer. Find a new employer and ask if they will support you to complete your apprenticeship.

Can I apply for another apprenticeship?

Can I apply for multiple apprenticeships? Yes. There is no limit to the number of applications you can make. Apprenticeships aren't restricted to a cycle like traditional degrees, so you can apply at any time.

What happens if an apprentice fails?

Apprentices who fail any one EPA method will be offered the opportunity to take a re-sit/re-take for that one method. The re-sit/re-take must be taken within 1 month of notification of the result of the original EPA, otherwise the entire EPA must be retaken.

What is the first year apprentice wage?

First-year apprentice wages vary significantly by trade, union status, and location, but generally start as a percentage (e.g., 55-65%) of a journey-level worker's pay, often ranging from $18 to over $30 per hour, with union roles typically offering better starting pay and structured increases. For example, electricians might start around $18-$22/hr, while some union laborers could start at $30+/hr, with these wages increasing regularly as you gain experience. 

What is the 3 month rule in a job?

The "3-month rule" in a new job refers to the initial probation period (often 90 days) where both employer and employee assess fit, focusing on learning systems, team dynamics, and core skills, not immediate high performance, with success measured by integration, asking questions, and showing initiative rather than perfection. It's a transition phase for understanding the role, with a common 30-60-90 day breakdown: 1st month for learning, 2nd for contributing, 3rd for execution. 

What happens if an apprentice leaves early?

When an employee signs a contract of apprenticeship, they are locked into it just as much as the employer. If employed under a contract of employment, an apprentice will likely have to pay back some of the training costs incurred by the employer if they're leaving early. Other compensation may also be sought.

What happens if I quit a job with no notice?

When is it okay to quit without notice? Unless employed under a contract, most people work under the terms of at-will employment, meaning that neither the employer or the employee has a legal obligation to give notice before terminating employment.