Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
Cyber Security Analyst, Police Constable, Nurse Associate and Chartered Manager – are just some of the exciting different types of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships that have been developed recently. These have been developed by employers, colleges, universities, and professional bodies working in partnership.
Higher Apprenticeships may be general such as in 'management' or in a very specific area. For example, instead of IT - there will be a specific apprenticeship in cyber security.
Degree apprenticeships are part of what is known as Higher Apprenticeships - which includes all apprenticeships between Level 4 and Level 7. These enable you to gain a higher qualification such as a foundation degree, Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree whilst you are working.
Today, Higher and Degree apprenticeships are available in every industry sector and provide exciting, high quality opportunities in all kinds of careers. See a list of latest vacancies on the Amazing Apprenticeships site (this is updated twice a year) or check out the Careerpilot apprenticeship vacancy search.
Sometimes you might have to be prepared to travel to do a Higher a Degree Apprenticeship as they might only be available in a specific area, on through a specific university. They are also highly competitive so it is a good idea to get your university application in at the same time as you are looking for an apprenticeship, so you have a Plan A and a Plan B!
What are they like?
You are employed by the company and receive a salary, paid holidays, pension and sickness benefit. With Higher and Degree apprenticeships you work and study part-time, alongside your job.
Degree apprentices are more likely to have some part-time study at a university, though this could be online. It could also be on day release or in a block placement.
Higher apprentices are more likely to do their study programme at a college or private training provider, though some are also available at universities.
Who are they for?
Higher and Degree apprenticeships can be suitable for those looking to progress from level 3 qualifications, including advanced apprenticeships, but also for staff already within an organisation who are looking to upskill or retrain.
What qualification will you get?
Higher apprenticeships provide an opportunity to gain Level 4 qualifications or above, with most apprentices gaining an NVQ level 4, HND, Foundation Degree or Honours Degree. Many also offer the opportunity to progress to Level 7 [which is postgraduate degree level].
Degree Apprenticeships offer the opportunity for apprentices to gain a full Bachelors or Master's degree as part of their apprenticeship, which is at Level 6 or Level 7.
You may also do professional qualifications too, such as in law or accountancy, alongside the apprenticeship.
How long do they take to complete?
Higher Apprenticeships - between one year and five years to complete.
Degree Apprenticeships - between three to six years to complete.
What are the benefits of a higher/ degree apprenticeship?
- No tuition fees as the costs are paid by the employer and the government
- Earn while you learn
- You will develop real skills for the job through doing the actual job.
- Get time to study for a nationally recognised degree qualification
- Get paid holidays and other benefits of being an employee
- If you’re new to the world of work, you can develop your transferable skills in team work and time management.
How much will you earn?
How much you earn varies from employer to employer. The salaries for degree apprenticeship vacancies on RateMyApprenticeship.co.uk range from £16,000 to £21,000 a year.
The following are examples of higher apprenticeship salaries:
- An aerospace engineering apprentice can earn £27,000 a year
- A software engineer apprentice can earn £25,000 a year
- A higher accountancy apprentice can earn £21,000 a year.
What job sectors offer Higher and Degree Apprenticeships?
The Institute for Apprenticeships lists all of the sectors offering Higher and Degree Apprenticeships that are currently available. For more information on the types of apprenticeships available in each sector click on the link below:
- Business and administration
- Childcare and education
- Construction
- Creative and design
- Digital
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Health and science
- Legal, finance, and accounting
- Protective services (e.g. police
Higher and Degree Apprenticeship vacancies
Amazing Apprenticeships provide a list of degree and higher apprenticeships. There are also lots of higher and degree apprenticeship vacancies are now advertised on UCAS.
You can also search for vacancies in NotgoingtoUni. You can also go to Find an apprenticeship on the gov.uk site and look for vacancies by level.
If you are interested in working for a particular employer, take a look on their website to see what they are offering.
You may want to apply for an apprenticeship and a university place at the same time.
Degree Apprenticeships offered at universities
Many universities are working with businesses to develop Degree Apprenticeships. Here are some examples of some the courses available, please check with the provider as there are more being developed all the time and also check whether these are being offered to young people or people already in a job.