UCAS Apprenticeships 2024: Application, Eligibility & More

A straight-A student walked confidently into their job interview and was asked, “You have no experience in this field, so why do you expect such a high salary?” Unphased, the candidate replied, “Well, jobs are a lot harder when you don’t know what you’re doing.” He didn’t get the job, but he got a good laugh. Well, there’s a bit of truth behind every joke.

More and more students realise that after graduation, while they hold a degree, they don’t have any work experience to show employers. If you’ve already started wondering about your future career and what you can do to help it, you’ve come to the right place. Applying for an apprenticeship is an excellent way to get real job experience alongside your education. Not sure what an apprenticeship is? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! 

What Is An Apprenticeship?

Heard of learning on the job? That’s the philosophy behind apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are jobs where you can learn, work and gain job experience as a student. Applying for an apprenticeship is a great way to gain hands-on experience to help you in your future career. If you’re hesitant about the idea, this is your sign to let go of your doubts and apply for an apprenticeship. 

Types Of Apprenticeship In the UK

Before applying for an apprenticeship, you should know how they are structured. Once you’ve completed an apprenticeship, you are assigned a basic skill level in that field. In the UK, levels of education range from 1 to 8, with 1 representing low GCSE marks and 8 representing the greatest degree a university may award, the Ph.D. There are four different levels of apprenticeship in the UK:

1. Intermediate

Time to complete: 12-18 months

The most common kind of apprenticeship in the UK is intermediate level apprenticeship, also called Level 2 apprenticeship. Intermediate apprenticeships are the lowest level in terms of academic achievement. They translate to five GCSEs at the A-C level, or 9 to 4 on the new scale. They remain popular because they provide a strong foundation for starting a new career and allow one to earn a level 2 qualification without attending school or college full-time.

2. Advanced 

Time to complete: 15-18 months

Level 3 or advanced levels of apprenticeship are the next up and equivalent to two strong A-Level passes, a BTEC, or a Level 3 NVQ (National Vocational Qualifications). These apprenticeships offer a fantastic chance for recent graduates to gain experience in their chosen sector while pursuing a related degree. It's like walking a tightrope with a harness - it may seem scary, but you know your safety is guaranteed. 

3. Higher 

Time to complete: 3-5 years

Higher apprenticeships are available at levels 4 through 7. The simplest way to describe them is that in the hierarchy of education, Degree 4 is the level of education that comes after A Levels and Scottish Highers and is superior to a BTEC or Level 3 NVQ (National Vocational Qualifications). At these levels of apprenticeship, you will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the field you were working in. 

4. Degree

Time to complete: 3-6 years

This level 6 apprenticeship in the UK is equivalent to an undergraduate-level degree. A level 6 or degree apprenticeship would be most suitable for someone not currently a full-time or part-time student. These levels of apprenticeship program is very time-consuming, so you should think carefully before applying for a degree apprenticeship. Once you are done, you will have a solid base of work experience and have already started building up your savings. 

The degree apprenticeships in UK are offered by UCAS as well under UCAS Apprenticeships and students can go for it instead of selecting any of the traditional university degree courses. It comes under Level 6 of apprenticeships in UK. Here is more information about degree level apprenticeships in UK:

Level 6 Apprenticeship

The starting point for degree apprenticeships is Level 6, which is comparable to a bachelor's degree and is usually offered by universities. The entry requirements for a degree apprenticeship can differ. Still, there might be some specific criteria like GCSEs and Level 3 qualifications such as advanced levels of apprenticeship, A Levels, BTEC, or NVQ. However, if a candidate has industry experience, some training providers or employers may require fewer qualifications.

Other Apprenticeships in the UK Levels: A Brief!

There are different levels of apprenticeship, which start at level 2 and can go up to level 7. These apprenticeships are based on the different categories that we listed above. Depending on the course, one may need 2-5 years to complete an apprenticeship. 

Level 2 Apprenticeship

A Level 2 apprenticeship is an intermediate apprenticeship. You don't need a formal entry requirement to apply for these levels of apprenticeship, and the best part is that these apprenticeships can be a great headstart for your career in pursuing a higher apprenticeship going forward. It is a completely different way of learning; these apprenticeships are normally considered equivalent to GCSE standards.

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Level 3 is the advanced level of apprenticeship. It's a great option for those who have finished Level 2 and want to take their skills to the next level. Like the other levels, when you finish this apprenticeship, you'll earn a recognized qualification and valuable practical experience. Usually, it's seen as equal to having passed two levels. The requirements and the amount of experience needed may vary depending on the employer you're working with.

Level 4 Apprenticeship

Level 4 apprenticeships are a step up from the previous levels of apprenticeship and are considered higher apprenticeships. They're similar to the first year of a university degree. Even though it's at a higher level, like all other apprenticeship programs, you must have the appropriate roles and responsibilities to be eligible for these apprenticeships.

Level 5 Apprenticeship

The next level of apprenticeship is Level 5, which is like a foundation degree. Since it's a higher level, employers may have some additional requirements. Because of the program's level, most applicants must demonstrate their competence before joining the course. They will also need to undergo a skills assessment to ensure their current role and responsibilities are suitable for the apprenticeship.

Level 7 Apprenticeship

Level 7 is the highest level of apprenticeship comparable to a Master's degree. Since it's the highest level, there may also be some entry requirements. The employer or training provider determines these requirements and may include the following:

1. Completion of a Level 4 or 5 apprenticeship or an equivalent qualification.
2. Completion of a Level 6 higher apprenticeship
3. Relevant work experience related to the apprenticeship

Like other apprenticeships, a Level 7 apprenticeship can be pursued after university, providing an alternative path for graduates who want to continue their education without pursuing a Master's degree. These levels of apprenticeship are considered challenging academically, similar to a Master's degree, and apprentices will also need to balance their jobs alongside their studies.

Who Are Apprenticeships For?

Anyone older than 16 can consider applying for an apprenticeship in the UK. You don’t need to be enrolled in a degree program to pursue an apprenticeship. Even if you are pursuing an education, if you make time and think you can manage part-time work along with your course load, you should consider applying for an apprenticeship. If you reside in the country while pursuing your education, you can apply for an apprenticeship.

What Is The Difference Between A Degree And A Degree Apprenticeship?

Advantages Of A Degree Apprenticeship: Overall Career Growth

There are many advantages to a degree apprenticeship. Some of them are:- 

1. One of the main benefits of a degree apprenticeship is that it is compared to the traditional study route through the university. Your company covers a degree apprenticeship; you will leave with a degree and without any student debt. 
2. As you are studying, you are also employed full-time throughout the degree, and you can earn a salary. It helps you take care of your other goals, and you can direct your funds towards them. 
3. While you pursue a degree apprenticeship, you also develop various soft skills, which include communication skills, working under pressure, completing before deadlines, teamwork and problem-solving. 
4. A student also receives mentoring and support from their employers. 
5. As you are studying and working simultaneously, you can use the knowledge you have learned at your workplace, which will help you get practical experience. 
6. As you are working and studying simultaneously, you will have three years of hands-on experience and numerous contacts you may have made during your tenure in the company. 
7. Students who have opted for degree apprenticeships are technically students; this means you can get all the student discount perks. 

UCAS apprenticeships and Degree apprenticeships: The Indulgence

As you now know about UCAS, let's dive into the relationship between UCAS and degree apprenticeships. 

1. Inclusion of Degree Apprenticeships: 

UCAS  now allows students to apply for degree apprenticeships through its web portal, with traditional university courses. Students can now explore multiple ways, including traditional degree programmes and apprenticeship programs, through the portal. 

Course Information and Entry Requirements: UCAS also provides detailed information about degree apprenticeships that different institutions offer. Interested applicants can find details about different apprenticeship programmes, which include the courses, d

duration and the companies and organisations providing apprenticeships.

2. Application Management: 

UCAS has now included an application for degree apprenticeships in their portal. It has become streamlined for students to browse and apply for their favoured companies. This also means students can manage all of their applications in one place, which also helps them to track their progress and respond to different offers easily. 

3. Equal Consideration: 

Including degree apprenticeships at UCAS is helping students understand that degree apprenticeships receive equal consideration with traditional degree courses. This helps students understand that apprenticeships are of value and also help in career advancement and development. 

4. Support and Guidance: 

As UCAS provides guidance and support to students who consider degree apprenticeships,  It helps students get information and helps them receive advice on how to create a strong application. UCAS also provides resources to help students make sound decisions about their future. 

What Are The Entry Requirements For A Degree Apprenticeship?

Degree Apprenticeships are known to be extremely competitive, and even though they might be quite in abundance, they tend to have a high-quality selection criterion. As you apply for a degree apprenticeship, you will notice that your employer will ask for formal qualifications where you will have to provide at least 5 GCSEs or General Certificate of Secondary Education (A*-C or 9-4) and level 3 apprenticeship qualifications. This includes BTCES or the Business and Technology Education Council. BTECs are usually specialist work-related qualifications. As you will notice, employers will ask applicants for qualifications relevant to the apprenticeship. 

Where to Find UCAS Apprenticeships?

UCAS apprenticeships are the best way to start your career or build your future if you are unsure about pursuing a traditional degree course instead of choosing from a plethora of options in degree apprenticeships in the UK. Degree level apprenticeships in UK are considered easy to find as many companies come in for the intake of apprentices. Here are some ways to find degree apprenticeships in UK you have been looking for, if not, you must start now:

1. UCAS Website

UCAS apprenticeships in UK are all available on the UCAS website. Go to the UCAS website > Click on Apprenticeships > Choose the degree apprenticeships you wish to go for > Apply. 

It is as easy as opening your Instagram reels, isn't it? We would also like to inform you that the UCAS apprenticeships in the UK for the September intake have begun. Employers have posted a total of 290 degree-level apprenticeships. 

2. UK Government Website

UCAS apprenticeships in the UK are easily available on the UK government website. Apply from the numerous options available on the government’s website for the UCAS apprenticeships. The recruitment is about to begin next month in September for UCAS apprenticeships. You must prepare well in advance and be ready with your resume and interview planning. Here are some of the best resume examples you can seek inspiration from for your UCAS apprenticeships in the UK CV.

3. Search outside the web

You can find great UCAS apprenticeships in the UK by looking for them on the career pages of renowned companies’ websites and applying on their job portal. You just have to Google your interest sufficed by the interest area of the apprenticeships in UK. That’s all! 

How to Apply for UCAS Apprenticeships in the UK

UCAS apprenticeships are part of a centralised application system for undergraduate students looking for apprenticeships in the UK while opting for courses at universities and colleges in the UK. Primarily, UCAS apprenticeships started by associating itself with full-time academic courses. However, in the past couple of years, they have expanded to include graduate apprenticeships, commonly known as UCAS degree apprenticeships, in their application process. Very importantly, each employer has their own set of requirements, UCAS apprenticeship process and deadlines. Check out the complete application process below:

1. Research Like There’s No Tomorrow

Intensive research is vital to winning UK degree apprenticeships in the UK application. You must know very well about the role you are applying for. Of course, a phone of a friend won’t hurt. You must be prepared with an interesting CV or Resume specific to the UCAS apprenticeships you wish to apply for. You must also prepare yourselves for the interviews with recruiters.

2. Hobbies, Interests and Much More

You might not have the right work experience as far as the UK degree apprenticeships are considered. Gather a list of hobbies and interests related to the UCAS apprenticeships you aim to apply for. For example, suppose you are applying for technology-related apprenticeships in the UK. In that case, you must list hobbies, certificates and courses (If any) or projects you might have completed before applying for the UCAS degree apprenticeships.

3. Personality Matters 

Your personality is your physical resume, and you must be able to perform your best during your interviews for UCAS apprenticeships in the UK. Showcase your personality instead of various qualities like leadership skills, teamwork, discipline and others. If you back the skillsets with examples, nothing like it during the UCAS apprenticeships in the UK interviews you have planned for yourself.

4. Are you Passionate Enough? 

Your potential employers are waiting for that one hint where they find you in complete alignment with their goals and vision for the future of their organization. You must be able to make them find their trust in you during your UCAS apprenticeships in the UK interviews.

5. The Trick

There are plenty of UCAS apprenticeships in the UK; however, fetching one takes arduous tasks. The most important of them all in your UK degree apprenticeships in the UK is tailoring your application according to the requirements of the company. 

6. Quality Check

We are all humans, and errors are inevitable, quite literally. Agree? However, your UCAS degree apprenticeships in the UK need to be spotless. Run it through friends, family and professors as many times as possible. The more sanity check done, the better your chances of impressing your employers during your interviews for the UCAS apprenticeships in the UK.

If you take care of the process mentioned above and follow the steps, we are sure you will shine in the UCAS apprenticeship UK  interviews you go for and fetch your desired graduate apprenticeships in the UK.

Now that you understand what the various levels of apprenticeship entail, you can focus your search on opportunities that align with your experience. Asset Training offers a diverse selection of apprenticeships in multiple sectors. If you plan to do an apprenticeship in the UK, don't forget to book your student accommodation in the UK to relax after a hectic day!