Apprenticeships are recognised formally by the Government.  Apprentices must be working to a published and approved Framework or Standard (which includes mandatory off-the-job training delivered by a training provider). 

Apprentices by law must have a contract of employment and be paid the appropriate minimum wage rate. Internships are time limited work opportunities which must be paid (exceptions apply). There is no formal training or accreditation attached to an internship like there is with an apprenticeship. Work placements are very short opportunities (usually no longer than two weeks) allowing somebody to observe the work of an organisation and gain some basic experience/understanding of a role and/or workplace.