Everything you need to know about degree apprenticeships

Choosing a course and university can be a daunting task, and even more so with so many study options available for you to consider. Here, I will help you with degree apprenticeships, making them as easy as possible to navigate and understand.

The UK Government launched degree apprenticeships as a way of combining the best of higher and vocational education to address skills shortages across the UK economy. Degree apprentices split their time between study and work, gaining paid employment and achieving a full degree in the process.

There are some clear-cut benefits to undertaking a degree apprenticeship. You do not pay tuition fees as these are covered by the sponsoring employer and you will also earn a salary whilst studying. As well as gaining a full degree, you benefit from real on-the-job training, meaning that you are well prepared for continued success in the world of work.

As a part-time student, degree apprentices don’t always qualify for on-campus accommodation, and as you are working, you might not have as much time as traditional degree students to engage in social and leisure activities. You will also need to find a balance between working and studying. Whilst this can be challenging, there are support services to ensure you have the assistance needed throughout your studies.

There are over thirty degree apprenticeship courses on offer in England, with thousands of employers to choose from. There are useful resources available on the National Apprenticeship Services website, where you can also explore current vacancies and openings. UCAS and the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education also host some handy guides and list vacancies. I would recommend starting your research early as there can be several resources to go through.

As well as the useful websites given above, some universities offer webinars and application support sessions to help you to navigate degree apprenticeships. You should also look out for university open days and speak to staff, employers and academics to best prepare for the application process if you choose to apply for one.