Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
There are a lot of misconceptions about apprenticeships. Doing an apprenticeship just means that you are employed and learn on the job but also have dedicated study time away from your work (at least 20% of your time). You can study at different levels and in a whole range of industries. It isn't just plumbing!
Amazing Apprenticeships
Student and parent guides to apprenticeships and much more
Find an apprenticeship
A database of all available apprenticeships and how to apply.
What level are apprenticeships?
You can study for an apprenticeship at different levels from intermediate apprenticeships (equivalent to GCSEs) up to degree apprenticeships (equivalent to an undergraduate or masters degree).
You are most likely to be interested in higher apprenticeships, which are equivalent to a foundation degree or degree apprenticeships which are level 6 or 7 qualifications akin to undergraduate or masters level study.
What industries could I work in?
There are a huge range and opportunities are changing all the time. There are still courses in practical trades but the majority of vacancies are now in areas like finance, retail or engineering. You can even do a cyber-security apprenticeship with GCHQ
Here are just some of the companies with schemes. Click on the image for profiles and vacancy information on these and more, or watch the videos for a flavour of what's available in different industries.
PWC Flying Start
Get a degree from Newcastle while working in the holidays and securing a job at the end of it
IBM Higher Apprenticeship
Qualify with a diploma in one of the many areas that IBM work in (it isn't all programming!)
Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
Do an engineering degree at Warwick while working with one of a range of companies
Industry Guides
RateMyApprenticeship has regularly updated guides each industry that offers apprenticeships. Understand what you could go on to do, what employers want, the different levels of apprenticeships in each industry and how you can apply.
How good is the pay?
You must be paid at least £4.15 an hour in your first year and full minimum wage from your second year. Most employers will pay much more. Many offer salaries in the £15,000 range and some even more. On EY's master's level Assurance apprenticeship, you could earn up to £22,000. Remember that these are training posts and in many cases an alternative to paying for a degree.
What about degree apprenticeships?
Degree apprenticeships are exactly what they sound like - you work while studying and end up with a degree. It can take longer than a traditional degree as you are only studying part time, but instead of paying for your course, your employer pays and you get paid for your time.
If you want to find out more, click here to read what Prospects.ac.uk have to say about degree apprenticeships.
Should I do an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are not for everyone. You will work hard and, while you will have dedicated study time, you will have to juggle work commitments as well as academic deadlines. There are some big advantages though. You will have a permanent job, gain lots of transferable skills and have three more year's of employment history than your contemporaries leaving university. There are also significant financial benefits. The average UK student debt is £50,000 but with a degree apprenticeship, your qualification is paid for and you will be paid while you work.
If you have a passion to study an academic subject for three or four years then a degree is for you. If you just want to get a job, or feel you have had enough of full time study then an apprenticeship might fit the bill.
Three things to remember:
Some careers require a degree but most have a variety of entry routes. You can see the various routes into each career on your careers portal.
You do not need to decide about university now. You could take a gap year (or two), work before returning to study or complete an apprenticeship before uni.
Apprenticeships count as employment, not study so if you are not a UK national, you may need a visa, which can be hard to obtain for training posts.
How do I apply?
Unlike university, there is no central application system. You apply directly to the company for a job as an apprentice and they will arrange your training. You can find a list of all the current vacancies in the UK here and get information on the main employers and expected vacancies here.
Don't forget to look at our resources page for hints and tips in applying for jobs or drop in to the careers department for a chat.