Degree apprenticeships: where do you start?

A degree apprenticeship combines employment with degree-level study. It can be an appealing route if you want to develop through real work alongside academic learning, but the role itself deserves as much attention as the qualification.

Compare the everyday experience

Think about the type of work you would enjoy, where the job is based and how study fits around it. Read the programme description carefully. Compare this with the content, flexibility and daily experience of a university course rather than assuming one route is automatically better.

Follow each employer’s instructions

You apply for a degree apprenticeship much like a job, generally through the employer’s recruitment process. There is no single application timetable for every programme. Track individual opening dates, deadlines, requirements and stages. In England, the government’s Find an apprenticeship service is one place to look, alongside employers’ own careers pages.

Research beyond the company name

Find out what the team does, who it serves and what the advertised role involves. Write down why those responsibilities interest you. A specific reason will help you decide whether to apply and prepare a more thoughtful answer.

Gather examples of how you work

Projects, part-time work, volunteering, responsibilities at home and school activities can all provide examples. Explain the situation, what you personally did and what you learned. Be honest about your contribution and avoid memorising a script that does not sound like you.

Prepare for the stages you are actually given

Some employers use online assessments, interviews or assessment centres. Read the instructions for your programme and practise the relevant skills. If you need an adjustment, ask the recruiter how to request it in good time.

Your next step

Find two programmes that genuinely interest you. Compare their roles, study arrangements and application requirements. Make a simple tracker and choose one application to research in depth.

Our degree apprenticeship guidance is provided by people who have successfully secured apprenticeships and can support applications, CVs, assessments and interviews.

Requirements vary by course, employer and application cycle. Always check the current official information for your choices.