Key findings

• Most people chose a degree apprenticeship over a traditional university degree for financial considerations (78%) and the opportunity to gain practical work experience whilst studying (77%).
• 83% rate their overall experience as as either good or excellent. In general, apprentices rate their experience and sense of connection higher with their employer than with the University. However, this is often linked to the greater proportion of time spent working, versus time spent on campus.
• 80% agree that their degree apprenticeship has made a positive contribution to their overall job satisfaction and sense of fulfilment in their current role.
• 89% are confident that their course has given them the skills they need to progress their career (with their current employer) and 83% are confident of this with another (or future) employer.
• 50% of Degree Apprentices have not heard of any of the student opportunities available (for example, the Warwick Award, careers support and other schemes) that we asked about, but they have heard of the student support available. Despite this, only a third of Degree Apprentices are aware of wellbeing support through the wellbeing portal. 100% have employee support available through their employers.

Next steps

The project has been shared with internal departments and committees. We also shared the results of the project with Ofsted in their recent inspection of the Degree Apprentice provision at Warwick.

A number of changes are being considered and implemented:

• We have already published the first Degree Apprentice newsletter from the Student Opportunity team, with the aim of highlighting career support and opportunities to our students.
• We'll be working with University departments to offer departmental communications specifically for Degree Apprentices.
• Now, we are working to develop the second stage of the project, collaborating again with Degree Apprentices to listen, reflect and improve their student experience, whilst looking to include employers as part of that conversation.

Please check your University communications to stay up to date with this project, and be sure to make your voice heard.

A deeper dive into the benefits and challenges of a degree apprenticeship

Our Degree Apprentices identified several perceived benefits and challenges of undertaking a degree apprenticeship:

1. On the-job training and practical experience, the integration of work and study

Students highlighted the value of gaining practical, hands-on experience in their field. They appreciated working on real-world projects and learning directly from industry experts. In particular, they found it beneficial to apply their university learning directly to their job roles. This integration helped them understand theoretical concepts better and see their practical applications.

2. Networking and professional relationships

Building a network of contacts through both work and university was felt to be a significant benefit. Students valued the opportunity to meet new people, including peers, tutors, and industry professionals.

3. Career advancement and financial benefits

The ability to earn a salary while studying and avoiding student debt was a major advantage. Students also appreciated the early career start and the opportunity to progress within their chosen field.

4. Support, mentorship and connection with other Apprentices

Students valued the support from their employers and mentors. Regular meetings and reviews with tutors and line managers helped them stay on track and feel supported. They also valued the opportunity to meet with and study alongside other apprentices, particularly spending time on campus with others on their course.

5. Skills development

Both technical and soft skills development were frequently mentioned. Students particularly appreciated learning new skills that were directly applicable to their roles and future careers. When rating specific skills, the ones most rated as improved were thinking-based skills, such as critical thinking, analytical skills, adaptability skills, learning agility, innovative thinking and problem-solving skills, all of which were rated as either significantly improved or improved. People skills also showed considerable improvement, such as networking skills, skills around collaboration and teamwork, communication skills, leadership skills and influencing skills.

6. Time management and workloads

Time management was the single biggest challenge for the majority of Degree Apprentices. This included difficulties in managing their time effectively, balancing university assignments, exams, full-time work and a life outside of work and study (for example, hobbies or family life). This could lead to feelings of struggling to keep up with both academic and professional responsibilities.

“This project was always going to be unique, in that the views of our apprentices, who are all employed, would provide insights not previously captured in such depth. We have been afforded significant access to their thinking; which supports us to focus on how we might explore further, their experiences and their journey, as they develop into dual professionals. Co-creation is fundamental as we develop and explore."

Jackie Whitehouse
Head of Work-based and Professional Learning
The University of Warwick

"Thank you to every Degree Apprentice who took part in the project. I know that often the market research projects and surveys we run don’t ‘fit’ the Degree Apprentice experience. It was really important to me that we developed a project that provided Degree Apprentices with a bespoke space to tell us about their experiences, in a way that fitted into their already busy schedules. The depth and breadth of the information we received was fantastically rich and we’ve been able to share that to improve the experiences of Degree Apprentices. I’m really looking forward to the next phase of the project!"

Jess O’Brien
Market Research Manager
The University of Warwick