It's not university OR apprenticeships
Did you know you can gain a degree while completing an apprenticeship?
If you take a higher or degree apprenticeship, your employer can partner with a university or training provider to provide degree-level learning – right up to master's level for some jobs. You can then put your new skills and knowledge into practice immediately in the workplace.
Have a look at how apprenticeships compare to other qualifications:
You can apply for uni and an apprenticeship at the same time
Not sure what you want to do yet? There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies.
What types of apprenticeships are available?
You can start an apprenticeship at the level appropriate to the job, and work your way up. There are different types or levels of apprenticeships across the UK – find out more about:
- apprenticeships in England – intermediate (Level 2), advanced (Level 3), higher (Level 4 and above), degree (Levels 5 – 7)
- apprenticeships in Scotland – foundation (SCQF Levels 2 – 6), modern (SCQF Levels 5 – 11), graduate (SCQF Levels 8 – 11)
- apprenticeships in Wales – foundation (Level 2), apprenticeships (Level 3), higher (Level 4 — 7), degree (Levels 6 — 7)
- apprenticeships in Northern Ireland – Level 2, Level 3, higher (Level 4)
How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships don't follow the same application and deadlines as applying to uni.
The deadline is down to the employer, and you apply to them direct. And you're not restricted to one apprenticeship application either.
You don’t pay fees for a degree apprenticeship
On a degree apprenticeship, you'll be paid by your employer to work while studying towards a degree – meaning you could graduate without paying tuition fees or taking out student loans.
Digital, banking, health, law, fashion... the number of industries is growing
The Government is incentivising companies to offer apprenticeship programmes at all levels, across every industry and sector you could think of. So, there’s probably an apprenticeship out there for you – whatever your age or experience.
Big companies offering higher and degree apprenticeships include Rolls Royce, Google, and PwC. But don't ignore smaller company opportunities either, where there could be even more chance to gain completely new skills and experiences.
Head to Career Finder to search for your apprenticeship now.
What are the entry requirements?
You can start at the level best suited to your stage of learning, the job you’re applying for, and the apprenticeship standard the employer wants to use.
Each apprenticeship vacancy gives the entry requirements and qualities the employer is looking for.
For higher and degree apprenticeships, employers generally ask for A levels and other Level 3 qualifications. Also check the job description for any skills and specific qualifications needed.
You can search for apprenticeships and their entry requirements on Career Finder.
Discover employers offering apprenticeships
Liking the sound of an apprenticeship but not sure where to begin looking? Get to know leading brands and the range of apprenticeships they offer. Everything from finance to engineering, and data analysis to project management.
How much will I get paid?
As an apprentice, you must receive at least the apprenticeship minimum wage (MW) of £4.30 per hour – and after your first year, the minimum wage for your age group. Most employers offer more than the minimum though – they want the best people for the role, just like you want the best role for you.
Here’s our compete guide to apprenticeship wages and finances.
You have employee rights
As an apprentice, you’ll have the same rights as any other employee to things like pay, holiday, and working hours.
But you’ll also have responsibilities too, which outline what’s expected of you on a day-to-day basis. They’re there to make sure you and your employer both get the most from your apprenticeship.
Sign up to Career Finder
If you think an apprenticeship could be right for you, head over to Career Finder and create an account.
You'll be able to:
- search for all apprenticeship roles
- filter by subject area, role type, location, and level of apprenticeship
- shortlist jobs
- sign up for alerts
- keep tabs on applications you've made