Degree apprenticeships are a way for school and college leavers to get a cost-free degree, earning and learning with an employer to get fast-tracked into a career.
How do Degree Apprenticeships work?
You apply for a degree apprenticeship with an employer offering it as a structured programme. You’ll earn and learn at the same time, splitting your time between working for an employer and attending the university or college that is providing your degree education. This can be on a day-to-day basis or in study blocks, depending on how your employer’s programme is structured.
Your degree subject will typically be industry-based, meaning it is a degree geared towards helping you excel in a particular career. That area of professional focus could be anything from science and engineering to design, business or management. There are so many Degree Apprenticeships to choose from!
It is a way of being in employment while pursuing a degree at the same time. The end result on completion is either an undergraduate/graduate degree or a degree-level qualification, so check the application details for any opportunity you apply for.
Completing your Degree Apprenticeship will take three to six years, depending on your course level.
The benefits of a Degree Apprenticeship
- You’ll study for a Bachelors or Masters Degree
- You’ll get 3-6 years of professional work experience for your CV
- You’ll earn a salary from your employer while you study
- NO STUDENT FEES! Your tuition fees are covered by your employer and the government.
Degree Apprenticeships – things to consider before you apply
Work and study are combined as part of a structured programme. It will be easier to balance work and study than if you were working full-time and additionally studying for a degree under your own steam. However, balancing work and study always take some juggling, time management and dedication.
A free degree is amazing for both your personal and career development! Be aware that Degree Apprenticeships typically offer vocational degrees that less academic and more career and industry-based. Academic degrees are often less geared towards career success in the short term, but offer a wider selection of degree topics for you to study. Check that the degree offered as part of the Degree Apprenticeship is in a field of interest you genuinely want to focus on.
Employers Offering Degree Apprenticeships
Many of the Youth Friendly Employers in our network offer Degree Apprenticeships relating to engineering, sales, health and safety, business management, financial services and many more fields of interest. Take a look for careers inspiration!
You can also use Find An Apprenticeship to locate Degree Apprenticeship opportunities to apply for.
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