What are Degree Apprenticeships?

Degree apprenticeships derive from standards designed by ‘Trailblazer’ groups set up and approved by the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE). These groups comprise employers from relevant sectors plus representatives from higher education institutions (HEIs such as universities) and Professional, Statutory and Regulatory bodies (PSRBs). By providing access to professional, work-relevant qualifications, degree apprenticeships support economic development and career progression into higher paid careers and registered professions

70% of universities/HEIs in the UK, including those considered to be the most prestigious, offer degree apprenticeships at level 6 and/or level 7.

Individual HEIs customise apprenticeship standards by creating high-quality degree programmes which ensure the outcomes of the university award (bachelor’s or master’s degree) reflect the skills, knowledge and behaviours (KSBs) of the apprenticeship standard plus any PSRB requirements. For the majority of degree apprenticeships, the final end-point assessment (EPA) is fully integrated into the university award. IfATE intends that integrated EPA will be a feature of all degree apprenticeships. Degree apprenticeships lead to the award of full undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications so the entry criteria may be similar to that required by non-apprenticeship courses. Universities will, however, ensure that prior learning and experience is recognised where relevant. Many degree apprenticeships also enable ‘fast-track’ progression from level 4 and 5 apprenticeships or qualifications. E.g. progression from level 5 apprenticeship Nursing Associate to level 6, Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship.

The unique feature of degree apprenticeships is the integration of learning and assessment both on- and off-the-job. Designing degrees in this way, allows apprentices to immediately apply their learning to real in-work situations. The final degree award is exactly the same as the qualification awarded to students on more ‘traditional’ degree courses. Testimony from employers confirms that this method supports apprentices to become confident and skilled through seamless integration of academic and skills-based, work-integrated learning.

Regulation

All degree apprenticeships must meet the requirements of the:

·       Office for Students which is the regulator for HEIs and their awards,

·       Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) which administers apprenticeship funding and

·       Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) which has oversight of the quality of teaching, learning and assessment during the practical learning period of the apprenticeships (i.e. delivered by Gateway).

In addition, there are additional requirements for specific degree apprenticeships which confer professional recognition and registration. These include the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Funding

As for apprentices at other levels, funding is administered by the ESFA from monies collected through the apprenticeship levy. The levy is a tax paid by all employers with an annual salary bill of £3M or more. Levy paying employers can choose to use the funds collected to offer apprenticeships. Non levy paying employers (typically SME) can reserve funding through the ESFA to offer apprenticeships with a 5% contribution for apprentices over 21 years of age and 0% contribution for those apprentices under the age of 22 or up to 25 years with an education, care or health plan (EHC).

The amount of funding that can be transferred from apprenticeship levy-payers to other businesses has increased to 50 per cent.

The Labour government, elected in July 2024, is committed to reform of the apprenticeship levy to maximise its use. Their intention is, over time, to broaden the qualifications and programmes supported by the levy with at least 50% still dedicated to apprenticeship provision.

IfATE specifies a maximum funding band for each apprenticeship standard. This is normally greater for degree apprenticeships than for lower-level programmes because of the duration and complexity of delivery and assessment.

Choosing the right provider for you.

HEIs offering degree apprenticeships will have staff dedicated to supporting employer engagement. These details will be on the individual university websites but can also be found on this website.

Large employers, including those from the public sector, often choose an apprenticeship provider through a competitive tendering process which allows them to specify specific requirements. From 23/24, the university admissions organisation UCAS publishes information on universities offering degree apprenticeships.

How providers support employers

Many university apprenticeship hubs offer a recruiting service to support employers in recruiting suitable candidates, including promotion of opportunities to partner schools and colleges. Academic staff will often support the selection process to ensure eligibility.

The ESFA apprenticeship funding rules require all employers to allocate a mentor for each apprentice. This mentor works closely with the HE provider to monitor apprentice progress. Regular reviews, including 12 -weekly tripartite reviews with provider, apprentice and employer mentor, to allow for early intervention to ensure successful completion. Reviews will also support the apprentice if changes of circumstances occur such as the need for a break in learning. Maintaining a close relationship between provider and employer is key to apprenticeship success and supports full integration of the degree apprenticeship delivery.

More information on Degree Apprenticeships, case studies, guidance, checklists and research papers are available from UVAC and the Centre for Degree Apprenticeships, a research and think-tank network convened and managed by UVAC.