Higher apprenticeships are the next level up from intermediate apprenticeships and offer a variety of qualifications. They range from the first year of an undergraduate degree (level 4) to postgraduate studies (level 7). They have an ideal opportunity for you to pursue a professional degree after school or later in your career. As a higher apprentice, you will spend up to 20% of your working week studying for a degree at a college or training provider.
Level 4 Apprenticeship
This is equivalent to an HNC, CertHE, Level 4 NVQ, BTEC, or the first year of university.
Level 5 Apprenticeship
These credentials are the equivalent of a DipHE, HND, Level 5 NVQ, Level 5 BTEC, foundation degree, or second year of university.
Level 6 Apprenticeship
They are equivalent to a BA or BSc degree, a college certificate, a Level 6 NVQ, or a BTEC qualification.
Level 7 Apprenticeship
This equates to a Meng, MA, MSc, Level 7 NVQ, PGCSE, or Postgraduate certificate. Because of the technical aspects of the degree, you will be achieving, the credential part of the apprenticeship becomes very challenging at this stage. Consequently, formal qualifications will be needed to enrol in the course. At the very least, these will be grade three qualifications, such as an advanced apprenticeship, A-Levels, BTEC, or NVQ. You might be able to get away with lower-level certificates if you have a lot of experience in the industry and do not need to have recent degrees.
As a higher apprentice, you will be responsible for several organisational tasks. However, you need not be put off by this; your manager and workplace mentor will be available to assist you if you get overwhelmed.
At the end of the programme, you can be in control of your personnel or practices! You may learn essential employability skills while still receiving specialised training from the boss. A chartered diploma is nearly often used as part of a higher apprenticeship which may be included as part of the apprenticeship or sponsored by the contractor.
After finishing your apprenticeship, you can go on to a higher-level apprenticeship or university. You might be tired of studying for a qualification and want to work full-time for a firm.
What kind of traits do they have?
The supervisor, workplace mentor, and instructor will help you if you want a higher apprenticeship. You would be given many duties as a higher apprentice during the initial induction period, with continuing assistance. You can be in charge of personnel, assignments, or procedures at your organisation within the first few months of your placement!
You will spend 20% of the week studying at work or a college, university, or training firm, focusing on your degree. The rest of your week will be spent working on your internship, but you will also be guided by a job mentor, who may be your manager, another employee, or someone who has already finished the programme.
What kind of credentials would I receive?
The stage of apprenticeship you choose determines the kind of degree you receive from a higher apprenticeship. That may be something from a foundation degree to a postgraduate certificate!
If you lack recent English and mathematics training, you will be required to receive a Level 2 or 3 Functional Skills diploma from fulfilling the apprenticeship course. The teaching organisation will check this for you as you sign up for the apprenticeship. Depending on your employer, you will be asked to concentrate on additional qualifications directly related to your profession. That may be a qualification for using particular systems or machinery at work. It all depends on where you end up working!
How should they work?
The apprenticeship you choose and the company and training company you select decide how an apprenticeship performs. You will undoubtedly dedicate 20% of your time to achieving a qualification; nevertheless, the method by which this is achieved is subject to change. For example, you might practise once a week or take days off from work to study. The form in which this training is conducted often varies. You may learn at work, home, or at a training facility, college, or university.
Is it necessary for me to undertake a more advanced apprenticeship?
Advanced preparation is almost often needed to fulfil a higher apprenticeship. This is due to the difficulty of the educational standard because employers want to see whether you can keep up with the applicable practice. Most higher apprenticeships will include five A*-C GCSEs (9-4 on the new rating system), including English and Maths and category three qualifications such as A-Levels NVQs, a BTEC, or an Advanced Apprenticeship. Higher-level apprenticeships, such as 5, 6, and 7, will necessitate a higher-level qualification; sometimes, they will qualify for the one below the one you need.
If you apply for a level 7 apprenticeship, you would need a level 6 qualification, such as a degree. Employers also expect you to have studied subjects similar to the job you are interviewing for. Higher apprenticeships do not allow direct applications; instead, you must either fulfil an intermediate apprenticeship or work as an employee before being admitted into the programme.
What sorts of higher-level apprenticeships are available?
At the advanced level, there are over 130 different apprenticeships open, including:
- Accountancy Professional
- Animal Trainer
- Associate Ambulance Practitioner
- Associate Project Manager
- Bioinformatic scientist
- Chartered Legal Executive
- Data Analyst
- Dental practise manager
- Facilities Manager
- First Officer Pilot
- Healthcare Assistant Practitioner
- Hospitality Manager
- HR Consultant
- Junior Management Consultant
- Marketing Manager
- Midwife
- Nuclear Technician
- Police Officer
- Postgraduate Engineer
- Retail manager
- Software Developer
- Solicitor
- Teacher
What characteristics does an individual seek in a candidate’s application?
An employer would most definitely like you to have experience – this does not have to be full-time; a part-time job in school would suffice. This is due to the desire to maintain a position while still showing good time management skills. If you do not have this experience, showing your time management and prioritisation skills on your CV will make your application stick out. An employer will also look for real for the business, apprenticeship, and industry. They’ll like to know if you’re a high achiever since higher apprenticeships may be challenging due to their academic existence, and they don’t want you to miss the certification.
Are these apprenticeships only available to recent graduates?
A level 7 apprenticeship is a degree apprenticeship or a graduate programme. This is because entry to the course requires a degree or a degree-level qualification. This apprenticeship would provide you with a postgraduate degree and a wealth of experience!