Simply put, the answer to this question all depends on the type of apprenticeship you are taking. If you want to achieve a degree whilst completing an apprenticeship, it can be done.
Degree Apprenticeships are equivalent to a Bachelors (or at Level 7, a Masters). Higher apprenticeships go from level 4 to 7 and are equivalent to a foundation degree and above. Degree apprenticeships are available at levels 6 and 7 and are equivalent to full Bachelors and Masters.
What qualifications can you get with an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship qualifications vary widely. Their categories include Intermediate apprenticeships, Advanced apprenticeships, Higher apprenticeships and Degree apprenticeships.
Intermediate apprenticeships are Level 2 and they are equivalent to getting five GCSEs at grade C+/4+.
Advanced apprenticeships are Level 3 and they are equivalent to getting 2 A-Levels at grade E+.
Higher apprenticeships range from Levels 4-7 and are broader. It guarantees a higher education qualification and ranges from the equivalent to the first year of a university degree to a Masters.
Within this, Degree apprenticeships range from Levels 6-7 and guarantee a Bachelors or Masters degree.
Most of the time, degree apprenticeships can be completed through your workplace – giving you the benefit of achieving a high qualification whilst learning on the job. It is important to note that not any apprenticeship is equivalent to a degree, only those that fall under the relevant bands. With this, not all degrees can be achieved with an apprenticeship and they are largely those courses that are vocational.
How Does an Apprenticeship Differ from a Degree?
Apprenticeships are different to traditional academic qualifications because they combine practice and theory with a mixture of on-the-job and off-the-job training. One of the main differences between apprenticeships and degrees is that with apprenticeships you learn and earn, but with degrees, you just learn. With that being said, of course, there is no ultimate detriment to completing a degree – they are an incredibly valuable qualification to achieve. With this, some degree courses cannot be achieved through an apprenticeship.
However, if you are looking to achieve a valued qualification without missing out on essential work experience and earning money, apprenticeships are a perfect choice. The degree you finish with from a degree apprenticeship will be as valued as any other qualification, something many perceive to be otherwise.
University costs are one of the biggest worries that hold learners back. Degree apprenticeships in your field of study somewhat eliminate this worry, as if you are doing a degree apprenticeship, not only will you be paid by your employer but they will also cover the tuition fee costs. Effectively, you will be achieving your degree for free.
Benefits of Doing an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships stand out because they prove you have qualifications as well as relevant industry experience. They allow learners to find new interests in learning and broaden their horizons in terms of job opportunities and career development.
It goes without saying that learning whilst you’re earning is a win-win situation, and is what an apprenticeship offers. You will be learning but at the same time be treated as a member of the team, allowing you to enjoy benefits such as paid holidays just like everyone else.
Finding a job is more competitive than ever, and completing an apprenticeship is a sure way to push yourself ahead of the crowd. By gaining real work experiences you also open yourself up to great future career prospects.
Apprenticeship Courses
Aspiration Training offers a wide range of apprenticeship courses that can set you on your way to achieving a degree, higher qualification or employment. Our courses include:
We are an award-winning specialist training provider, focused on delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes across England and Wales. We also do what we say and invest heavily in our internal apprenticeship programmes, giving employees an opportunity to gain a formal qualification and further their careers.
