Why it makes sense that Degree Apprenticeships are gaining popularity
In this article, I will discuss the recent rise in popularity of degree apprenticeships and examine why they are becoming a compelling alternative to traditional full-time university.
What is a degree apprenticeship?
A degree apprenticeship is a full-time job at a company; however, you must spend at least 20% of those working hours on training for your degree. You will therefore graduate with a BSc in addition to a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship qualification.
Many universities partner directly with employers to offer degree apprenticeships, and usually take one of two main teaching models:
Block release - this is when apprentices spend a certain number of weeks a year dedicated entirely to study, at least 20%. For example, an apprentice may spend 4 weeks on block release at university, then the next 16 weeks working Monday to Friday at their company.
Day release - this is when apprentices spend a certain day of the week at the university, or learning online. For example, an apprentice may spend Monday to Thursday working, but Friday will be spent at lectures at the university, online or in-person.
Note that during university holidays, an apprentice might still be working. They are still allocated a minimum amount of time for personal development per week (20%), which may be project-based or tutorial-based learning.
Benefits of a degree apprenticeship
As a degree apprentice, you are treated like a normal employee of a company, giving you access to a wide range of benefits and a salary.
Salary: For degree apprenticeships, you can expect to earn between £21,000 and £35,000 for Year 1. Averages around £23,500. For each year, you can expect the salary to increase by £1000 - £2000.
Bonuses: Most employers offer exam and performance-based bonuses, varying between £800 and £4,000 each year. Bonuses vary significantly between industries.
Holiday: You are entitled to at least 20 days of holiday per year (as well as bank holidays); however, most employers offer more generous holiday allowances of 25-30 days, with some giving you the option to purchase more. Optimistically, you may get 25 days of holiday, purchase 5 more, and have 9 public holidays, adding to a total of 39 days of holiday per year.
Transport: Many employers will offer bus routes to work free of charge, and some will cover the cost for you to get to university. Transport will be covered to any client sites.
Work Experience: You receive 3 to 5 years of full-time work experience, and a high majority of apprentices are offered a role in the company after, provided they pass their university exams and achieve the qualification that they were working for.
Tuition-free degree: Your degree is fully funded by your employer and the government’s apprenticeship levy, meaning you graduate with no student loan debt, a major contrast to the typical £50,000 - £60,000 debt faced by university students.
Accommodation: Some employers will cover the cost of accommodation during block release at the university. Very few employers will cover your long-term accommodation, but HR can certainly provide support and advice on relocation, potentially reducing costs and helping with logistics.
Food & Drink: Some employers provide subsidised food and drinks.
Networking & Events: You will have the opportunity to lead and attend many events, growing your network in the process.
Employee Benefits Package: This will include health insurance, pension plans and life insurance, which you can customise depending on your preferences. Some employers offer attractive share discount plans between 10 to 20%, everyday discount plans and free home office setups.
Professional Development Budget: Many employers allocate you a budget to spend on certifications which are relevant to your work, or they will provide the service company-wide.
Mentorship: In almost all degree apprenticeships, you will receive continuous 1-on-1 mentorship from a buddy, a senior colleague and someone from the university.
Volunteering: Some companies offer days off for company volunteering, further enhancing your CV and helping to give back to the community.
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Drawbacks of a degree apprenticeship
The benefits are certainly impressive, so here are some of the most commonly felt drawbacks of degree apprenticeships
Intense workload: Balancing a full-time job with university work is significant; hence, apprentices often have less time than university students.
Less flexibility to change career path: Once you have chosen a career path, e.g. Investment banking or Cybersecurity, it is more difficult than university to switch pathways.
Slower social life: Apprentices miss out on long university holidays, living in dorms, and nights out during the weekdays. However, apprentices still have weekends to socialise.
Extremely competitive entry requirements: The top degree apprentices receive thousands of applications for a few roles. The figure often quoted is that 0.7% of applicants receive an offer. However, instead of UCAS, where you can only apply for 5 universities, you may apply to as many apprenticeships as you want.
Relocation: Apprentices have to go wherever the job says they must go, and must manage a tenancy agreement.
Must pay to resit exams: Any failed exams at university, the apprentice must pay the resit fee themselves (on most apprenticeship programs).
For many, a degree apprenticeship seems like a better option than university
With many current apprentices promoting their lifestyle and the benefits of an apprenticeship over social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, students are curious to research this mysterious pathway that promises £25k+ a year plus a degree.
For many students interested in the following fields, there are a plethora of well-established degree apprenticeship programs.
Investment banking and financial services (e.g. JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs)
Technology, Software Engineering and Cyber (e.g. Amazon, Accenture and IBM)
Engineering (e.g. Airbus, BAE Systems, Siemens, JLR, Rolls-Royce, British Airways)
Law (e.g. Osbourne Clarke)
So, for people who generally know what they want to do, degree apprenticeships may seem very compelling.
However, some might choose the university route to get a broad degree, which keeps several doors open, for example:
Computer Science keeps doors open to software engineering, cybersecurity, IT, AI, machine learning, game development and financial technology.
Economics keeps doors open to investment banking, financial services, and consulting.
Mechanical engineering keeps doors open to aerospace, transport, construction and even finance.
Whatever path you take, the most important factor is alignment with your long-term goals and the lifestyle that you are looking for.
A degree apprenticeship suits individuals who want to accelerate their career, build financial independence early, and gain hands-on experience in industry. It rewards discipline, consistency and ambition.
University, on the other hand, provides greater freedom, broader exploration, and a more traditional academic and social experience. For students who are still discovering their interests, or who want to specialise through postgraduate study, a university might be more suited to them.
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