DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS: GET PAID WHILST GETTING YOUR DEGREE
Degree apprenticeships are a fantastic way to access higher education, whilst avoiding debt and gaining employable skills. Find out more about the benefits and the support apprentices and employers can access…
What are degree apprenticeships?
Degree apprenticeships were introduced in 2015 and combine work with study at university. On completion you will achieve either a Bachelor’s degree (Level 6) or a Master’s degree (Level 7). Degree apprenticeships are generally for people over the age of 18 who have completed A-Levels, a T-Level, a lower level apprenticeship or equivalent and want to study at degree level, usually in a vocational subject.
What are the benefits of a degree apprenticeship?
There are many benefits to completing a degree apprenticeship so let’s take a look at some of them…
- You will be paid a salary, whilst gaining a degree and graduate with no student debt.
- For employers, degree apprenticeships can allow you to gain employees with the skills you need and provide development opportunities for your staff.
- Universities and employers establishing links can help to retain talent in the local area.
- They provide an opportunity for higher education to people who for many reasons may not have been able to go down the traditional university route.
- Degree apprenticeships are designed to provide learners with the skills that are needed by employers/the labour market.
“It was great to be working towards a degree but at the same time being able to put what you learn immediately into practice and see the benefits in a short period of time. This is then amplified when fellow students from differing industries also get to share best practice and gives a real insight into how such similar challenges have very differing approaches when addressing them.”
DEGREE APPRENTICE
Earn whilst you learn
“To be able to do a degree without the burden of a lifelong loan is pretty remarkable. I have friends that went to university some years ago now and who throw their heads in their hands when they receive a pay rise and this is then swallowed up by their outstanding loans”
degree apprentice
Degree apprentices are paid at least minimum wage for their age. On average, in 2024, degree apprentices will earn £21,000 per year (based on large, private sector companies). They will also get paid holidays and sick pays in-line with any other employee at the organisation.
Degree apprentices under the age of 25 who have been in care may also be eligible for a £3000 bursary.
Financial Support for Providers
As with other types of apprenticeships, employers looking to employ an apprenticeship can receive funding through the apprenticeship levy transfer. If you would like to receive or transfer levy funding then you can get in touch with the Liverpool City Region Employer Brokerage team HERE.
“I think my degree apprenticeship was of huge benefit to the employer and continues to be. I was learning the latest industry techniques and trends and being able to immediately use these to benefit internal projects. It also allows the opportunity to share projects with peers and experts within the field and get their honest critique and actually find that what you thought was the best way to design or build something was actually lacking a number of key elements or components. It’s also a great opportunity to share these new skills with colleagues within the workplace so that a wider network of people also benefit from these learnings.”
DEGREE APPRENTICE
Degree apprenticeship providers can also bid for financial support through the Degree Apprenticeship Development Fund. This fund aims to support the development of Level 6 Degree Apprenticeships and to increase equality of opportunity. Between January 2024 and July 2025, £40 million worth of funding will be distributed . To find out more and to apply for funding click HERE.
Why wait? Find your perfect apprenticeship today HERE.
