Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships provide a route to higher education through work-based training. You will get trained to do a job, get a higher level qualification and be paid at the same time - so no student debt at the end!
It is worth remembering though, that this route can be competitive and it is not a guaranteed option - as you need an employer to train you and there are limited places. Always have a Plan B back up, just in case.
Higher Apprenticeships work towards work-based learning qualifications and can go to Level 7 in some cases (a degree is Level 6). As part of a Higher Apprenticeship you might do a knowledge-based qualification such as a Foundation or Honours Degree.
A Degree Apprenticeship allows you to gain a degree or even a master's degree while being employed and trained at the same time.
Find out more about apprenticeships, what they are and how to get one.
A Level students thinking about apprenticeships
If you are doing A Levels you might be considering an apprenticeship or higher education (university) when you finish.
An apprenticeship can be a good route if you want to get training for a specific job sector and be earning at the same time. There are all sorts of opportunities for fantastic apprenticeships developing all the time. However, not all jobs have an apprenticeship pathway.
There are a few things you need to consider:
- Apprenticeship vacancies for the summer after you finish your A Levels are advertised throughout the year and the closing dates can vary. Therefore, if you are undecided about whether to choose an apprenticeship or higher education path it is probably best to apply for higher education as well as look for apprenticeship vacancies. If you get an apprenticeship you can always decline your university offer.
- There are 40+ different job areas now offering Higher Apprenticeships, which are higher education level qualifications (Level 4+). Employers are asking for A Levels and other Level 3 qualifications as entry requirements.
- If you do not have the relevant job-specific experience you might have to complete an Advanced Apprenticeship, even through these are the same level qualifications (Level 3) as A Levels - although you might be able to complete it quicker than a 16 year old.
- Not all sectors offer Higher Apprenticeship qualifications so make sure you check if they are available in your chosen sector.
- For some jobs a university degree is the only pathway e.g. vet, doctor, architect, etc and there is no apprenticeship pathway.
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeship opportunities are likely to be highly competitive!
Search for current vacancies
Search for apprenticeship vacancies on Careerpilot,
Find an apprenticeship on the gov.uk site and look for vacancies by level.
Look at vacancies on UCAS:
Alternatively, if you are interested in working for a particular employer, take a look on their website to see what they are offering.
Remember, you can apply for many of these apprenticeships and a place at university at the same time.