Frequently Asked Questions: Apprentices

Frequently asked questions for prospective apprentices.

What is a higher or degree apprenticeship?

Higher and degree apprenticeships allow individuals to achieve a higher education qualification while working full-time and gaining experience in the workplace. Higher apprenticeships lead to higher education qualifications including HNDs and foundation degrees, while degree apprenticeships lead to a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

What are the benefits for apprentices?

• Unlike a degree, you will be earning a salary for the apprenticeship, so you can study completely debt free.
• In addition, your tuition fees are covered by your employer or the government, so you will be saving a tidy sum on tuition!
• A degree apprenticeship gives you real work experience, alongside the knowledge and theory you'll get from studying for a degree. 
• You’ll develop the skills and knowledge for specific jobs, so it will kick-start your career and give you a strong CV tailored to the field you want to work in. This isn’t always accessible just from doing a degree, so depending on your preferred industry, an apprenticeship could be seen as a head-start in the field.
• You’ll have highly experienced tutors who are all professionally qualified to support you at university, as well as work-based clinical educators to support you in practice.
• As a member of the University, you will have access to the wide range of support services available to our students. 

Who can do an apprenticeship?

Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible for a degree apprenticeship. If you’re already in full-time work, you must spend at least 50% of your working hours in England to apply. Unlike a traditional degree, you apply for a degree apprenticeship through the employer, rather than through UCAS.

How do I become an apprentice?

To undertake an apprenticeship you must be employed. You can search for vacancies on the Find An Apprenticeship website and apply directly to companies that run apprenticeship programmes. You will also be required to meet the entry requirements for the programme.

How long are apprenticeships?

It varies depending on the type of apprenticeship you are undertaking. Degree and higher apprenticeships typically last anywhere between three and five years. 

How much does an apprenticeship cost?

The costs of your apprenticeship study are covered by your employer. This means you will be earning a salary, without building up student debt.