Students Seize Opportunities in Degree Apprenticeship Programs
Notre Dame's students are reaping the benefits of higher and degree level apprenticeships, with several students securing offers from renowned companies. These advanced training programmes, which combine work experience with study, are leading to nationally recognised qualifications equivalent to higher education diplomas and degrees.
Elijah Gatewood-Skeete, a student at Notre Dame, has been offered a place on a degree apprenticeship with Rolls Royce. His journey to this opportunity was not without challenges, as his placement was delayed due to not achieving the required grade in Maths. However, Elijah's determination paid off, as he resat his Maths in Bristol and is now ready to start his apprenticeship on the 9th of September.
Elijah's Zoom interview involved presenting his A-level Product Design portfolio, and he went through a rigorous selection process with thousands of applicants. His hard work and perseverance have been rewarded, and he is now on the path to a successful career in engineering.
Other students at Notre Dame have also been offered apprenticeships in various sectors. A student has been offered a Digital degree apprenticeship with Cox Automotive, another has been offered a Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship with FDM, and yet another has been offered a Quantity Surveying degree apprenticeship with RBA.
Apprenticeships offer a debt-free alternative to university for students who are certain of their career sector. These programmes involve 80% employment, 20% study at college or university, and further work during evenings and weekends. Apprentices receive a salary from their employer during training and gain nationally recognised qualifications such as Level 4 to Level 6/7 certificates or degrees.
The benefits of apprenticeships extend beyond the academic. Students benefit from extensive time in the workplace, a foot in the door with an employer, and can gain a degree or master's level qualification while being paid to study. Apprenticeships also offer potential for career advancement and progression to degree-level education.
The college Careers Department offers a bespoke programme of information, advice, and guidance for students not planning to attend a traditional university. This includes support for students applying for apprenticeships, with email support available for further information.
Some of our upper sixth leavers start on a level 3 apprenticeship and are supported by their company to work their way up to degree level, for example with Plexus Law, Connect Housing, Hallam Solicitors, and the NHS. Notre Dame's students progress to higher and degree level apprenticeships each year.
Large employers such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, BT, PwC, and KPMG actively recruit degree apprentices. Universities often partner with companies to deliver degree apprenticeships in fields like data science, cyber security, accountancy, and civil engineering. Specific programs include the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship and Digital & Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship through accredited providers and employers.
The government supports apprenticeships with funding, with large employers paying the Apprenticeship Levy (payroll > £3 million) and funding training from this. Smaller employers pay 5% of training costs with government covering 95%. For apprentices aged 16-18 or those with education health plans, there is additional support available to employers.
Apprentices must meet certain eligibility criteria, with minimum age, prior qualifications, and employment with eligible UK employers being the main requirements. Apprentices must spend at least 50% of their working hours in England and have the right to work there. The apprenticeship must be with an employer that covers full employment duration including end-point assessment.
In summary, higher and degree apprenticeships combine work and study to gain recognized qualifications and valuable experience. These programmes offer a debt-free alternative to university for students who are certain of their career sector and provide a pathway to success for Notre Dame students.
[1] GOV.UK. (2021). Apprenticeships: how to hire an apprentice. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeships-how-to-hire-an-apprentice [2] GOV.UK. (2021). Apprenticeship funding: how it works. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-how-it-works [3] GOV.UK. (2021). Apprenticeships: levels and standards. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships/apprenticeships-levels-and-standards [4] UCAS. (2021). Degree apprenticeships. Retrieved from https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships/degree-apprenticeships
- Elijah Gatewood-Skeete's journey to a degree apprenticeship in engineering demonstrates the importance of personal-finance planning, as he chose an apprenticeship over university to avoid student debt.
- Notre Dame's students benefit from career-development opportunities through apprenticeships, with some students progressing from level 3 apprenticeships to higher and degree level apprenticeships, such as those offered by employers like Plexus Law, Connect Housing, Hallam Solicitors, and the NHS.
- For those seeking a job-search in the education-and-self-development field, understanding skills-training programmes like degree apprenticeships is essential since many large employers like BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, BT, PwC, and KPMG offer these apprenticeships, often in partnership with universities, providing both work experience and nationally recognized qualifications.
