The Sixth Formers' Guide to Degree Apprenticeships

Launched a decade ago, they are work-based programmes, typically lasting three to five years, provided by employers in many of the most popular business sectors & industries – such as accountancy, law, engineering, technology and healthcare. They can unlock a different route to graduate-level employment. They are open to all sixth-form students across the country. Entry requirements vary depending on the employer and the programmes on offer, just as they do for university degrees. Everyone’s next step is their own to take. You have both academic options and a wide range of vocational ones, including Higher Technical Qualifications and different levels of apprenticeships, which could be right for you. Whether academic, vocational, or work-based, choose the path that lets you take your best next step. ” competitive. When you’re looking for an apprenticeship, do your research and keep an open mind. Don’t discount doing an apprenticeship at level 3 in your chosen field first. This is often the most suitable entry point for an 18-year- old with little or no industry experience, even if you already have level 3 A levels or BTech. And there is always plenty of scope for progression to a degree apprenticeship afterwards. If you learn best by doing, want to start earning straight away, or have a clear career interest, an apprenticeship could be the right fit for you. All apprentices earn at least the apprentice minimum wage, although many employers pay more. You’re not just a student— you’re an employee with a proper contract, holiday entitlement, and other employee rights and benefits. With the huge range of different occupations and professions available, there is sure to be an apprenticeship for you. ”

Degree apprenticeships are an increasingly sought-after option for sixth-formers considering their next steps. If you don’t think a traditional university degree is right for you, degree apprenticeships can be a life-changing opportunity. In recent years, I have seen awareness and interest in vocational pathways such as degree apprenticeships grow. Insight from over 330,000 young people last year found that awareness of apprenticeships is now almost on a par with that of academic pathways. University may feel like the expected next move, but expectation should never narrow your horizon. Some of you may want to continue studying full-time for another three or four years. Others might worry that while they want to do an apprenticeship or vocational pathway, not having a university degree could hold their apprenticeships available across a range of industries and sectors. Degree apprenticeships allow you to ‘earn as you learn’ and achieve a degree from some of our best universities. With a degree apprenticeship, you’ll earn the same qualification as a full-time university student—but you will gain years of industry experience. You’ll be working on real projects, earning a salary, and gaining financial independence from the start. Degree apprentices “ If you’re doing well with your A-level studies, university might seem like the default choice. But apprenticeships offer an exciting alternative that lets you earn money, gain real-world experience, and work towards a qualification. And degree level apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to combine degree-level study with being in a job and earning from day one. There’s a wide range of professional careers you can begin through an apprenticeship, with over 100 undergraduate-level

Kate Ridley -Pepper Director of Work-Based Skills

Department for Work & Pensions

put their training into practice straight away in the workplace and build vital experience on their CVs. In some careers, it is not always possible to secure a degree-level apprenticeship straight after school—they can be extremely

John Yarham Chief Executive Officer The Careers & Enterprise Company

career back in the future. That’s where degree apprenticeships can come in.

Degree Apprenticeships 5

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