Parents · 6 min read
A parents' guide to apprenticeships in Taunton and Somerset
What Somerset parents need to know about apprenticeships in 2027 - pay, levels, university comparison, and the questions to ask at the Taunton Apprenticeship Evening.
By Jack Frampton, Apprentice Advocate working at Queen's College, Taunton · Published 29 July 2026
Parents decide more apprenticeship outcomes than any careers leader does. If you're weighing this up for your child in Taunton, here's the honest version, written by someone who took the route.
The levels, plainly
Level 2 is GCSE-equivalent, Level 3 is A-level-equivalent, Levels 4 to 7 run from foundation degree up to master's. The full standards are published by Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Pay and cost
Apprentices earn from day one and pay no tuition fees. A degree apprentice finishes with a degree, four years of experience and no student loan.
The questions to ask employers
Who is the training provider? What's the off-the-job study day? What's the progression path and the retention rate after End-Point Assessment?
Where to see it in person
Come to the Taunton Apprenticeship Evening at Queen's College, Taunton on 9th March 2027. Also read the event parents' guide and check Somerset Council for local provision.
Frequently asked questions
- Will my child earn enough?
- Apprentice pay starts at the national apprentice rate and rises quickly with level and sector. Many Somerset Level 3 roles start well above the minimum.
- Can they still go to university later?
- Yes. Level 3 apprentices routinely progress to degree apprenticeships or traditional degrees.