Apprenticeships
Starting to look for an apprenticeship?
The Apprenticeships.Gov team have pulled together their annual Higher and Degree Vacancy Listing. Check this out to see what opportunities are available.
Time is of the essence! Make sure you get your applications in so you can be considered. Don't wait until the deadline to apply as employers can close vacancies early if they have lots of applications.
Higher-Degree-listing_Feb-2021.pdfApprenticeships = Earn while you learn
Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to study for a qualification, gain professional skills, status and accreditation - all while in a real job and earning a salary!
What you need to know
Levels of Apprenticeships:
Level 2 - equivalent to GCSE
Level 3 - equivalent to A-Level
Level 4/5 - equivalent to HNC and HND
Level 6/7 - equivalent to a Bachelors and Masters degree
How long do they last?
Apprenticeships can last anywhere between 1 and 5 years. The time it takes to complete an apprenticeship will depend on the level of the apprenticeship. Generally, the higher the level of the apprenticeship, the longer it will take to complete.
Degree Apprenticeships vs. University - how do they compare?
There are pros and cons to each route, and it does depend on what kind of experience you want over the next 3 years after college.
Degree apprenticeships are extremely competitive - more competitive than equivalent university degrees, so the process of applying can be more tedious and drawn out than the process of applying to universities. You will often have to do multiple online assessments, tests, and perhaps even video interviews before even being interviewed in person. For most university courses, you just have to write a personal statement and complete your UCAS form.
With an apprenticeship, you will be working a full time job in a professional environment. This means that you have to be confident that you are ready for the demands of a full time job. Some students prefer university as a route as it gives them longer to mature, however some students are ready for the workplace after college. A degree apprenticeship is also a lot of work as you are managing a full time job plus studying for a qualification so you might end up studying during your evenings or weekends.
It is also worth looking at what qualification you are getting and where you are studying. Is it a good university or could you get into a better university through UCAS?
University is great for getting the “university experience” and you can often get work experience or placement years on most courses. However, an apprenticeship allows you to spend the majority of your time getting that hands on experience of the workplace and working with experienced colleagues - and on top of that you are getting paid!
As degree apprenticeship applications are so competitive, we always recommend students have a plan B - this could be looking at employment opportunities, applying to university, or pursuing a gap year.
Researching Apprenticeships and Finding Vacancies:
Rate My Apprenticeship is good for finding national apprenticeships. Their Guide to Career Options also has lots of information about apprenticeships, applications and much more!
Websites like The Apprenticeship Guide, Not Going to Uni and The Big Choice are all good for information and vacancies
Amazing Apprenticeships is another great website. They also have put together a Subject Snapshot which shows information on apprenticeships in different subject areas.
Gov Website for finding apprenticeships
Access Southampton Jobs Bulletin is updated every fortnight and contains jobs and apprenticeship vacancies in Southampton
Career Coach shows live labour market information about careers and jobs in Hampshire, as well as vacancies
Unifrog Know How library has lots of information about apprenticeships, as well as a shortlisting tool!
Go direct to company websites
If you know the sector you want to work in, it is always good to look at company websites at their recruitment pages to see what roles are available. Also consider looking at big companies (e.g. University Hospital Southampton, Construction companies) as these offer a lot of roles and apprenticeships in a wide range of areas.