A degree apprentice student posing for the camera, with blurred figures behind them.

Written by Professor Sharon Green

Dean of Executive Education and Skills at the University of Lincoln

Studying a degree apprenticeship

A degree apprenticeship is an exciting opportunity for your young person to gain both a qualification and hands-on experience in the workplace. By combining academic study with practical learning, degree apprenticeships are becoming a popular choice for students who want to kick-start their careers while earning a salary.

A balanced approach to learning

Your young person will split their time between studying for their degree and working in a professional environment. This approach allows them to apply what they learn in the classroom directly to their job, making the experience highly relevant and practical.

Apprentices often benefit from dedicated mentors who help guide their learning journey, offering both academic advice and practical insights. This support is crucial for ensuring that apprentices not only succeed in their studies, but also develop the skills needed to thrive in the workplace.

Real-world experience

Unlike traditional university courses, where students may only gain practical experience through internships or placements, a degree apprenticeship allows your young person to work from day one.

Employers value apprenticeships because they produce work-ready candidates who have gained a thorough understanding of the industry. Apprentices can contribute meaningfully to their organisations, using the knowledge they’ve gained from both their degree studies and on-the-job training.

Employer and apprentice feedback

Employers appreciate the fresh perspectives that apprentices bring to their companies. They can contribute to projects with minimal supervision, thanks to the training they receive from both their employer and the academic institution.

Apprentices value the structured support they receive. Many apprentices feel more confident in their abilities because they can see the direct impact of their work. The ongoing mentoring and feedback from both their workplace and academic tutors help apprentices stay on track and continue developing throughout their apprenticeship.

Career progression

A degree apprenticeship doesn’t just lead to a qualification – it can also open doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Many apprentices are offered full-time positions at the end of their programme, having already gained the experience and skills employers are looking for.

Earning whilst learning allows your young person to start building their career without the financial burden of traditional university fees. This can be a huge benefit for those looking to avoid student debt.

What to expect

Degree apprenticeships require a high level of commitment, as apprentices must juggle work responsibilities with academic study. But your young person will have dedicated study time and work-based learning opportunities, ensuring that both their job and their education receive the attention they deserve.

The combination of academic study and hands-on work means that your young person will develop their technical knowledge and essential soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and time management. These are the types of skills that employers value highly.

The best of both worlds

If you’re considering a degree apprenticeship, it’s a path that offers the best of both worlds: a solid academic foundation and the chance to gain valuable work experience. Apprentices can thrive in their chosen field and set themselves up for a fulfilling, long-term career.

Just so you know, this blog was published on 24 Mar '26 and everything was accurate to the best of our knowledge when we hit publish.