Degree Apprenticeships offer students the chance to earn a salary while studying for a Bachelor's or Master's degree without paying tuition fees. They allow you to work as an employee while you study part-time, combining university study with practical on-the-job experience, developing the employment skills needed for a successful career in your chosen field.
They can be studied by anyone over the age of 18, whether you have just finished school or college or you are already well established in your career. The Government and your employer will pay your tuition fees, so you do not need to take out a tuition fee loan.
The University of Lincoln works closely with employers to offer a range of degree apprenticeships in subjects including food and drink manufacturing, business management, nursing, social work, and engineering.
Degree apprenticeships combine working with studying part-time at university. They can take between three to six years to complete, depending on the course level.
Apprentices are employed throughout the programme and spend part of their time at university and the rest with their employer. This can be on a day-to-day basis or in blocks of time, depending on the programme and requirements of your employer.
Applying for a Degree Apprenticeship is very different to a UCAS application for a standard university degree. There is no central application system for apprenticeships, so you will need to apply directly to the company you wish to work for.
The first step to getting on to any apprenticeship is finding out about the opportunities that are available. There are a number of places to find vacancies:
National Apprenticeship Service Website
The Government's 'Find an Apprenticeship' website lists the largest number of vacancies available throughout England.
Company Websites
Many organisations will advertise through their own websites. If there is a company you would like to work for, visit their website to see if they offer apprenticeships.
The application process for apprenticeships varies by employer, but most usually involve a covering letter and CV. You may also be invited to an assessment centre – an event where you will be asked to work on your own or in teams on a variety of tasks. There may also be a final interview.
University Enrolment
If you are successful, you will then need to complete your University application and enrol on the relevant course. Apprenticeships usually start with an induction, where you will get to know other people on the programme and begin your first taught sessions.
Our Lincoln International Business School offers hands-on experience and a professional pathway for future development through a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA).
The programme offers recognition by the CMI through the award of Chartered Manager status, and are designed to ensure that students are equipped with the skills they need to make a positive impact within their organisations.
The National Centre for Food Manufacturing is dedicated to helping food industry employees advance their careers. We understand the demands of studying while working in this fast-moving, dynamic industry while balancing family commitments. Our part-time apprenticeships and distance-learning provision enables flexible study for those working across a range of areas.
Our Integrated Engineering Degree Apprenticeship offers the opportunity to develop broad knowledge and understanding of mechanical, electro-mechanical, and control engineering, drawing deeply on the practices and experiences of a modern industrial workplace.
The apprenticeship programme is tailored to the needs of anyone over 18 commencing an engineering career within industry or those presently working in the industry looking to advance their engineering qualifications.
Our Trainee Nursing Associate Apprenticeship is designed for new and existing healthcare professionals and combines learning and development through academic study and practice in the workplace. Successful completion leads to a Foundation Degree and professional recognition, enabling you to register as a Nursing Associate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Our BSc Nursing Apprenticeship is suitable for new and existing healthcare staff who are responsible for delivering care and who have the potential to take on greater challenges and responsibility as a Registered Nurse. This professionally-accredited programme enable students to become registered nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Our Social Work Degree Apprenticeship aims to prepare you to work as a qualified social worker in a varied, complex, and challenging profession. The programme is suitable for new and existing social care staff who are responsible for delivering direct services and who have the potential to take on greater challenges and responsibility as qualified social workers.
Successful completion leads to a degree and professional recognition, enabling you to register as a social worker with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).