What are Higher level apprenticeships?
Higher level apprenticeships are apprenticeships that take you beyond the equivalent of A-levels. In terms of the qualifications you will receive they are equivalent to Further and Higher Education and will give you the equivalent of an HND or Foundation degree all the way up to a Masters.
Generally, the term higher apprenticeships is used to refer to both level 4 and 5 apprenticeships, but it does also incorporate degree level and masters level apprenticeships. Basically, anything that takes you beyond school level qualifications.
How long do Higher Apprenticeships last?
Higher apprenticeships last between 1 and 6 years, depending on the level you are taking and it also varies from employer to employer. Level 4 and 5 apprenticeships will typically be 1 – 2 years and level 6 and 7 will be 3 – 6 years.
Level 4 and 5 apprenticeships
Level 4 and Level 5 apprenticeships are equivalent to an HND or Foundation Degree. In order to start a Level 4 apprenticeship you will need to have your A-levels or any other equivalent level 3 qualifications.
During your level 4 apprenticeship you will work part time and study part time at a local college of Further Education.
Level 5 apprenticeships are a continuation of Level 4 apprenticeships. You will study the subject area more in depth and gain more experience. You can stop after level 4 and you will still gain a qualification, or continue to level 5.
Level 6 apprenticeships
Level 6 apprenticeships are the equivalent of a university Bachelor’s degree. They often take longer than a degree as you will not be studying full time, but the advantage is that you will graduate debt free and have a minimum of 3 years on the job work experience.
Competition for degree apprenticeship vacancies is also quite tough as they are relatively new and therefore not that many opportunities compared to the number of school leavers. However they are on the increase.
Level 7 apprenticeships
Level 7 apprenticeships are the equivalent of a Masters degree. You do not need an undergraduate degree to embark on a level 7 apprenticeship, but can start with just A-levels. These apprenticeships can take up to 6 years to complete, but you will have the equivalent of a postgraduate qualification on completion and no student debt.
When do I apply for Higher apprenticeships?
There is no particular time of year when Higher apprenticeships are advertised. However, as many are aimed at school leavers though, you will find they will be advertising and recruiting opportunities prior to A-levels, with a start date after the academic year ends.
Who can apply?
You do not need to be a school leaver to apply for a Higher apprenticeship. You can apply if you are already out in the workplace, which means that competition for these vacancies can be stiff. You will need to be eligible to work in the UK, as an apprenticeship is essentially a job.
If you already have a degree, you can still apply for a degree apprenticeship if it is not related to your first undergraduate degree, but in some cases you may be asked to contribute to some of the costs.
