What are degree apprenticeships?

Bridging the gap

A degree apprenticeship is a form of undergraduate degree, designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical work experience. This unique programme offers the opportunity to gain a full bachelor's or master's degree while working, providing a valuable alternative to traditional university pathways. 

Understanding degree apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships combine the best of both worlds – academic learning in a university and hands-on experience with an employer. Initiated by the UK government in 2015, degree apprenticeships are designed to help meet skills requirements in different industries while giving apprentices the chance to earn while they learn.

There are two key pathways to choose from: the first is a Level 6 qualification equivalent to a full degree; the other is a Level 7 qualification equivalent to a master's degree.

What sets degree apprenticeships apart is the integration of advanced academic learning with hands-on work experience and career development. Students typically attend university part-time, either on designated days each week or during specific blocks of days each month. Depending on the level and pathway selected, the apprenticeship generally spans three to six years.

How are degree apprenticeships funded?

Each apprenticeship standard has an assigned funding band. The maximum amount the government will pay towards the apprentice's training and assessment expenses is indicated by the top level of each band.

Employers who pay the apprenticeship levy will utilise the funds from the levy to cover the cost of training and assessment (up to the top limit of the funding band). The apprenticeship levy allowance is £15,000 each financial year, and companies in the UK who have a pay bill over £3 million annually are required to pay the levy, which is calculated at 0.5% of the employer's pay bill.

The levy is deposited into an apprenticeship service account; the training and evaluation of apprentices are the only things that can be funded from this account.

Employers who choose not to pay the levy will be responsible for paying 5% of the total cost of training and assessment. The government will cover the remaining 95% of the costs, up to the funding band's upper level.

Benefits of pursuing a degree apprenticeship

• A major benefit is that tuition fees are covered by the government and employer, leaving students debt-free upon graduation.
• There is a good possibility of the trainee receiving a direct job offer from their employer, filling gaps in the labour market.
• Acquired knowledge can be applied right away, demonstrating value to the employer, solidifying education, and ensuring an early-established career path.
• Degree apprenticeships give the learner significant networking opportunities, establishing valuable contact with those ‘at the coal face’.
• Career prospects improve for trainees as per data released by the UK government, 77% of apprentices continue with the same position after completing their apprenticeship, 46% saw a pay increase, and 36% said they were promoted. This is on top of the £100,000+ lifetime comparative earnings for graduates compared to non-graduates. 

Entry requirements

Academic and skills prerequisites

Usually, candidates are expected to hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Degree apprenticeships are offered by universities and employers seeking candidates with outstanding academic records and skills that match the apprenticeship.

Industry experience

Although an applicant may not necessarily need prior industry experience, a good level of interest in the field along with possession of some fundamental characteristics such as flexibility, engagement, and improvement ability will strengthen the application.

The application process

It is essential to have an effective application. All applicants should do everything expected of them – and more – by submitting applications that seek to support their educational background and work experience.

Interviews and assessments form part of the selection process. Candidates should look for information about the company, understand its purposes, and be prepared to illustrate how he or she can benefit from the apprenticeship and how they can be beneficial to the organisation.

Career prospects and progression

Following the successful completion of a degree apprenticeship, individuals are ready to begin working within their profession. This often means receiving an offer of employment from the course employer, or looking for another position in an outside company. The graduate may also choose to progress to a master’s degree apprenticeship, or choose an alternative path, such as self-employment.

Making an informed decision

OneAdvanced serves as a crucial ally by providing innovative educational tools. Our LMS, with its customisable templates and validation features, simplifies the onboarding process, ensuring learners meet funding requirements efficiently.

By offering powerful data analytics and visualisation tools like QAR reports, the LMS enables institutions to strategically plan and forecast performance, supporting continuous improvement. These insights help demonstrate compliance and achievement, making apprenticeship management future- ready.

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