An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences.

Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. 

An apprenticeship includes: 

  • paid employment with holiday leave 
  • hands-on-experience in a sector/role of interest
  • at least 20% off-the-job training 
  • formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognised qualification

Who can apply?

An apprenticeship is a great paid work opportunity for people over the age of 16 in England who are:

  • early in their career 
  • looking to upskill in their current job 
  • looking for a career-change
  • not in full-time education

If you do not live in England, check out apprenticeship options in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. 

Apprenticeship levels

Different apprenticeship levels equate to different qualification levels.

An apprenticeship can start at any level, but some may require:

  • previous qualifications such as English or maths GCSEs 
  • additional training in English or maths to ensure the apprentice is at the right level 

Traineeships are a great option for young people who are not yet ready for an apprenticeship because they provide opportunities to gain the relevant skills and experience to take on an apprenticeship and prepare for work.

One of the following qualification levels will be achieved depending on the apprenticeship level:

LevelEquivalent education level
Intermediate2GCSE
Advanced3A level
Higher4,5,6 and 7Foundation degree and above
Degree6 and 7Bachelor’s or master’s degree


Level 3 Security First Line Manager

Security First Line Manager Apprenticeship Standard


What you need to know about the Highfield Level 3 End-Point Assessment for Security First Line Manager

Who is this Standard for?

This apprenticeship is for individuals working within security first line management. Completion of the apprenticeship would enable candidates to develop the skills and knowledge required to manage people working specifically in a security environment such as the Private Security Industry, MOD, Event Security, ‘In–house’ security, Department for Transport and will provide a vocational route to a career in Security Management.

Programme structure

This is a level 3 apprenticeship standard that has a typical duration of 18 months. Apprentices will be placed in a security first line manager role and will be supported by a tutor to achieve the standard and Level 2 maths and English qualifications. 

Assessment Plan

Apprentices who started their apprenticeship on or after 22/10/2018 will be assessed against ST0330/AP01

End-Point Assessment methods

  • Observation
  • Presentation
  • Synoptic Assessment Interview

EPA kit 

To access the full EPA kit and the Gateway Readiness Report for this standard, please visit here.

Apprenticeship Standard and EPA Timeline

This document (available here) supports employers, training providers and apprentices by providing them with the clear time frames required to complete each stage of the apprenticeship and end-point assessment journey, through to ESFA certification.

Apprentice Support and Guidance Documents 

These documents support employers, training providers and apprentices preparing for end-point assessment.

Think About - Observation

Think About - Presentation

Think About - Synoptic Assessment Interview