What is a degree apprenticeship?

It’s a full-time, paid job with a structured development and education programme. A degree apprenticeship offers a mixture of on- and off-the-job training that gives you the skills needed to get ahead in your chosen career and results in a full degree-level qualification. 

What does a degree apprenticeship offer? 

• An exciting and realistic alternative to university
• You earn while you learn
• You get time to study for a nationally recognised degree-level qualification
• You get paid holidays and other benefits of being an employee
• You have the support of a mentor
• If you’re new to the world of work, you can learn invaluable transferable skills like dealing with a wide range of people, making presentations and teamworking

Why do a higher or degree apprenticeship?

• A chance to get ahead – you’ll be starting your career three or four years ahead of your peers who go to university.
• So much choice – there are a wide range of higher and degree level apprenticeships available.
• It’s an opportunity to gain exciting new skills and move up the ladder – your employer may be looking to develop leaders and managers, so the apprenticeship could help you move to the next stage in your career.
• No tuition fees for you to pay – people studying a full time degree course at university can pay around £9,000 a year in tuition fees alone, plus living and accommodation fees etc. With an apprenticeship, you’ll actually earn while you learn.

How do I apply for a degree apprenticeship?

Did you know that apprenticeships aren’t just for new hires? If you’re currently in work, now’s the time to talk to your employer to see what they offer.  We’d recommend starting with your line manager and perhaps also talking to HR.

If you’re not in work, or are interested in an apprenticeship within a different organisation, visit https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentice/what-is-an-apprenticeship. There are up to 28,000 apprenticeship vacancies on the site at any one time.

For further info

Social Work England

For further information, visit the Social Work England website

Search the Apprenticeship Standards – Social worker (degree)

For further information, visit the Apprenticeship Standards website

A day in the life of a social worker

Click on the picture above to go to this interactive activity, which gives you a chance to think about what you would fit into your working day as a social worker. It deals with challenging issues and features adult language which some people may find upsetting.