HIGHER LEVEL AND DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS
WHAT ARE THEY ?
Apprenticeships are a great option for those who want to ‘ work , learn and earn ’, as they offer a package of work and study , where you ’ ll earn money at the same time . Being a paid employee of a company , means that you ’ d have a contract of employment and holiday entitlement too . Higher apprenticeships are level 4 & 5 and degree apprenticeships are level 6 & 7 . You can take a look at the UCAS website which provides a breakdown of the differences , entry requirements and information on applying . There are thousands of different apprenticeships out there in a range of industries and according to the Department for Education , 90 % of apprentices stay employed after completing an apprenticeship .
HOW ARE THEY ASSESSED ?
As an apprentice , you will have an
‘ endpoint ’ assessment to check the knowledge , skills , and behaviours you have gained throughout the apprenticeship : by the end of your training , you will usually complete a practical assessment , a project , an interview , and presentation , and sometimes a written test .
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY ?
You will be employed by a company so a great deal of your time will be spent in the workplace . You ’ ll also have time for independent study with the support of a linked college or training provider ( for higher apprenticeships ) or a linked university ( for degree apprenticeships ). If you go onto study a degree apprenticeship , your university fees will be covered , and many universities provide additional benefits that undergraduate students receive . For details about any additional benefits , do make sure to look at university websites .
HOW AND WHEN DO YOU APPLY ?
An apprenticeship is a real job , so you ’ ll need to check the employer or training provider ’ s requirements outlined in the job advert and follow the application instructions . You ’ re not limited to one application , so you can apply for as many as you like to increase your chances of success and there will likely be vacancies all year round . Search on gov . uk for vacancies , and also the UCAS website for useful information about different apprenticeship vacancies and real student experiences . Hot off the press : from 2024 , you will be able to apply specifically for degree apprenticeships through UCAS .
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