The UK government founded degree Apprenticeships to bring together the best of academic and practical education to address the skills and productivity issues that have plagued the UK economy for the last 20-30 years.
Degree Apprentices split their time between study and employment and are employed throughout — receiving a bachelor’s or master’s degree while working and gaining authentic on-the-job experience in their chosen industry. Degree Apprentices do not pay tuition since a company sponsors them. Employers may then utilise funds from their Apprenticeship Levy account to upskill/hire new employees to meet skills gaps within their organisation.
Degree apprenticeships are now only available in England, with plans to extend to other parts of the UK soon.
How do they get their funds?
The monthly Apprenticeship Levy payment may sponsor degree Apprentices for companies with an annual PAYE bill of £3 million or more.
The cost of course fees is shared 90 per cent between the government and the enterprises for smaller organisations that do not qualify for the Apprenticeship Levy (10 per cent). More information on the mechanics of the Apprenticeship Levy may be found on our website, Apprenticeship Levy Explained.
How does it work?
Degree Apprentices must work 30 hours per week and commit at least 20% of their time to off-the-job training. This 20% component may be completed in various ways, including day or block release (attending lectures, seminars, and lab sessions on campus) or distance learning in a virtual learning environment.