Exploring Degree Apprenticeships: A Smart Pathway to Career Success

Director of University and Careers Counselling, Asil Al-Shammari recently attended a university fair featuring major employers such as Ernst & Young, PwC (both members of the Big Four accounting firms), A&O Shearman (a global law firm), and Unilever, among others.

As a passionate advocate for degree apprenticeships, Asil believes they provide a vital bridge between education and employment. These programmes combine academic study with hands-on industry experience, enabling students to develop practical, in-demand skills—something traditional university degrees often struggle to provide in isolation.
In the future jobs market, it will pay to have skills that are in demand. The World Economic Forum has predicted these likely skill sets – and how demand for them could grow. 

Degree apprenticeships equip students with the practical skills and on-the-job training aligned with the World Economic Forum’s predictions for the future of work—such as problem-solving, digital literacy, and adaptability—ensuring they are prepared for the evolving demands of the global workforce. Apprentices also earn a salary while they learn, making this a financially sustainable option in today’s economic climate.

Graduates of degree apprenticeships not only earn a recognised qualification (at either Level 6—equivalent to a bachelor’s degree—or Level 7—a master’s), but also gain several years of real-world experience, a strong professional network, and a clear sense of career direction. This makes them highly competitive in the job market. Degree apprenticeships take three to six years to complete, depending on the course level.

If you're a student who already has a clear idea of your post-university career goals, a vocational route like this could help you reach them more directly.

Most degree apprenticeships follow a structure of four days working with the company and one day studying at university—either online or on campus. A growing number of Russell Group universities are offering these programmes, including:

• University of Exeter, which partners with JP Morgan for Applied Finance
• University of Warwick, which partners with Dyson for Engineering, among others

Application deadlines vary by programme, so it’s essential that students research early, identify the type of apprenticeship they are interested in, and prepare well in advance. Applications typically open in Grade 12, and some schemes may begin accepting applications as early as September.

Students will usually need to respond to application questions about their interest in the apprenticeship and demonstrate what they’ve done—academically and through super-curricular and extracurricular activities—to support their career aspirations. Most programmes also include an interview stage.

For more information and personalised guidance, students are encouraged to book a meeting with Asil, our Director of University and Careers Counselling.