What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a work-based training programme and is a mixture of both on-the-job training and studying that is either provided by the employer or by a partner college or university. As an apprentice you will be paid.
There are different levels of apprenticeships, leading to different levels of qualifications. Intermediate Apprenticeships lead to the equivalent of five GCSE’s, Advanced Apprenticeships lead to the equivalent of 2 A’levels and Higher Apprenticeships lead to the equivalent of an HND or Foundation Degree. Apprenticeships which lead to a full Undergraduate degree are called Degree Apprenticeships.
Where can I find vacancies?
To search for opportunities, visit our list of Degree Apprenticeships Vacancies.
What is a sponsored degree?
Traditionally a sponsored degree is a programme largely based at university but the student will have guaranteed work placements with the sponsoring company during the course of their studies and the potential of employment on graduation. sponsored degrees are now being developed as Degree Apprenticeships as this means the companies will receive financial support from the government to part fund the programme. The focus of some of these programmes is now shifting towards being a work based scheme, with regular part time placements at university.
There is a huge difference between different sponsored degree programmes and what they offer and this will continue to change as more become Degree Apprenticeships.
Here are some details of current sponsored degree programmes available in the UK
Airbus
Airbus offer Sponsored Degrees in Engineering, Finance and Manufacturing Business Support. All are 3 year undergraduate degrees including work experience and are based at one of their four partner universities. Search for “No specific university” and either Engineering or Business & Administrative Studies as the subject you are interested in, to find these sponsored degrees on our database.
Barclays
Barclays now offer a Higher Apprenticeship. This is effectively the same as a sponsored degree in that you will graduate with a degree from Anglia Ruskin University and it will be paid for by Barclays. You will also be working in conjunction with your studies, receiving on the job training at the same time. Search for “Anglia Ruskin University” as the Institution and “Business & Administrative Studies” as the subject to find this Degree Apprenticeship on our database.
Capgemini
A 4 ½ year IT Degree Apprenticeship Programme. Graduate with Aston University studying a BSc (Honours) in Digital & Technology Solutions degree, working at the same time, knowing will gain the skills and experience to have a rewarding career in the IT sector. Search for “Aston University” as the Institution and “Computer Science” as the subject to find this Degree Apprenticeship on our database.
CGI
CGI offer two sponsored degrees, one that is Technical, designed for those who want to pursue an IT/Computing career and another with a Business Focus for those that are interested in Business Management and Project Management careers. Degrees are awarded by the University of Winchester. To find these sponsored degrees on our database search for “University of Winchester” as the Institution and either “Computer Science” or “Business & Administrative Studies” as the subject.
Experian
The Global FTSE 100 company Experian offers a BA(Hons) in Management and Leadership sponsored degree programme in conjunction with Nottingham Business School . To find this sponsored degree, search for “Nottingham Trent” as the Institution and “Business & Administrative Studies” as the subject on our database.
Innovative Manufacturing and Engineering sponsored degree
Students on this degree are sponsored by members of a consortium including Bosch, Eaton-Cooper Industries, GSK, Johnson Matthey, Moog, Nestlé. Each student will have the opportunity to be sponsored and have salaried training within the consortium, for the duration of their studies, and will have a dedicated route to employment with the industrial consortium upon graduation. To find this sponsored degree search for “Loughborough University” as the Institution and “Engineering” as the subject on our database
KPMG
A 6-year programme that gives you the opportunity to join the KPMG Audit team, gain an accounting degree from either the University of Birmingham or Durham University and become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant. All your tuition and university accommodation fees are paid and you will receive a starting salary of around £20,000 (in London). To find this sponsored degree search for either “Durham University” or “University of Birmingham” as the Institution and select “Business & Administrative studies” as the subject on our database.
MBDA
A four year programme leading to a degree in Business Studies from either Bolton or Hertfordshire University. To find this sponsored degree, search for either “University of Bolton”, “University of Hertfordshire” as the Institution and “Business & Administrative Studies” as the subject on our database.
Morrisons
Study for a BSc (Hons) in Management and Business at the University of Bradford whilst also gaining hands on practical experience across the Morrisons group leading to a job when you finish. To find this sponsored degree, search for “University of Bradford” as the Institution and “Business & Administrative Studies” as the subject on our database.
Nestle
The Nestle Academy Fast Start School Leavers Programme allows you to study for a BA in Professional Business Practice whilst gaining practical experience in a global business. You’ll study for a BA (Hons.) degree in Professional Business Practice at Sheffield Hallam University and combine this with Placements in a number of business functions. To find this sponsored degree, search for “Sheffield Hallam University” as the Institution and “Business & Administrative Studies” as the subject on our database.
Nestle are also offering a Degree Apprenticeship in Food Manufacturing at the University of Lincoln.
PWC
If you know you want to ultimately have a career as an accountant, then the PwC-endorsed degree offers the best of both worlds Flying Start Degree Programme offers a traditional university experience as a full-time student, alongside paid work placements within the Assurance practice and real exposure to their clients. To find this sponsored degree, search for either “Newcastle University”, “University of Reading” or “University of Nottingham” as the Institution and “Business & Administrative Studies” as the subject on our database.
If you know of any other sponsored degree programmes currently available do let us know and we will add them to the list.
