CAREERS
Degree apprenticeships
still be paid at least the national minimum wage for apprentices, with many places paying much more than this (not to mention receiving wage reviews just as any normal employee). In May 2017, the government introduced the apprenticeship levy, which requires companies to pay a certain amount into an apprenticeship fund. So, businesses that pay more than £3million in wages yearly will pay 0.5 per cent of this amount into the fund to cover training and tuition fees. Small businesses will receive a contribution towards funding from the government – up to 90 per cent of the total cost, with the employer paying the remaining 10 per cent. It’s thought that organisations in England will be investing at least £2.5billion into apprenticeship schemes by 2020.
How can I ace the interview? Remember you are being interviewed as an employee and a student. It’s important to show enthusiasm for the subject and do your research on the company and the industry. Take a look at the candidate profile and make sure to emphasise your
matching strengths with examples of when you demonstrated them. Arm yourself with plenty of relevant questions to ask the interviewer, such as “what will my normal working day look like?” or “what is the culture of the company?”
What industries can I go into? Degree apprenticeships are only available in vocational subjects that demand a high level of academia, meaning the choices are narrower than other apprenticeships. However, the disciplines still cover a breadth of industries, from solicitor to tailor, construction to PR, dental technician to chartered surveyor, and even aerospace engineer to nuclear scientist.
Will I be guaranteed a job? A job won’t be guaranteed at the end of the course (although it is a possibility). However, you’ll still be an employable graduate with the added bonus of a few years’ worth of relevant work experience under your belt. Nevertheless, those on degree
apprenticeships tend to have closer ties
with their employer, and already being employed puts you in a good position for when you finish the course.
Am I eligible? Each apprenticeship programme will have different entry requirements, but candidates do need good A-level results or a certain number of UCAS points. Specific A-level subjects may be necessary depending on what you want to do. Furthermore, candidates will need a willingness to work hard, great time- management skills, confidence, maturity and an ability to learn independently. Remember, a degree apprenticeship is just as academically challenging as a standard degree but with the addition of doing paid work.
So, how do I apply? The National Apprenticeship Service is a good place to get more information or you can visit the government’s Find an Apprenticeship service at
gov.uk/apply- apprenticeship to be redirected to the right place. l
Spring 2018
WhatLive.co.uk 21
What are the benefits of a degree apprenticeship?
• With a full degree and work experience under your belt, you’ll have a head start in your chosen career, as well as the graduate skills you’ll need
• You will be paid a wage throughout the duration of the apprenticeship
• You don’t have to worry about tuition fees and training costs
• Employers often view these apprenticeships as a way of recruiting top prospective graduates and closing the skills gap
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