Which industries offer Degree Apprenticeships?

Emma Finamore
Last updated 09 Jan 2020

Check out the impressive range of industries that offer Degree Apprenticeships, as well as some of the roles and jobs that school leavers could access through an apprenticeship at this level.

Aerospace degree apprenticeships

Aerospace Degree Apprenticeships last between three and five years, with apprentices studying towards a bachelor’s degree. You could train in roles like Aerospace Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, while getting a degree along the way.

Aerospace Engineers will work primarily within a specific Engineering discipline, such as Airframe, Design and Stress, Systems Integration, Support Engineering, Quality or Advanced Manufacturing/Manufacturing Engineering.

They will focus on all aspects related to the full lifecycle of systems and products. Aerospace Engineers must comply with statutory regulations and organisational safety requirements. They must be able to use and interpret engineering data and documentation such as engineering drawings, reports and computer generated models. They will be expected to work both individually and as part of an engineering team, often comprising several disparate engineering disciplines.

They will be expected to design, develop, specify, analyse, test, validate and modify designs and solutions to satisfy customer requirements and InService Operations.

As well as proving they have the right technical skills for the job, apprentices on Aerospace Degree Apprenticeships also have to evidence certain professional, interpersonal and business skills.

The entry requirements for Aerospace Degree Apprenticeship programmes—according to the government standards—are 240 UCAS points or above at A-Level standard or equivalent, to include Maths plus at least one further STEM based subject such as Physics, ICT, Computing, and Electronics. Applicants will also be required to hold five GCSEs at Grade A*-C or 4-9 including Mathematics, English Language and Double Science or equivalent qualification.

Apprentices without Level 2 Maths and English must achieve this prior to taking the end point assessment.

Construction degree apprenticeships

Construction Degree Apprenticeships last between three and five years, with apprentices studying towards a bachelor’s degree. You could train in roles like Quantity Surveying and Construction Planning, while getting a degree along the way.

On a Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship, trainees will learn how:

To manage and lead the cost aspects complex construction projects
To ensure that comprehensive study has been undertaken of the whole life aspects of the project and the understanding of the client’s needs
To manage the selection of the specialist contractors for the project
To ensure that disputes are minimised and settled amicably for all parties
To manage the commercial success of a project for all stakeholders

Those on Construction Planning Degree Apprenticeships will learn how to:

Understand the environmental impact of construction activities and how to minimise negative impacts during all stages of the project
Review threats and opportunities for the construction industry and appraise and evaluate the influence of current legal, political and social issues on the industry.
Understand the project management cycle including the planning, budgeting, project funding and payment processes so as to lead to effective project delivery.
Knowledge and understanding of the construction process and of the materials and technology that comprise best practice.
Understand obligations for Health, Safety and Welfare issues on site, how to identify potential hazards and manage the risks.

As well as proving they have the right technical skills for the job, apprentices on Construction Degree Apprenticeships also have to evidence certain professional, interpersonal and business skills.

The entry requirements for programmes like this vary from employer to employer, but wont be dissimilar to those of a standard Construction or Engineering-related degree. For example, a minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades A*-C or 4-9 including Maths, English and Science, with a B or equivalent in Maths, and 3 A-levels (or equivalent) at grade A-C. Occasionally applicants will be required to pass pre-employment medical which will include drug and alcohol tests to comply with health and safety on site.

Defence degree apprenticeships

Defence Degree Apprenticeships last between three and five years, with apprentices studying towards a bachelor’s degree. With the Ministry of Defence, trainees on Degree Apprenticeships train in: supporting the Royal Navy with their fleet of submarines, through the Nuclear Submarine and Strategic Weapons Degree Apprenticeship Scheme; or providing battle-winning weapons systems to the UK armed forces, through the Weapons, Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives Degree Apprenticeship Scheme.

As a Nuclear Degree Engineering Apprentice, you will be part of the team responsible for supporting the Royal Navy with their fleet of submarines. You will undertake a comprehensive framework of practical and academic training, including a foundation degree and full degree for individuals with the greatest potential. Apprentices will also complete a number of work based training placements and defence specific nuclear training at various locations within the UK while completed relevant vocational qualifications in preparation for engineering roles within the MOD’s current and future nuclear programmes.

The entry requirements for Defence Apprenticeship programmes – according to the Ministry of Defence – are five GCEs at grade C to A* or 4-9 including English, mathematics and science/engineering; plus three A-levels, including mathematics, science (preferably physics); plus one other A-level (with typical levels expected grades B B C). They will also accept a national diploma in engineering at D * D * Level (minimum 112 UCAS points).

Digital and Technology Degree Apprenticeships

Digital and Technology Degree Apprenticeships last between three and five years, with apprentices studying towards a bachelor’s degree. As part of the digital and technology programmes – which last around three years – apprentices can specialise in certain areas: Software Developer, Software Engineer, Software Tester, Application Specialist, Business Analyst, IT project Manager, IT Consultant, Network Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, Database Specialist, Data Analyst, Digital Media Technology Practitioner, and Systems Designer.

Someone working in this field provides technology-enabled solutions to internal and/or external customers, in a range of areas including software, business and systems analysis, cybersecurity, data analysis and network infrastructure. They implement technology solutions that enable businesses to develop new products and services and to increase an organisations productivity using digital technologies.

During these programmes, degree apprentices split their time between university study and the workplace and are employed throughout—gaining a full degree while earning a wage and getting real on-the-job experience in their chosen profession. As well as proving they have the right technical skills for the job, apprentices on digital and technology Degree Apprenticeships also have to evidence certain professional, interpersonal and business skills.

They must prove they are able to articulate complex issues, make concise, engaging and well-structured verbal presentations, arguments and explanations, and show they are able to deal with different, competing interests within and outside the organisation and do it with excellent negotiation skills.

The apprenticeship standard for digital and technology Degree Apprenticeships was created and tailored by experts from the industry offering them—groups of businesses work with universities and colleges to develop practical, vocational degree courses that allow people to combine both the academic study from a traditional university degree and the practical experience and wider employment skills vital for career success. The businesses involved include: Accenture, BT, CGI, Ford, HMRC, IBM, John Lewis and Lloyds Banking Group.

Digital Degree Apprenticeships

Digital Degree Apprenticeships last between three and five years, with apprentices studying towards a bachelor’s degree. You could train in roles like Software Developer, Software Engineer, Software Tester, Application Specialist, Business Analyst, IT project Manager, IT Consultant, Network Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, Database Specialist, Data Analyst, Digital Media Technology Practitioner and Systems Designer, while getting a degree along the way.

A Digital & Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship provides technology-enabled solutions to internal and/or external customers, in a range of areas including software, business and systems analysis, cybersecurity, data analysis and network infrastructure. They implement technology solutions that enable businesses to develop new products and services and to increase an organisations productivity using digital technologies. They are confident, competent and capable independent Technology Solutions Professionals able to operate in a range of related roles. The occupation is based upon a core set of outcomes that will be supplemented by one, and only one, of six specialism areas detailed below that cover the roles identified by employers.

As well as proving they have the right technical skills for the job, apprentices on Digital Degree Apprenticeships also have to evidence certain professional, interpersonal and business skills.

The entry requirements for programmes like this vary from employer to employer, but these are likely to include three A-levels, including maths, although some employers will accept other relevant qualifications or experience.

Electronic Engineering Degree Apprenticeships

Electronic Degree Apprenticeships last between three and five years, with apprentices studying towards a bachelor’s degree. You could train in roles like Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer, while getting a degree along the way.

The role of the Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer is to apply their knowledge of electronics and of embedded software to the design of circuits or devices that provide a useful function, that are capable of being manufactured at a competitive cost, and that are reliable and safe in use. This involves the use of the engineer’s knowledge of electronics and electronic principles, married to an expertise in the end use of the final product. In electronics this end use can cover a wide spectrum.

Examples of industrial sectors that rely heavily on Embedded Systems Design and Development Engineers include Aerospace, Automotive, Automation and Instrumentation, Robotics, Telecommunications, Information and Computer Technology, Defence, Energy (including renewables), Transport and Consumer Electronics. The role provides the basis of learning with potential to specialise as a Hardware Engineer, Software engineer or Systems Engineer in these sectors and can extend from design of integrated circuits through to complete systems.

Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineers will spend their careers in these industries developing the next generations of products such as smartphones, electric vehicles, communications satellites, smart grids and bringing concepts such as smart cities into reality. For others, an initial grounding in design and development will prove an excellent launch pad for a career in applications engineering, product management, marketing or general management.

As well as proving they have the right technical skills for the job, apprentices on Electronic Engineering Degree Apprenticeships also have to evidence certain professional, interpersonal and business skills.

Individual employers will set their own entry requirements for Electronic Engineering Degree Apprenticeships, but typically candidates will have attained A-Level standard or equivalent, in Maths and at least one further STEM based subject such as Physics, ICT, Computing or Electronics and will have English Language at GCSE (grade C/4 or above). Apprentices without a Level 2 English and maths must complete this prior to taking the end-point assessment.

Engineering Degree Apprenticeships

Engineering Degree Apprenticeships last between three and five years, with apprentices studying towards a bachelor’s degree. You could train in roles like Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Automotive Engineering.

Manufacturing Engineers primarily support the activities involved in bringing design programmes into manufacture. This role is pivotal to the launch planning and smooth delivery of exciting new products or product refresh programmes. The focus is on the advanced manufacturing techniques and project management skills required to launch products on time, on cost and to the right quality. Typically Manufacturing Engineers work closely with a range of other engineers, functions and managers both within their own company and supplier base.

Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentices are highly trained in improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed and weight, as well as reducing system costs and using advancing technologies to meet customer needs. Increasingly, the role addresses the environmental impact of air travel. Upon completion of the apprenticeship they can expect to be employed in roles such as Flight Systems Engineer, Mission Systems Engineer, Systems Integration Engineer, Support Engineer and Airframe Specialist.

As well as being paid to train and gain a degree, another advantage of a Degree Apprenticeship is the working relationships apprentices forge with their employees and colleagues, developing the so-called ‘soft skills’ – effective teamwork, communications, negotiating skills, ability to work under pressure, problem-solving – that employers so desperately want in young recruits. As well as proving they have the right technical skills for the job, apprentices on Engineering Degree Apprenticeships also have to evidence certain professional, interpersonal and business skills.

The entry requirements for programmes like this vary from employer to employer, but wont be dissimilar to those of a standard Engineering-related degree.

In order to optimise success candidates will typically have 5 GCSEs at Grade C (or 4) or above, including Mathematics, English and a Science, Technology or Engineering related subject, as well as A Levels at grade C or above in both a Mathematical based subject and a Science, Technology, Engineering or additional Mathematics related subject, or 90+ credits in an Engineering BTEC at level 3.

Finance Degree Apprenticeships

Finance Degree Apprenticeships last between three and five years, with apprentices studying towards a bachelor’s degree. You could train in roles like Accounts Payable, Marketing Sales & Service, Finance, Business Assurance, Supplier Risk and Tax, while getting a degree along the way.

As well as proving they have the right technical skills for the job, apprentices on Finance Degree Apprenticeships also have to evidence certain professional, interpersonal and business skills.

The entry requirements for programmes like this vary from employer to employer, but wont be dissimilar to those of a standard Finance-related degree. For example, 280 UCAS points gained from three A-levels, one of which must be a B Grade in a numerical or business-related subject (Maths, Physics, Economics, Business Studies, Accounting, etc.).

Applications from those without A-levels will ideally have a 180 credit Level 3 Extended Diploma in a relevant Business discipline (graded D/M/M). In addition, you’ll also need five GCSEs at C (or 4) Grade or above, including Maths and English Language, or equivalent.

IT Degree Apprenticeships

IT Degree Apprenticeships last between three and five years, with apprentices studying towards a bachelor’s degree. You could train in roles like IT Consultant and Software Engineer.

An IT consultant requires a broad set of skills in business analysis, solutions development, network infrastructure, data and cybersecurity. They use their consulting skills to advise clients on how to best utilise technology to meet their business objectives, overcome problems and increase productivity. They provide strategic guidance to clients with regard to technology and facilitate changing business processes through enhancements to technology solutions, and also provide technical assistance, and are often responsible for providing training.

On an IT consultant Degree Apprenticeship, trainees will learn how to perform technical process improvement tasks in a range of environments to solve business problems. They will present optimised solutions to improve business process and workflows through improved technology, recommend options based upon risks, costs vs. benefits, and impact on other business processes, as well as a whole host of other skills.

A software engineer designs, builds and tests high-quality software solutions. The software engineer role is broader and with higher levels of responsibility than a software developer as they need to apply engineering principles to all stages of the software development process, from requirements, analysis and design, development and data requirements whilst ensuring security robustness is built in. They will typically be working as part of a larger collaborative team and will have responsibility for significant elements of software projects.

On a software engineer Degree Apprenticeships, trainees will learn how to: create effective and secure software solutions using contemporary software development languages to deliver the full range of functional and non-functional requirements using relevant development methodologies; undertake analysis and design to create artefacts, such as use cases to produce robust software designs; and produce high quality code with sound syntax in at least one language following best practices and standards. There are many other skills they will learn as well as this, from debugging and refactoring to interpreting and implementing designs.

The entry requirements for programmes like this vary from employer to employer, but wont be dissimilar to those of a standard IT-related degree. For example, an applicant might be required to have/be predicated at least 300 UCAS points across three A-Levels or equivalent BTECs at grade C or above (excluding General Studies). They might also accept applications from people who have gained an Advanced IT Apprenticeship. All this, as well as a minimum of five A*-C (or 4-9 grade) GCSEs (or equivalent), including English, Maths and Science.

Nuclear Degree Apprenticeships

Nuclear Degree Apprenticeships last between three and five years, with apprentices studying towards a bachelor’s degree. On completion of the apprenticeship, the nuclear scientist and nuclear engineers will hold a degree qualification accredited by the constituent bodies of the Engineering / Science Council. The degree will have a minimum of 60 relevant nuclear-based credits—one out of six credits.

As part of the programmes, Apprentices can specialise in certain areas: Process/Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Control & Instrumentation, Operations & Management, Commissioning / Decommissioning, Physicist, Research Scientist and Quality Engineer.

At the end of these Degree Apprenticeships, apprentices will be able to work competently in a technical nuclear environment, understand and promote personal responsibility for Health, Safety, Radiation Protection, Environmental Protection, Quality, Security, Safeguards and principles of Risk Management.

Degree apprentices on these programmes will be able to analyse engineering and scientific problems selecting and using mathematical, engineering and scientific tools to provide suitable solutions to nuclear applications, with considerations of the entire life cycle of a nuclear facility.

They will have developed an ability to critically apply knowledge of the concepts, principles and theories of engineering science relevant to the interdisciplinary fields of nuclear technology; and demonstrate an understanding of stakeholder requirements, commercial awareness, business improvement, project and business management techniques relevant to the nuclear industry.

Degree apprentices will apply their science or engineering discipline knowledge to the development, operation, maintenance and progression of technologies used for Decommissioning (e.g. remote handling and robotics), Waste Management, Reprocessing, and Nuclear Power Generation, and specify, plan, manage, conduct and report on nuclear projects.

Those on these nuclear apprenticeships will also:

Synthesise information from a variety of sources and apply to the solution of a particular nuclear technology application
Accurately observe, record and draw conclusions from data and experimental evidence, recognising inherent uncertainties and limitations.
Apply design processes including materials selection that meet nuclear industry standards.
Demonstrate an understanding of Regulatory requirements both national and international.
Develop technical reports that meet requirements of the prevailing verification process.
Demonstrate knowledge of the nuclear industry (past, present and future) and the business, political and community environment in which the company operates including personal role within the organisation, ethical practice and codes of conduct. Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprenticeship Standard.
Demonstrate an understanding of root cause analysis and learning from experience (LFE) processes.
Demonstrate knowledge of the technology, safety, environmental and economics of nuclear fuels and the nuclear fuel cycle.
Apply the standards for nuclear processional practice as required by the industry and professional body institutions.

Image courtesy of Jesse Orrico