Careers Newsletter Apprenticeships

Careers News

HOT TOPIC: Apprenticeship What is a degree apprenticeship? A degree apprenticeship enables you to gain a full undergraduate or master’s degree while you work. Degree apprenticeships take three to six years to complete, depending on the course level. You will spend most of your time working and you will also study part time at university. You might go to university one or two days per week, or in short blocks, such as a week at a time. Overall, you spend about 20% of your time studying and 80% of your time working. You will earn an income, the employer pays your university fees but you will not have the long university holidays. • England and Wales both offer degree apprenticeships, with the most options currently available in England. • In Scotland , degree apprenticeships are known as Graduate Apprenticeships . NB: You need to live in Scotland to apply. • Northern Ireland offers higher level apprenticeships (HLAs) that offer you qualifications up to Level 7 which is the equivalent of a master's degree. However, the majority are at Level 5 which is equivalent to a foundation degree. Degree apprenticeships - Learn more here (see UCAS) Degree apprenticeships work differently across the UK:

More information

Take a look at the YouTube clip below. There is a section towards the end of the clip where two degree apprentices explain their role at both KPMG and JP Morgan.

WHERE TO FIND APPRENTICESHIPS:

You can search vacancies for apprenticeship roles online here or on UCAS here. Unlike applying to university with a specific deadline, apprenticeships are promoted throughout the year. In some sectors, such as engineering or law, competition may be fierce, and companies can withdraw the job offer before the advertised deadline. Ask Apprenticeships www.amazingapprenticeships.com offer online support and each month publish a newsletter for pupils and parents. More info in their newsletter: May 2025 - Choices - If you know the company you are keen to join, it is important to research thoroughly, contact the relevant department and if required send a CV and letter of support outlining why you would be ideal for the role. Good to know: As well as International and National companies, such as JP Morgan, GCHQ, WSP, CISCO, PwC and Mini, SME (Small, Medium size companies), regionally or more locally might also be recruiting. Local knowledge is always useful! If you would like more information, help with applications or finding vacancies, get in touch with careerseducation@stedwardsoxford.org If you need help preparing for an assessment centre or writing your CV, please don’t hesitate to ask! We are here to help. Top Tips: - Sign up for automatic alerts!

Before you go …

For more information, please do pop into the Careers Centre during our drop-in sessions on a Wednesday (2 4pm) or Thursday (2-5pm) afternoon to discuss this or any other career related issues with your Careers Advisor, Ms Palethorpe, or Head of Employability and Careers, Dr Ord.

Examples of Apprenticeships

Pharmaceutical Operator Apprentice at Aptuit (Oxford) Ltd . Abingdon base Together for Medicines That Matter - Evotec

“Essential A level in Chemistry. Academic learning will be with Manchester Metropolitan University. After completion of apprenticeship, learners will achieve a BSc (Hons) Scientist (Chemical Science). A career pathway in Pilot Plant management or other areas within the Company’s departments, such as Health & Safety, Chemistry, QA, QC, Engineering.”

Warwick University offers several degree apprenticeships here. For example: Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

“Swanton Consulting Ltd are a consultancy with Civil, Geotechnical and Structural engineers. They have technicians, designers-engineers and site operations. Through years 1-4 they shall expose you to all these areas before working within engineering delivery teams full time from Year 5. A constant focus on becoming the engineer shall be maintained throughout.”

Business and other degree apprenticeships are available at Goldman Sachs:

“The Goldman Sachs Degree Apprenticeships are four -year programmes for students pursuing an undergraduate degree from Queen Mary University of London or the London Institute of Banking and Finance. We offer three Degree Apprentice Programmes within FICC and Equities, Engineering and Operations.” https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/students/programs and-internships/emea/degree-apprentices