Information for Apprentices

What is a Degree Apprenticeship?

Degree Apprenticeships are a new type of study programme. These programmes are being developed by employers, universities, and professional bodies working in partnership. They combine full time employment whilst studying part-time at a university. As an apprentice you would be employed throughout the programme, and spend part of your time at university and the rest with your employer.

How do Degree Apprenticeships work?

Most of your time as an apprentice will be in-company, where you will be expected to complete your studies, including course assignments, alongside the work and workplace training provided by your employer.

Many companies recruit straight onto Degree Apprenticeship courses – others sponsor existing employees. These courses are designed to meet the Institute for Apprenticeships Degree Apprenticeship standards to allow companies to use funding from the levy.

Why WMG, University of Warwick?

Warwick is ranked 9th in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2020 and we have a reputation in developing and delivering high quality education programmes. We have worked with leading employers to develop industry-relevant programmes and have delivered these to over 500 apprentices studying against a Degree Apprenticeship standard.

The programmes we have developed with these organisations offer you high-quality education and ensure that you get the right knowledge and skills to apply directly to your job, which organisations want.

WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre

We have a dedicated Degree Apprenticeship Centre on campus where you will study towards your apprenticeship. This innovative space offers an exciting learning environment with open spaces for collaborative and individual work, technology-enabled seminar rooms and a purpose-built laboratory for testing mechanical, electrical and thermal experiments.

Located next to other WMG facilities, you will also have access to any specialist research equipment relevant to your course. Watch a quick tour of the Degree Apprenticeship Centre by Amelia, one of our Degree Apprentices.

-- Degree Apprenticeship Stories --

We think apprenticeships offer a great start to a career, but don't just take our word for it- here is what some of our apprentices have to say:

Danielle

Amelia

Manoj

Maimoonah

Zach

Beverley

Akshaya

Andrew

-- Steps to becoming an apprentice --

Step 1: Find an apprenticeship

All apprentices must be employed by a levy paying organisation. To see the full selection of apprenticeships available, visit the UK Government’s ‘Find an apprenticeship website’ https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.

Alternatively, to see the opportunities available with clients who already work with us, visit our apprenticeship webpages

Step 2: Apply for the apprenticeship

To be accepted onto a Degree Apprenticeship programme, you will need to apply directly to the employer. They will ask you what your current qualifications are as well are more specific questions relating to the area of study you would like to complete. You should also speak about your passion for the subject and how pursuing a Degree Apprenticeship will help you to achieve your career goals.

Step 3: Assessment centres and interviews

You will probably be invited to an interview, an assessment centre or in some cases both. Remember to do your research and come prepared. The interviewers will want to make sure that you will fit in with their organisation and find out how you envisage your future career progressing.

When answering interview questions you could try to use the STAR technique, it will help you structure your answers.

Although the STAR technique can’t help with all questions, such as ‘Tell me about yourself’, It can certainly help with questions which start ‘Tell me about a time when…’

S = Situation

Give some general background to the situation you found yourself in. You don’t have to go into too much detail, but make sure you are clear.

T = Task

What was the brief or project? What was the problem you had to solve or the task you were given?

A = Action

Talk about what decisions you made and why you took them. Include any skills or qualities you demonstrated.

R = Result

What was the result of the project or situation? What were your achievements? Was there anything you would do differently next time? How did you feel about how the process had gone?

Step 4: Receive your offer

Hopefully you will excel in your interview and be offered a role. When you receive your offer make sure you check it over carefully and don’t be afraid to ask your new potential employer if you need clarification on any part of it.

Your offer may still be dependent on your academic grades.

Step 5: Start your apprenticeship

Depending on your employer you will either initially start in the work place or you may be invited to a ‘Welcome Week’ at the university. In either case you will be starting your career working with likeminded people whilst gaining a degree from one of the UK’s leading universities.

-- Elements of Degree Apprenticeships --

-- Our courses --

Undergraduate courses

Applied Professional Engineering Programme

Digital and Technology Solutions

Postgraduate courses

Digital Technology Solutions Specialist

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-- Partners --

Take a look at the current Degree Apprenticeships offered by some of our industry partners below. Visit their websites to see their apprenticeship opportunities and entry criteria.

Or contact us for support to approach your employer about Degree Apprenticeships.

--Case studies--

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--You might also be interested in--

View our courses

University of Warwick information for apprentices