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What is a Makers apprenticeship?

Learn what a Makers apprenticeship is, how the programme works and how apprentices gain real work experience while developing technical skills.

A Makers apprenticeship is a paid role where you learn technical skills while working inside a real team.

You’re employed by a company from day one, and you receive structured training from Makers alongside your day-to-day work. The programme combines intensive learning with practical experience so you can build real capability while contributing to your team.

Most Makers apprenticeships run for 18–22 months and lead to an industry-recognised qualification.

How the programme works

Programmes usually begin with an intensive learning phase where you build the foundations of software engineering, data or cloud development.

After this, you continue learning while working inside your employer’s team. During this time you:

  • Apply what you’ve learned in real projects

  • Continue structured training with Makers

  • Complete coursework and assessments for your qualification

This combination of learning and real work experience is what makes apprenticeships different from traditional education routes.

What you’ll learn

Depending on the programme, apprentices may focus on areas such as:

  • Software engineering

  • Data and data engineering

  • Cloud and DevOps

  • Agile development practices

Alongside technical skills, Makers programmes emphasise collaboration, problem solving and the ability to keep learning as technology evolves.

What happens after the apprenticeship

At the end of the programme you complete an End-Point Assessment to demonstrate that you can perform the role confidently.

If successful, you receive a recognised apprenticeship qualification. Many apprentices continue working with their employer and progress into more senior technical roles.

What salary will I earn on a Makers apprenticeship?

Apprentices are paid employees from the start of the programme. This means you earn a salary while developing the skills needed for a career in technology.

The exact salary depends on the employer and the role, as organisations set their own pay levels for apprenticeship positions.

How apprenticeship salaries work

Employers hire apprentices into real roles within their teams, so salaries can vary depending on:

  • The organisation hiring the apprentice

  • The type of role

  • Location of the job

  • Whether the apprentice is a new hire or an existing employee

All apprentices must be paid at least the national apprenticeship wage, although many employers offer higher starting salaries.

If you are already employed

Some apprentices join the programme as existing employees within their organisation. In these cases, salary arrangements are agreed with the employer before the programme begins.

Why apprenticeships are different

One of the key advantages of apprenticeships is that you earn while you learn. Instead of paying for training upfront, you gain experience, build skills and receive a salary at the same time.

How does apprenticeship levy funding work?

The apprenticeship levy is a UK government initiative designed to help organisations invest in training and skills development.

Large employers pay a small percentage of their payroll into a levy fund. They can then use that funding to pay for approved apprenticeship training programmes, including those delivered by Makers.

Who pays the levy?

Employers with an annual payroll above £3 million contribute to the apprenticeship levy. The funds are held in a digital account which organisations can use to pay for apprenticeship training.

Smaller employers who do not pay the levy can still access apprenticeships through government co-funding.

What the levy covers

Levy funding covers the cost of training and assessment for the apprenticeship programme. Employers remain responsible for paying the apprentice’s salary.

Training providers like Makers deliver the learning, coaching and assessment preparation apprentices need to complete their qualification.

Why organisations use apprenticeships

Many organisations use apprenticeships to:

  • Develop new digital talent

  • Upskill existing employees

  • Build long-term capability in areas like software, data and AI

The levy allows companies to invest in skills development while using funding they are already contributing to the system.

How does career support work at Makers?

Makers programmes are designed to help people build the skills needed to succeed in real technical roles. Career support is part of that journey.

Throughout the programme, learners receive guidance from coaches and support from the Makers team as they develop both technical and professional skills.

Support during the programme

During the learning phase, Makers coaches help learners build confidence in areas such as:

  • Technical problem solving

  • Collaboration in engineering teams

  • Communication and feedback

  • Preparing for real workplace environments

This support continues as apprentices apply their skills within their teams.

Preparing for career progression

Makers also helps learners prepare for the next stage of their careers. This may include guidance on:

  • CVs and portfolios

  • Interview preparation

  • Understanding the expectations of technical roles

The goal is to help learners grow into confident professionals who can continue developing throughout their careers.

What makes Makers different from other training providers?

Makers programmes focus on building real capability, not just delivering training.

Learning is designed to reflect the way modern engineering teams work. That means learners spend time solving real problems, collaborating with others and developing practical skills they can apply in the workplace.

Learning by doing

Rather than focusing only on theory, Makers programmes emphasise hands-on learning. Learners work on projects, practice pair programming and experience the kinds of challenges they will encounter in real technical roles.

This helps build both technical ability and confidence.

Skills that last beyond one technology

Technology changes quickly. Instead of focusing only on specific tools or languages, Makers programmes prioritise problem solving, collaboration and the ability to keep learning.

These are the skills that help people adapt as technology evolves.

Designed with employers

Makers works closely with employers across the UK to ensure programmes reflect the skills organisations need.

This helps learners develop capabilities that are relevant in real workplaces and supports organisations building long-term technical capability.