Curious about Degree Apprenticeships? You have come to the right place! The ONE Group employed two of their very own Degree Apprentices, Andy Clarke and me… Becca!
If you're curious about how degree apprenticeships work and the benefits they offer, this blog outlines the experience from both an employer and apprentice perspective.
Understanding Degree Apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to work full-time while simultaneously pursuing a qualification, whether it's a degree or a specialised certification relevant to your career. Did you know these apprenticeships are not exclusive to school leavers or recent graduates? They're open to individuals of ALL AGES (say whaaat?!) seeking a career change or a chance to enhance their existing skills.
The Funding Structure
The Apprenticeship Levy plays a crucial role in financing degree apprenticeships. Large employers contributing over 3 million annually automatically receive funding for training. Smaller businesses, although subject to a different percentage payment, also benefit with larger enterprises supporting apprenticeship training. Read more about funding here.
Benefits of Degree Apprenticeships
From an apprentice's perspective, a degree apprenticeship offered us the opportunity to gain skills relevant to our chosen careers. We received a salary AND obtained a qualification without incurring debt.
For employers, in this instance The ONE Group, were able to ‘mold’ us apprentices to meet their specific requirements, blending our fresh perspectives with practical skills gained during the apprenticeship. A win-win for all!
Degree Apprenticeships VS Traditional University Degrees
Degree apprenticeships offer the best of both worlds - a recognised qualification, the exact same as a full-time university degree, coupled with real-world industry experience. This combination sets apprentices apart in the talent world, providing a competitive edge over traditional graduates who might lack the practical experience.
Degree apprenticeships typically span four years, with a balance between workplace responsibilities and a specific number of hours per week dedicated to studies. This structure allows apprentices to apply theoretical knowledge immediately in their roles, accelerating the learning curve.
Graduation and Additional Qualifications:
Upon completion, degree apprentices attend a traditional graduation ceremony, blending in with full-time students. Degree apprentices often earn additional qualifications, for example, Andy and I both obtained a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accreditation, showcasing our commitment to professional development.
Advice for Aspiring Apprentices
If you're contemplating a degree apprenticeship, we would both 100% recommend it as an alternative to the traditional university route.
Our advice? Assess your commitment level, as it demands dedication, a lot of time and a balance between your work and study. If you're seeking a dynamic, hands-on experience that propels you ahead in your career, this will be the perfect route for you.
If your business is looking for fresh ideas and committed talent, provide opportunities for degree apprentices to join your business! Or invest in your people and offer them the opportunity to study a degree and expand their skills. Trust us, as a business we have experienced it and seen the benefits from doing so!