What are degree apprenticeships? 5 FAQs, answered
Posted on: 27 November, 2024
Degree apprenticeships are emerging as a popular alternative to the traditional university route. Here’s everything you need to know about what they are and how they work.
Apprenticeships have come a long way over the last 10 years. While they’re often still stigmatised and compared unfavourably to the traditional university education, the number of apprenticeship starts is slowly rising in the UK as more students and employers become aware of this alternative route.
At the centre of this gradual increase in awareness is the degree apprenticeship, and the wide range of benefits it can offer both employers and apprentices.
But what exactly are degree apprenticeships? What makes them different from traditional apprenticeships? And why would someone consider a degree apprenticeship over the traditional university route? We’ve answered some of the key questions below:
What are degree apprenticeships?
A degree apprenticeship is a combination of work and education where an apprentice is employed by an organisation whilst studying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
How do degree apprenticeships work?
Degree apprentices will spend the majority of their week at work, as with any other employee. However, at least 20% of their time will be reserved for off-the-job study – this is typically in the form of a ‘study day’. In this time, degree apprentices work towards achieving their qualification.
To facilitate their learning, an employer will partner with an education or training provider to deliver the relevant training and support the progression of their apprentices.
A degree apprenticeship programme can take between three and six years to complete, depending on the nature of the programme they’re studying.
It’s also important to note that individuals cannot apply directly for an apprenticeship – instead, they will need to apply for a place on an apprenticeship scheme with an employer. If they’re selected, the employer will then arrange the delivery of their study with an education provider.
What do you do in a degree apprenticeship?
As a combination of work and study, degree apprentices will typically spend their time between the office, their home and their campus.
For example, an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor may spend four days of their week working alongside the rest of their team and developing in their role, as with any new hire. For the fifth day, they will be in the office, on campus or at home, completing their studies – as with a typical student.
If a degree apprentice studies with an online education provider like UCEM, they can access their learning materials on-the-go and their study times can be made flexible if required.
Is a degree apprenticeship equivalent to a degree?
UCEM offers programmes accredited by professional bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).
To achieve these accreditations, UCEM’s programmes undergo the same evaluation as traditional degrees. This makes them all professional qualifications that are equally valuable to employers.
Are degree apprenticeships worth it?
There are a variety of benefits of apprenticeships for apprentices and employers alike, including:
3 benefits of degree apprenticeships for apprentices
- Avoid student debt
One of the key advantages of this model is the fact that degree apprentices can avoid collecting student debt during their studies. Apprenticeship funding pays for their education, meaning they won’t have to pay back student loans as they progress in their careers.
- Earn whilst you learn
Another key benefit of apprenticeships is the ability to earn whilst you learn. This can be an attractive proposition for people with commitments outside of work who wouldn’t be able to complete higher education without an income.
- Gain experience alongside qualifications
While a recognised qualification is often necessary for a career in areas like real estate, building surveying and urban planning, having on-the-job experience working in the field can accelerate an apprentice’s career progression and give them the professional skills they need.
Learn more: Is an apprenticeship right for me?
3 benefits of degree apprenticeships for employers
- Apprentices are blank canvases
Apprentices can be more easily moulded into an organisation’s practices and processes than graduates. As France White, Senior Project Surveyor at AECOM, told us:
“Hiring apprentices allows AECOM to shape talent from the ground up, ensuring they learn company-specific skills early on.”
- It can widen your talent pool
The ability to earn an income whilst you study (along with the flexibility of online learning at UCEM) can open the doors to talent from different backgrounds for whom traditional university is unsuitable, widening your organisation’s talent pool.
- Supports succession planning
With more and more apprenticeship pathways available, businesses can use apprenticeships to map out their learning and development strategies in line with succession planning and their biggest skills shortages.
Final thoughts
Degree apprenticeships are an attractive option for both businesses and students, and an education model that can offer huge benefits for both parties. And with many employers already paying towards Apprenticeship Levy funds (which will soon be replaced by the Growth and Skills Levy), it makes sense to utilise the funds on offer.
To find out more about apprenticeships and how they could benefit your business, check out the following resources:
