How to Get a Degree Apprenticeship

A degree apprenticeship is a paid job where the apprentice works for an employer while studying for a university degree at the same time. Apprentices split their week between work and academic study, graduating with a full bachelor’s degree. In addition, degree apprentices pay no tuition fees - the employer covers these costs.

The financial gain is staggering. For a typical degree apprentice, the financial upside compared to a traditional university route is at least £150,000. This figure accounts for your degree apprentice salary (opens in a new tab) (c. £30,000pa), your waived tuition fees (opens in a new tab) (c. £10,000pa) and lack of maintenance loans (opens in a new tab) (c. £10,000pa), over a three year period. In addition, you are likely to be able to command an enhanced starting salary upon graduation. At this stage, most apprentices are offered full-time contracts.

Key Takeaways

• Degree apprenticeships offer a paid path to a full degree with no tuition fees, creating huge long-term financial advantages.

• Competition is intense - fewer than 1% of applicants succeed, demanding extensive preparation long before applications open. Understanding the selection process is vital if you want to succeed.

• Strong applications rely on tailored CVs, deep company research, and detailed, well-crafted responses that align to each Job Description.

• Online tests, interviews and assessment days evaluate resilience, communication, teamwork and workplace readiness.

What’s the catch?

Degree apprenticeships are definitely the new gold standard for school leavers - they almost sound too good to be true. But there is a catch: fewer than 1% of all degree apprenticeship applications result in an offer - the selection process is highly competitive. For some context: approximately 16% of Oxbridge applicants receive offers (opens in a new tab).

This article is based on insights from over 20 degree apprentices and employers, and aims to give you the inside track on the application process. So read on to dramatically increase your chances of success.

Hard yards

Applying for a degree apprenticeship is not for the faint hearted. The process is highly likely to involve rejections and setbacks. You have to be willing to put in the hard yards - most degree apprentices report spending 100+ hours researching, networking, applying, practising etc. - and that is a big time commitment. But, given the financial upsides, that’s still a great return on investment.

Phase One: The Non-Negotiable Prep

Success begins long before Year 13. You need to build a portfolio of evidence that will make your application compelling. In years 11 and 12 you should:

Build a Bank of Evidence

Employers seek more than just grades; they want demonstrable workplace readiness. Every experience you gain is a building block:

• Work Experience & Volunteering: This is non-negotiable. Look for insight days, summer schools and formal work placements. Even part-time work or volunteering provides tangible, transferable skills. If you’re struggling to find in-person experiences, virtual work experience is a great alternative, for example, Springpod.

• Extra Relevant Qualifications: Use free online courses (MOOCs) to gain specific, relevant skills in your chosen field. For example, if you’re applying for a finance role, complete a course on data analysis. If it’s digital, explore a coding or cyber-security taster course. Check out Futurelearn (opens in a new tab) or LinkedIn Learning (opens in a new tab) - they are both awash with great courses.

• Networking: Create a professional LinkedIn account. Use it to connect with current degree apprentices and relevant professionals in your target companies. When you send a connection request, always include a polite, professional and personalised message. Nurture these contacts by engaging with their posts - you are building a supportive network before you even apply.

Research

Degree apprenticeships do not follow the neat, fixed cycle of UCAS. You have to undertake individualised research:

• Where to Search: You should use AI to create a shortlist of degree apprenticeships of interest, and then head to the specific careers pages of those organisation’s websites. Here you can find out when applications open and close - make a note of these dates. If there are insight events or open days, you should attend these.

• When to Apply: Most applications open between September and December of Year 13. Always apply early. At this point, they will be less overwhelmed with applications.

• Keep Your Options Open: Always submit a back-up UCAS application for a traditional degree. This ensures you have a Plan B.

Phase Two: The Online Application

This is the most critical stage. The rejection rate at this hurdle is unforgiving (in the region of 80%), often due to avoidable errors. You must treat every application as a unique job application. Here’s how to get shortlisted:

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter

Do not use a generic CV. Every element must be cross-referenced against the specific Job Description (JD).

• The Job Description is Your Map: The JD outlines the essential skills and attributes the employer seeks. Your CV and Cover Letter must explicitly demonstrate, with evidence, that you possess these qualities.

• Proofread - No Excuses: A single mistake on your CV could be fatal. Get someone you trust - a teacher, a professional, a family member - to proofread every document. While AI can help with grammar checks, do not rely on it alone.

Master the Online Application Form

Companies use tailored application forms to ask in-depth questions. Completing these applications is time-consuming:

• Draft Offline: Copy all the application questions into a separate Google Doc (or similar). This allows you to utilise advanced spelling and grammar checks, refine your answers and save your work.

• Maximise Word Count: If the limit is 500 words, write at least 470 words. An answer that doesn't use the full allowance signals a lack of knowledge or commitment.

• Demonstrate In-Depth Research: Your answers must prove you understand the company, the role and the wider industry. Reference recent company news, their core values, or a specific project to show you haven't simply copied and pasted.

• The "Optional" Sections are Mandatory: If a section of the application is labelled as “optional”, it is not optional for a serious candidate. Use every section as an opportunity to sell yourself.

• Use AI for Research, Not Writing: AI is a powerful tool for gathering ideas and research points, but do not rely on it to write your final answers. Some companies employ AI checkers to spot generic or fabricated content.

Phase Three: Virtual Assessments

If you pass the initial screen, you are likely to encounter online assessments designed to test your core competencies. It’s important to note that each organisation will have their own unique methods of selecting candidates. As such, it’s vital that you prepare accordingly. 

Below are some common methods of assessing that companies use before the final assessment day.

Psychometric Tests and Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs)

Many firms use Psychometric Tests and Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs) to evaluate your cognitive abilities, personality and fit for the role.

• Practice is Key: You can find mock psychometric tests and Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs) online. Practise them until you are comfortable with the format and time pressure.

• Know Your STAR: For competency-based questions, structure your answers using the STAR technique: - Situation: Briefly set the context - Task: State what you had to achieve - Action: This is the most detailed part. Explain what you did and why you did it, explicitly referencing the skills you used - Result: State what you achieved and what you learned.

The Interview Stages

The format of interviews will vary significantly, each requiring a different skill set. Here are some of the common formats:

• Pre-recorded Online Interview (e.g. HireVue - an AI-powered selection tool): You are given a question and a limited time to record your answer. The key is to practise speaking clearly, maintaining eye contact with the camera, and delivering concise, evidence-based answers using the STAR technique.

• Telephone or Online Interview: Ensure you have a quiet, professional environment with a reliable connection. Dress smartly, even if it’s a virtual call. Do not rush your answers.

Phase Four: The Assessment Day—Your Final Test

If you receive an invitation to an assessment day, congratulations! You are now likely in the top 3% to 4% of all applicants. This is where you prove you are ready for the workplace. 

Assessment days typically involve a series of activities designed to observe your soft skills, problem-solving abilities, and fit within the company culture. 

Here are some of the common forms of assessment:

• Panel Interview: Prepare for standard competency questions, but also be ready for questions that challenge your knowledge of the company and industry. Ask intelligent, thoughtful questions about the role or the company’s direction - it demonstrates genuine engagement. Pre-prepare answers to common questions and ensure you have a bank of possible questions to ask.

• Group Activity: This tests your teamwork, communication and leadership skills. Focus on contributing thoughtfully, listening and supporting others - it is not about dominating the conversation.

• Presentation: You may be asked to prepare a presentation on a specific topic. Practise your timing, be clear and concise, and ensure your content is interesting and thought provoking.

• Networking Event: This assessment method is often used for roles where great people skills are essential. Remember that you are being observed at all times, even during social breaks. Engage with current apprentices and staff, and treat every interaction as an extension of your interview.

Final Thoughts

The Degree Apprenticeship is a fast-track to financial independence and a powerful career launch. The selection process is hugely demanding, but the reward is commensurate with your efforts. 

You have the roadmap, you know the stakes, and you understand the competition. This journey requires resilience, organisation and relentless focus.

Finally, if you don’t land a degree apprenticeship, you will have climbed a very steep learning curve - and the skills you will have acquired should prove invaluable throughout your career.

Ned Browne is the author of “How to Land a Degree Apprenticeship”.

References:

• How to Land a Degree Apprenticeship: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244507482-how-to-land-a-degree-apprenticeship (opens in a new tab) 

• FutureLearn: https://www.futurelearn.com/ (opens in a new tab)

• Springpod: https://www.springpod.com/ (opens in a new tab)