Your guide to level 3 apprenticeships

Are you ready to take the next step in your career, develop new skills, or explore a different profession? A Level 3 apprenticeship could be the perfect opportunity for you.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Level 3 apprenticeships, including what they are, how they help unlock new opportunities, who they’re best suited for, and the programmes we offer.

What is a Level 3 apprenticeship?

A Level 3 apprenticeship is a nationally recognised qualification equivalent to two A levels.

It’s designed to provide learners with the knowledge and behaviours required to succeed in their chosen field by combining real-world experience with structured learning.

Unlike traditional academic routes, Level 3 apprenticeships offer a practical, hands-on approach to education.

Apprentices spend most of their time in the workplace, gaining hands-on experience while receiving tailored, practical training. This blended approach ensures that learners acquire both technical skills and theoretical understanding.

Most Level 3 apprenticeships take between 12 to 24 months to complete, depending on the programme and the apprentice’s prior experience. Learners are assessed through a mix of assignments, practical observations, and a final end-point assessment (EPA), designed to test their competence in a real-world setting.

How a Level 3 apprenticeship can unlock new opportunities

These apprenticeships offer a range of benefits that open doors to new possibilities. They can help you:

Develop valuable skills and confidence

A Level 3 apprenticeship is more than just a qualification; it’s a chance to grow.

As learners take on new responsibilities and apply knowledge in real time, they gain confidence and develop key skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

This hands-on experience not only builds practical abilities but also strengthens resilience and adaptability in the workplace.

Over time, apprentices often find they have a stronger sense of purpose, greater self-belief and the readiness to step into more advanced roles or continue their professional development.

Progress in your career

A Level 3 apprenticeship is a powerful step forward in your career.

These programmes are tailored to help learners develop the specialist skills needed for more advanced roles.

They’re perfect for those ready to move beyond entry-level positions and take on greater responsibility, whether that’s stepping into a supervisory role or beginning a journey into first-line management.

Earn while you learn

One of the biggest advantages of apprenticeships is that you don’t have to choose between learning and earning.

As paid employees, apprentices work towards recognised qualifications while receiving a salary without the burden of tuition fees. It’s a debt-free way to gain new skills and invest in your future.

Apprentices also benefit from hands-on experience and expert guidance, building their careers from day one with the support of experienced colleagues.

Stand out to employers

A Level 3 apprenticeship can make a real difference on your CV.

These qualifications are highly respected by employers across a wide range of industries, from construction, production and logistics to business support, retail and the public sector.

Leading organisations like Sodexo, Johnsons, Spar, Speedy and Morrisons trust us to train and develop their teams.

They show potential employers that you bring not only hands-on experience but also a strong commitment to your personal and professional development.

Who should consider a Level 3 apprenticeship?

A Level 3 apprenticeship would be suited to:

Existing employees ready to take the next step

If you’re looking to progress within your current workplace, a Level 3 apprenticeship is a great way to build on your existing experience and prepare for new opportunities.

More employers are using these programmes to develop and retain talented employees, offering a structured route to gain specialist knowledge and sharpen professional skills.

Whether you have your eye on a promotion or want to broaden your expertise, these programmes provide a clear pathway to grow your career while staying in employment.

Career changers looking for a fresh start

If you’re moving into a new industry, an apprenticeship offers a route to get started without needing prior experience.

Rather than jumping in unprepared, you’ll follow a structured programme designed to teach you the essential skills and industry standards step by step.

It’s a practical way to build a strong foundation, understand how your role fits within the wider organisation, and ease the transition into a new sector.

Young people seeking an alternative to university

If you’re finishing school or college, have a clear idea of your career path, and want to hit the ground running, an apprenticeship could be the ideal choice for you.

Rather than staying in the classroom full time, you’ll have the chance to start earning straight away while learning in a real work environment. This can help you make industry connections early on and kick-start your future career.

Level 3 programmes available at Penshaw View

We deliver a variety of high-quality Level 3 apprenticeships tailored to meet the needs of learners and employers across various industries.

Here’s a closer look at some of our key programmes, and the organisations benefiting from them.

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Technician

This programme is ideal for those looking to start or progress in a health and safety role. SHE Technicians play a vital part in making workplaces safer, helping organisations meet their legal responsibilities and encouraging a strong health, safety and environmental culture.

Apprentices learn how to conduct risk assessments, give site inductions and toolbox talks, investigate incidents, and monitor compliance in various work environments.

They often split their time between office work and on-site inspections, developing the ability to advise managers and teams on safe working practices.

We are proud to deliver this programme in partnership with global companies like Amazon, where it plays a key role in supporting large-scale safety operations, helping to maintain high standards and ensure the wellbeing of employees in fast-paced environments.

Business Administrator

Business administration is the backbone of any organisation, providing the structure, coordination, and support needed to ensure seamless day-to-day operations and long-term success.

This apprenticeship provides learners with a diverse set of skills and a solid understanding of how businesses operate, teaching them how to support internal teams, manage processes, and provide excellent service to both internal and external stakeholders.

Whether working independently or as part of a team, they learn how to maintain and improve administrative systems, communicate effectively, and take responsibility for organising day-to-day operations.

We deliver this programme to organisations like Mitie, where business administrators play a crucial role in supporting efficient service delivery at scale, ensuring that operations run smoothly across multiple sites and departments.

Team Leader/Supervisor

Strong leadership is essential to the success of any business.

For those ready to take their first step into management, the Team Leader/Supervisor apprenticeship offers the perfect foundation. It’s designed for individuals who are beginning to take responsibility for guiding others, managing resources, or overseeing projects to meet defined objectives.

Apprentices develop core leadership skills such as performance management, project planning, team development, and effective communication. They also learn how to confidently resolve problems, monitor workloads, and contribute to the successful delivery of broader operational goals.

We’re proud to deliver this programme to well-established organisations such as Parkdean Resorts, helping to shape and develop their next generation of leaders who will drive future business growth.

HR Support

Effective HR management is essential for building a positive workplace culture, supporting employee wellbeing, and driving organisational success.

Our HR Support apprenticeship equips learners with the skills and knowledge to confidently provide day-to-day guidance to colleagues and managers, while handling key responsibilities throughout the entire employee lifecycle.

Apprentices develop a solid understanding of employment law, HR policies, and best practices, alongside practical skills in maintaining accurate records, navigating HR systems, and managing sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.

This qualification prepares individuals to support HR operations effectively, helping to reduce legal risk, ensure compliance, and contribute to a smooth-running and people-focused organisation.

We’re proud to deliver this programme for large employers such as the NHS, where skilled HR professionals play a crucial role in supporting frontline teams and strengthening overall organisational performance.

Why choose Penshaw View?

Choosing the right training provider is critical to making the most of your apprenticeship, and at Penshaw View, we take pride in providing high-quality programmes backed by real-world experience and trusted industry partnerships.

With years of experience in apprenticeship delivery, we’ve supported learners and businesses from a variety of sectors.

Our team of hands-on tutors bring industry insight into every session, ensuring learners receive relevant, practical training that can be applied directly in the workplace.

We provide flexible delivery models to suit both employers and apprentices, including online sessions, on-site training, and a blended approach.

Every learner also benefits from personalised support throughout their journey, from enrolment through to end-point assessment.

Our strong employer partnerships speak volumes. Leading organisations like Sodexo, Johnsons, Amazon, Mitie, and Parkdean Resorts trust us to train and develop their teams. These relationships reflect our commitment to delivering programmes that meet the needs of modern businesses while opening real career opportunities for learners.

Our team is committed to supporting people and organisations in their development. Whether you’re an individual looking to upskill or a business looking to invest in your workforce, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.

Interested in starting your apprenticeship journey? Browse our available programmes or get in touch with a member of our team today.