From entry to intermediate, to higher apprenticeships and now degree apprenticeships, it’s safe to say there’s never been a better time to explore these programs. However with so much information floating around on the Internet, you may be scratching your head about what these pathways actually involve – for instance, how do degree apprenticeships work?
In this blog post, we take a look specifically a degree apprenticeships and why they’re being hailed as the superstars of the modern apprenticeship world.
First things first: What is a degree apprenticeship?
You probably already know this but just in case let’s quickly cover what a degree apprenticeship is.
A degree apprenticeship combines full-time, paid work with part-time university study. They’re created through partnerships between universities and employers who want to offer students the opportunity to gain a Bachelor or Masters degree while gaining relevant work experience.
Who can study a degree apprenticeship?
Degree apprenticeships are open to anyone who meets the entry requirements and can demonstrate they’re capable of studying at this level while also working.
Because this pathway is more demanding, entry requirements can be tough and you’ll usually need to provide additional evidence that supports your capacity to work and study. As you’ll also be working, your employer will likely have some desirable entry requirements they’ll want you to meet too.
How are degree apprenticeships structured?
One of the great things about a degree apprenticeship is how they support you to grow and develop as a professional over time. The structure – how much time you spend working and how much you spend studying – will change year on year as you progress.
How it’s structured could vary depending on:
- Your role and your employer’s requirements for you in the team
- What you’re studying and the level of study (so, a Bachelors versus a Masters)
- Where you study
Your studies will be a mix of classroom tutorials, online webinars, and personal study time. You’ll need to make sure you stay on track and keep up to date with your assignments.
Our employer partners tell us they put a lot of thought into ensuring you’re given the best opportunity to put what you study into practice, which is why each program is different and can even be tailored individually.
For example, Jaguar Land Rover apprentices told us they spent their first year studying full time, before moving onsite to full-time work in their second year, with day release and occasional week block study times. As they progressed through their degree apprenticeship, they spend more time on site.
What is a ‘typical workday’ like?
If there’s one thing we know it’s that there’s definitely no ‘typical’ day when it comes to a degree apprenticeship!
You’ll be offered the opportunity to work with different people, across different departments, before making a decision about where you want to focus your time and skills. You’ll get the chance to have direct input in your role, and make decisions about your future.
This is your chance to start carving the career you want and the more you speak up about that, the more people will support you to do it!
Keen to find out more about how degree apprenticeships work?
We think the best people to tell you about how it all works, are the people currently living it! Take a look at our careers broadcasts where you can hear from a range of degree apprentices studying with some amazing employers.
Or if you prefer reading, check out our handy degree apprenticeship guide to get all the inside scoop including tips from organisations like Google, Jaguar Land Rover and Atkins.
