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Degree apprenticeship guide: How to apply and tips for success

Degree apprenticeships are revolutionising the way we think about education and employment. Now, students can earn a degree for free whilst earning a salary and getting started in the world of work! So, what’s the catch? Well, they can be pretty competitive.

Whether you’re set on taking a degree apprenticeship or considering it, this article provides a guide on how to apply and even better, how to succeed in claiming a place on an esteemed programme. Degree apprenticeships have a unique application process, much different to the traditional degree application process via UCAS. So, arm yourself with the knowledge to make your decision and succeed.

Here at The Profs, we have plenty of experience guiding students to secure spaces in prestigious degree programmes. If you’d like help to secure your degree apprenticeship and/or smash the results you earn during it, partner with Degree Tutors at The Profs, and propel your career to new heights.

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What are degree apprenticeships?

Right now, degree apprenticeships are booming in England. They allow students to gain a full, paid-for undergraduate or Master’s degree whilst working, earning a salary and collecting industry experience. Accordingly, degree apprenticeships mirror sponsored degree programmes, where your employer covers the costs of your education. 

Depending on your course level, your degree apprenticeship will take 3-6 years to complete.

The majority of your schedule will be dedicated to your professional duties, supplemented by part-time university studies. This might involve attending university for one or two days each week, or concentrated periods such as week-long sessions. Generally, your time is divided into approximately 20% for studying and 80% for work-related activities.

Please note: Degree apprenticeships work differently in Scotland and Northern Ireland, hence this article mainly focuses on England and Wales.

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Researching degree apprenticeship opportunities

You should explore various degree apprenticeship programmes offered by employers and universities to find the right fit for your career goals. You can utilise online resources, attend information sessions, ask your teachers and reach out to alumni or professionals in your field for valuable insights.

Consider factors like programme structure, job placement opportunities, and academic support before making a decision. 

Where do I find a degree apprenticeship?

You can find degree apprenticeships to apply to via: 

  • Online job boards.
  • Company websites.
  • University portals.
  • Career fairs.
  • Networking events.
  • Industry-specific forums.

Also, keep an eye on government apprenticeship schemes and initiatives for additional options!

UCAS has lots of information on apprenticeships including a search tool for finding degree apprenticeships!

The government services and information site, gov.uk, also has a helpful search feature. Consider browsing apprenticeship listings, and filtering by level and location to discover inspiring opportunities tailored to your interests.

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How to find a degree apprenticeship

Start by researching companies and industries that offer degree apprenticeship programmes aligned with your career interests. Utilise the platforms listed in the section above.

Remember to tailor your application materials to each apprenticeship, highlighting relevant skills and experiences, and be proactive in reaching out to employers or educational institutions for further information.

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How to apply for a degree apprenticeship

Applying for a degree apprenticeship mirrors the process of applying for a conventional job. The step-by-step process is as follows:

  1. Depending on the platform you’re using to apply, you might need to register, make an account and activate it first. Note that this is the case with gov.uk. So, keep the login information somewhere safe! You also might apply through UCAS, LinkedIn or a more niche platform used by the company you’re applying to.
  2. When you make a profile, you might need to enter information about yourself. This could merely be your name, date of birth, email address, phone number and house address, or it could be more detailed. 
  3. Use the aforementioned tips to find what programmes you’d like to apply to and narrow them down.
  4. Submit an application. The ‘application’ part differs depending on the platform. Usually, you will be asked for a CV and cover letter. Sometimes, you might be asked for paperwork, like a copy of your passport and grade transcript and/or to answer a series of short questions. For instance, gov.uk asks for you to complete a section called ‘your details’ which includes education details, qualifications, work experience details, three ‘about you’ questions and two additional questions (where employers have asked for more information). 
  5. When you hear back, you’ll either be politely declined or offered an interview. The interview could be online or in person. This will be the final step of the application, making or breaking your offer!

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4 tips for securing a degree apprenticeship placement

1. Start early

Degree apprenticeship vacancies are advertised year-round by employers, unlike university applications which follow a specific cycle. Each vacancy specifies the application deadline and the anticipated start date for the apprenticeship.

If you begin researching well in advance, you can make your decision of where to apply and build your application with plenty of time before the deadline. If you’re ready to, you can even apply super early as it’s likely that the employer will view any applications coming in as and when they’re submitted. Accordingly, you’ll have the chance to impress employers and make an impression for consideration before your competition rolls in.

Also, getting started early will allow you the time to connect with professionals in your desired industry through networking events, online platforms, and career fairs where you can gain further insights into your prospects and potentially uncover hidden job opportunities.

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2. Curate your CV and cover letter for your degree apprenticeship

You need to spend time on these steps so that you can thoroughly revise anything you submit and ensure it’s as polished as possible. Employers will be looking for candidates who put effort, time and thought into their applications.

Your CV should be professional and thorough, yet organised and concise.

Follow these CV tips:

  • Include your contact details: name, email address, phone number and potentially your house address. 
  • Write a small biography paragraph (roughly 100 words) about yourself at the start of your CV. This should showcase your pertinent qualities, skills, and experience tailored to the position you seek. Avoid excessive elaboration; instead, aim to captivate the employer’s interest and compel them to delve further into your profile.
  • Include a clear academic history section with the institutions you attended and the grades you received. 
  • Include a work experience section with who you worked for and what you did. In this section, you can include real jobs you’ve had (if any), along with work experience, internships and work placements. It’s best to outline your employment history in reverse chronological sequence. Prioritise details that bolster your apprenticeship application, leveraging any experience to underscore transferable skills.
  • Only include interests and hobbies if they’re relevant to the position you’re applying for or demonstrate an impressive achievement.
  • Make your CV clear and presentable. Information should be easy to digest and laid out logically. 
  • Choose an appropriate text font and size. Think about the format.
  • Make sure your CV looks professional. It should not look messy or include typos or grammar and spelling errors. 

Ensure that you tailor your application! Your cover letter should be customised according to each apprenticeship.

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Your cover letter should:

  • Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications that match the job requirements.
  • Showcase your talents: Emphasise any relevant work experience, extracurricular activities, or personal projects that showcase your skills and commitment to your chosen career path.
  • Directly respond to the job post, describing why you’re excited about this role and why you’d be good at it.
  • Use the ‘buzz words’ and phrases from the company’s job posting and description. 
  • Include true information only. No lies or over-embellishments. You could be caught out, which might cost you the job!
  • Include up-to-date information. A medal you won when you were nine is no longer relevant.
  • Include relevant information. Your cover letter is written to the employer regarding your interest in a specific position, hence it must remain specific to that. You can mention experience and skills so long as these are relevant to the role and you remain concise in doing so. Your interest in horse riding should not be brought up in your cover letter for an Engineering degree apprenticeship.
  • Include your knowledge of the company and/or department you’d be working in. Don’t start writing down everything you’ve researched! Try to sprinkle in things you like about the company that attract you to work there, or that are relevant to your desired role.
  • Flawless written English. Proofread and ensure there are no typos, spelling or grammar mistakes. 

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Your application could include questions like:

  • What are your main strengths?
  • What skills would you like to improve during this apprenticeship?
  • What are your hobbies and interests?
  • Why are you interested in this role?
  • What attributes do you have that make you suitable for this role?

When answering these questions, remember to give examples. Don’t just say you have excellent communication skills, prove that you do by talking about a time you’ve put them to the test. If you find yourself having a mind blank, ask your friends, family and teachers to weigh in on your employable qualities for inspiration. Similarly, don’t answer a question about interests with anything that might make you sound like an unreliable or poor worker; try to use this question as an opportunity to sell yourself. Also, remember to highlight the job advert. What skills, traits and experience are the employers looking for and how can you weave these into your answers?

Please note: Never leave boxes on application forms blank as this could make the employer think you haven’t seen the question or don’t want to answer it. If it’s a question about yourself, it can look lazy. Remember, you can always write ‘not applicable’ or ‘no thank you’ if necessary. 

Also, remember not to get discouraged by rejections! This is a normal part of the process and will help you to improve your approach based on feedback. Keep applying!

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3. Seal the deal in your degree apprenticeship interview

Prepare for your interviews in advance. It’s never too early to get started. The more you practise, the more comfortable you’ll grow in an interview setting and with thinking on the spot. Push yourself to be in situations where you need to socialise with new people and improvise as it will exercise these relevant muscles. Get support from our expert Interview Training Tutors to prepare for your interview.

Practise common interview questions and be ready to demonstrate your passion for the field, your motivation to learn, and your ability to balance work and study commitments. You can practise with teachers who teach subjects relevant to your industry; similarly, you can take turns with peers in relevant subjects to interview each other. However, be careful not to memorise answers as this could stop you from engaging in the moment and being spontaneous which interviewers like.

Once you’ve got your interview, craft insightful questions for the interviewer, and ensure that you have relevant and insightful things to mention about the company.

In your interview, confidently discuss your strengths, areas for growth and career aspirations. Make a positive impression by dressing appropriately – while a suit may be suitable for some positions, business casual attire is often preferable. Employers understand that younger candidates may lack extensive work experience, so don’t worry about that if this is the case for you. Instead, focus on attributes like reliability, punctuality, and digital skills. Relax, express enthusiasm for the apprenticeship opportunity, and demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.

Also, stay informed. Stay updated on industry trends, apprenticeship openings, and application deadlines by regularly checking job boards, company websites, and professional forums. You can mention this knowledge in your interview and impress the employer.

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4. Balancing work and study in a degree apprenticeship

Remember, in your degree apprenticeship, you will need to balance work with study. So, show your potential employer that you’re up for the challenge and appropriately equipped! 

Mention your organisation and multitasking skills in your application and interview. Talk about times you’ve had to balance something alongside studying, for example, you could mention swimming competitively nationwide whilst completing your A levels.

Of course, if you get your desired role, you’ll have to put these words to practice so don’t make any promises you can’t keep.

Here are some tips for balancing work and study:

  • Establish a clear schedule that allocates dedicated time for both work and study.
  • Prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance to stay organised and focused.
  • Set realistic goals for each day or week to track progress and maintain motivation.
  • Utilise effective time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to enhance productivity.
  • Communicate openly with employers and academic supervisors about workload and deadlines.
  • Take regular breaks to prevent burnout and maintain mental well-being.
  • Stay flexible and adaptable to adjust your schedule as needed to accommodate unexpected demands.
  • Maintain a healthy work-life balance by incorporating leisure activities and relaxation into your routine.
  • Seek support from mentors, colleagues, or academic advisors if you encounter challenges in balancing work and study commitments.
  • Remember to prioritise self-care practices, including sufficient sleep, healthy eating, and regular exercise, to sustain energy levels and focus.

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Success stories of individuals who have completed degree apprenticeships

Still unsure or need some inspiration? 

Click here to have a look at the success stories of many individuals across the UK who have completed degree apprenticeships. Their journeys demonstrate the possibilities and opportunities that come with pursuing a degree apprenticeship

How we can help

Your degree apprenticeship could shape your future.

If you’re serious about securing a competitive degree apprenticeship, reach out to our experts. Our professional Postgraduate Tutors at The Profs are here to help. We have tried and tested methods of success, so why not join our thousands of previous successful students?

With our guidance and personalised support, you can explore your options, navigate the application process, and make informed decisions about your future. We can guide and advise you every step of the way to ensure that your best foot is put forward and you stand out from the crowd. 

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FAQs

Are there medical doctor degree apprenticeships?

Yes, there are degree apprenticeships for medics. The apprenticeship usually spans five years, during which apprentices must fulfil all academic aspects of medical education, including obtaining a medical degree and passing the Medical Licensing Assessment. Additionally, they must satisfy the criteria established by the General Medical Council to gain admission to the Medical Register.

What degree apprenticeships are there for international students?

For international students considering applying for an apprenticeship, meeting residency requirements and possessing the necessary work eligibility and visas are essential. Should you have inquiries regarding applying as an international student, it is advisable to reach out to the prospective employer for further clarification.

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What degree apprenticeship can I get with PWC? 

Yes. PwC’s Flying Start degree programmes provide individuals with the chance to commence their careers and pursue a degree concurrently. You can choose from areas such as accounting, business management, or technology. Regardless of the chosen programme, participants engage in various projects within a diverse and innovative culture. 

How do I find degree apprenticeships near me?

You can use the search tool on gov.uk, UCAS or LinkedIn and select a radius close to your address. You can also ask around in your local area. Read this article for further information.

Is there a midwifery degree apprenticeship near me?

There are midwifery apprenticeships throughout the UK, so it’s likely that you can find something easily commutable. Again, use the search tools on gov.uk, UCAS, LinkedIn, NHS or whatever platform you choose to search within your area.

Can I get a degree apprenticeship with HSBC?

Yes. HSBC offers degree apprenticeships in Wealth & Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, and Digital Business Services.

Can I complete a Biomedicine degree apprenticeship?

Yes, you can. Multiple universities offer Biomedicine degree apprenticeships.

Does Morgan Stanley offer a degree apprenticeship?

Yes. Morgan Stanley’s Apprenticeship programmes cater to recent school graduates keen on pursuing a degree or qualification while acquiring practical experience within the banking sector.

Does the Bank of America offer a degree apprenticeship?

Yes. The Bank of America offers degree apprenticeships. Most recently, they advertised for 2 positions in London called ‘Global Markets (Equities) Product Technology Apprenticeship’ and ‘Global Markets Technology Career Transition Apprenticeship’.

Does NatWest offer apprenticeships?

Yes. NatWest offers two types of apprenticeships: on-the-job training and off-the-job training.

What is the JP Morgan apprenticeship?

JP Morgan’s apprenticeship programme, available at their Bournemouth & London offices, provides students with a thorough introduction to the financial services sector. It offers the opportunity to earn industry-recognised qualifications while gaining practical experience alongside seasoned professionals. 

Participants will expand their professional network, receive insights from senior leaders, and learn from industry experts. By applying classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios and making significant contributions to JP Morgan’s business, students will develop both technical expertise and practical skills to advance their careers in various directions.

Does Goldman Sachs offer a degree apprenticeship?

Yes. Goldman Sachs Degree Apprenticeships span four years and are designed for students pursuing undergraduate degrees at Queen Mary University of London or the London Institute of Banking and Finance. Their programmes cover three key areas: FICC and Equities, Engineering, and Operations. These apprenticeships provide students with invaluable hands-on experience and the chance to develop their skills while earning a degree from renowned institutions.

Does KPMG offer a degree apprenticeship?

Yes. KPMG’s apprenticeships provide individuals with the opportunity to acquire practical experience and cultivate essential skills for their future careers. 

Participants are guided to attain professional qualifications and certifications, including diplomas and degrees while earning a competitive salary ranging from £23,000 to £25,000. These apprenticeships offer a dynamic path to personal and professional growth, equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive in the workforce.

Can I do a degree for free?

A great way to complete a degree for free is to take a degree apprenticeship. Read this article for more information to help you decide if this is the right path for you.

If you’d like to study a traditional degree, you can apply for full-tuition scholarships or have your degree sponsored. However, you should bear in mind that these options are extremely competitive. 

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Who pays for a degree apprenticeship?

Your employer and the government will pay for your degree apprenticeship.

Do I have to pay if I quit my degree apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship providers are prohibited from requesting apprentices to reimburse any expenses related to training, examinations, or additional activities.

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