Did much better than expected at A-level, don't know what to do

I received my A-level results and they are much better than what I expected (AAB) from my predicted grades. Due to this, I only applied to universities with much lower grade requirements as opposed to universities which I wanted to go to initially. In addition to this, I had also been applying to degree apprenticeships in technology hoping to get in for September 2024.
Unfortunately, I was unable to get into an apprenticeship this year and am thinking of taking a gap year to gain work experience and hopefully reapply to apprenticeships alongside university again for 2025, but have been unsuccessful in finding any form of employment as of late. Due to this, I have been seriously considering going through clearing and applying to apprenticeships for 2025, so that I have something to do and not feel left behind compared to my peers.
If I am unsuccessful for the second year going, I feel I may just wind up going to university next year, but I am unsure as to what to do.
People who have taken a gap year in a similar situation to mine or anyone who has taken a gap year, what do you think I should do?

I would say take a gap year and reapply to the universities that you initially wanted to apply to.
Regret is one of those feelings that you don't really want and keep wondering what if.
However, I would actually do something more productive in your gap year than just work and save up money. For example, I would do relevant professional IT certificates for the area of tech that you want to work in.
Universities tend to be warmer to candidates with actual grades as opposed to predicted grades. Some even say they prefer more mature students because of their attitude and better work ethic (I personally don't see much difference, but there you go). In terms of your application, I don't think there would be much issue with unis accepted gap year students.
For the unis that you did apply to and got offers from, I think they would be a little more than annoyed if you applied to them for the exact same course again. Of course, I am just speculating though.

There's a specific course which I have in mind, but I don't meet their GCSE maths requirements. Would it still be advisable to apply or would I have to resit maths at GCSE?

I would resit your GCSE Maths as your apply.
A Levels are more difficult than GCSEs, so I don't think you would have that much of a more difficult time with GCSE Maths.

Thank you for offering the advice. Would you suggest that I email the university to ask about their entry requirements to see whether I may still be able to be considered for the course?