What are Higher and Degree Apprenticeships?
Higher and degree apprenticeships are a form of work-based learning that are available at a range of different levels, with level 4 being the equivalent to the first year of a foundation degree and level 7 being equivalent to a postgraduate, or master’s degree.
They offer a combination of a real job, training and a salary, and they offer an alternative to the traditional college or university route for those who want to gain a higher education qualification.
Fees are paid by the employer and there’s a high chance of continued employment once you’ve completed the course.
Who are they for?
They are for anyone who is over 16, lives in England and is not in full-time education. You’ll usually need a level 3 qualification (A-level or advanced apprenticeship) to qualify, which means you’re likely to be at least 18. Entry requirements vary between employers but all require English and Mathematics at level 2. If you don’t already have these, some employers will allow you to complete them alongside your apprenticeship.
How do they work?
Successful applicants will spend a minimum of 30 hours a week at work where they get to work alongside experienced professionals. You also spend time attending college or university, or a training provider.
You also get your fees paid by your employer and a high chance of continued employment once you’ve completed the course.
How to apply
There are several different websites that advertise apprenticeship vacancies. Below is a list of the best websites to begin your search with.
You apply for a higher apprenticeship in the same way you apply for a job, by approaching employers instead of speaking to the training provider as you would with a traditional university degree.
- The Amazing Apprenticeship website includes a vacancy snapshot which shows you a number of vacancies in top companies and allows you to research them further.
- Use the ‘Find an apprenticeship’ section on the government website to search for vacancies in your area and filter them by level. Alternatively, if you know an employer who doesn’t currently recruit apprentices but would like to, you can direct them to the ‘Recruit an apprentice‘ section of the gov.uk website.
- UCAS publishes a list of higher and degree apprenticeship vacancies you can apply for.
- Prospects also publishes a searchable list of degree apprenticeships.
- The Rate My Apprenticeship website has a list of the top 100 apprentice employers rated by school and college leavers.
Specific employers (particularly smaller businesses) will also advertise apprenticeship vacancies on their own website.
Myths and misconceptions
Apprentices are there to make the tea and coffee.
There are all sorts of misconceptions lingering around from the past. Some people think that apprentices are there to make the tea and coffee. This is certainly not true. Employers are investing time and money into you as an apprentice as they usually intend to employ you when you become qualified.
Apprenticeships are for people who have failed their A-levels.
This isn’t true, although in some cases it is possible to start some apprenticeships without A-levels. Most employers prefer 5 GCSEs, though, including maths and English (A*-C or 9 – 4 on the new grading system).
Apprenticeships are just for jobs in construction.
Although you can undertake a variety of apprenticeships in the construction industry, they are not confined to it. More and more employers are offering higher and degree apprenticeships in industries such as Business, IT, Retail, and many many more.
Apprentices never earn very much
Apprentices are entitled to the national min wage which will rise from £6.40 to £7.55 in April 2025.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment depends on the style of apprenticeship you undertake.
If you take the older ‘framework’ style apprenticeship, you will be continuously assessed throughout your course.
If you take the new ‘standards’ style apprenticeship, you will undertake an end-point assessment which is facilitated by an organisation separate to your training provider and your employer.
Things to consider
- Apprenticeships are advertised on a rolling basis.
- Apprenticeships are very competitive – anyone can apply to them, including existing employees
- Sometimes you are required to hold a license or certification for certain types of electrical, plumbing or construction work, which may hamper participation.
Case study: Tristan Boase
Tristan works as a lead engineer at Arcol UK. He felt as though going straight to University wasn’t for him.
Tristan’s best advice: “Furthering your knowledge and skills is crucial to progressing, but there are different ways of going about it so find a style of learning that suits you”
How did he get here?
- A-levels in Engineering, Electronics and ICT
- Apprenticeship: NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Engineering: Turner & Fitter
- FdSc Engineering at Cornwall College
Watch: Tristan Boase – Climbing the Ladder
Next Steps partner institutions that offer higher and degree apprenticeships:
University Centre Somerset
City College Plymouth
Cornwall College
Exeter College
Petroc
Plymouth Marjon University
South Devon College
Strode College
Truro and Penwith College
University of Exeter
University of Plymouth
Yeovil College University Centre
Support for Schools
Click here for Amazing Apprenticeships – Support for Schools