What are Degree Apprenticeships?

Degree apprenticeship fields are narrower than traditional apprenticeships and are only available in areas that require ‘high levels of academia’, including:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Business & Administration
• Construction
• Digital
• Health & Science

Apprenticeships are available at a wide variety of companies including both big names such as BT and Mondelez, and also smaller companies.

The university depends on which sector you’re working in and which degree apprenticeship you’re completing. Quite often you won’t be studying at the actual university due to distance, with classes being held online or at an institution close to where you work.

Use Apprenticeship Finder’s search tool to find more information about vacancies and their entry requirements.  

• The main benefit of doing a degree apprenticeship compared to the traditional university route is that the degree is paid for by your company, so you leave with a degree and zero student debt
• You’re also employed full-time throughout the degree and earn a salary
• Degree apprenticeships allow you to get a head start in your profession over students leaving university without the same level of work experience you have
• Apprentices also develop ‘soft skills’ from working, which employers love, such as communication skills, the ability to work under pressure to deadlines, teamwork and problem-solving
• You get mentoring and support from your employer
• You can put what you learn at university straight into practice, helping develop your understanding of the material
• By the time your apprenticeship ends you’ll have at least three years of networking experience and have made contacts that’ll help you later on in your career
• Degree apprentices are technically students, so you still get all the student discount perks
• Most apprentice programs will have a guaranteed job at the end of it, with lots of opportunities for progression within the company

Degree apprenticeships are extremely competitive and there aren’t many available in the country. Most employers will ask for formal qualifications including at least 5 GCSEs (A*-C or 9-4), and Level 3 apprenticeship qualifications including BTECs. Often employers will expect applicants to have qualifications relevant to the apprenticeship already.