Why Should I Choose to Do a Degree Apprenticeship?
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Degree apprenticeships are a new route into higher education, combining university study with practical skills gained in the workplace and the security of a regular salary. Degree apprentices work towards either a Level 6 (bachelor’s) or Level 7 (master’s) qualification.
In this guest blog, Pearson Business School outline the key reasons why a degree apprenticeship is a smart career choice...
1. Your tuition fees are paid
As a degree apprentice, the company that employs you uses their Apprenticeship Levy funds to cover the cost of your degree. This means that the £9,250 per year doesn’t have to be covered by you.
2. You'll get a degree and work experience
Working alongside learning brings academic theories together with professional work experience.
As a degree apprentice, you'll get a rich insight into the modern business world, helping you to challenge ideas and form your own opinions.
"For me, a Degree Apprenticeship seemed like the only reasonable option - I knew the traditional university route didn't align with my interests.
Earning whilst learning and being immersed in a professional environment from day one were the key factors for me." - Niamh Mulhall, Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice
3. You'll be paid a salary
Apprentices are treated as full-time employees, meaning they are paid a regular wage. Whilst a permanent role is not guaranteed, 90% of apprentices stay with the same employer once they’ve completed their apprenticeship.
4. Be valued by employers
Over three quarters (79%) of businesses expect to increase the number of higher-skilled roles over the coming years; that’s according to Pearson Business School’s regional analysis in the 2018 CBI/Pearson Education & Skills Survey ‘Educating for the Modern World’.`
The survey also found that businesses look first and foremost for candidates who are ready for the workplace, with 81% of employers citing this as one of the three most important considerations when recruiting school and college leavers.
This highlights that more needs to be done to ensure businesses have access to the skills they need in the future. Degree apprenticeships are a means to help employers acquire the skilled workforce they desire.
5. Give your CV a boost
Writing a CV that stands out from the crowd can be a difficult task. With the job market bursting at the seams, the pressure is on university graduates to find their own success.
Degree apprentices get to work on key projects that can be highlighted on their CV. This means their academic qualifications are supported by relevant work experience.
Read thousands of reviews of degree apprenticeship schemes by clicking below.
6. Start networking before you graduate
Whether it’s face-to-face or through LinkedIn, networking is a key skill that will help you get ahead in the workplace. Initiating connections with industry experts is the first step to becoming an expert yourself.
In 2017/18, there were 814,800 people participating in an apprenticeship in England. So there are also lots of opportunities to work or study alongside other apprentices.
7. Student perks
- UniDays student discounts
- Student discounts online
- Student Railcard
- NUS Apprentice extra discount card
For more information about Pearson College London’s degree apprenticeship programmes, take a look at their website.
Good luck with writing and submitting your applications!
Written by Louise
Louise is a Senior Content Writer at RateMyApprenticeship.co.uk. Having started her own career with four unpaid internships, she jumped at the chance to help others make better, more informed decisions about their futures. Since joining in 2018, Louise has penned countless blogs and how-to guides, alongside award-winning campaigns that connect millions of young people with top employers like Lidl, J.P. Morgan and Police Now. With seven years writing experience, Louise has previously covered everything from Wowcher vouchers to Ghanaian music festivals - making her more versatile than Vaseline. She currently works in Bristol with her cat Peggy