If you’ve already come to a decision on where you want to go or what you’d like to do next after school, well done! That’s the first part of the careers puzzle, and it’s perhaps the toughest one to solve.
But once you know what you want to do, whatever that might be, you may also be thinking:
‘Okay, so what next?!’
Understanding the what, when, where and how of landing your next opportunity is the best way to start getting ready. And if you’re considering the apprenticeship pathway (which you totally should be!), we thought we’d help you by taking a look at when to apply for degree apprenticeships.
Where can you find these opportunities?
To get to the ‘when’ of applying, the crucial first step is knowing where to find degree apprenticeships. Once you start looking, you’ll find out more about who’s recruiting, the types of roles available, where you’ll study, and crucially: application deadlines!
The good news is that you have a few good places to start looking including:
The National Apprenticeship Service:
With anywhere between 12, 000 and 20, 000 apprenticeship vacancies advertised at any one time, this is a fantastic place to start. You can filter live opportunities by dates, location, and apprenticeship level. Or you could simply login to your Springpod account and browse them all (plus some fantastic additional ones) at the click of a few buttons.
With Employers or Universities Directly:
Many employers will have an ‘Early Careers’ section on their website, detailing everything you need to know about their particular application deadlines and requirements. If you know there’s a specific employer you’re interested, check their website and make sure you mark your calendar!
Your Careers Team at School:
Don’t forget, these guys get information on a regular basis from local universities and employers about open days, application time-frames, and when opportunities are coming up. Book an appointment and have a chat.
Springpod:
There would definitely be something amiss if we didn’t let you know that you can also find degree apprenticeship opportunities and application timeframes right here on Springpod! (You’re welcome!)
When to apply for degree apprenticeships?
Degree apprenticeships tend to fall in line with the traditional academic calendar, so opportunities for a September 2020 start would typically be advertised around this time of year (Oct/Nov 19), with closing dates for early 2020.
Doing your research and setting calendar reminders for when applications officially open and close will see you setting yourself up for success.
Even though you might still be studying and won’t have your results yet, much like being accepted into a traditional degree program, you can be conditionally accepted for a degree apprenticeship while you get the grades you need.
Employers and universities generally have one intake for these roles, so if you miss out applying now, you’ll probably have to wait until the next academic year to apply again.
Is there a lot of competition for degree apprenticeship places?
Degree apprenticeships are still relatively new, but the benefits reaped from doing one are attracting a lot of attention. The competition can be tough, but if you’re determined and prepared to put in the work, it will be worth it.
Set yourself apart with a strong application by:
- Gaining relevant work experience
- Seeking advice from an industry mentor
- Building a portfolio of extracurricular activities, that showcase your skills and strengths
- Attending open days and developing your knowledge about your chosen industry
- Focusing on your studies and getting the grades!
Can you reapply if you’re unsuccessful?
Absolutely! Although you may need to wait for the next round of intakes for this.
Don’t see one knockback as a lifetime of failure. Seek feedback if you can and reflect on what you can do between now and next time to boost your application.
Top Tip: Check out our handy degree apprenticeship guide for some excellent advice from some of UK’s top employers!