How to apply for a Degree Apprenticeship
With the recent announcement that university tuition fees are going up for 2025-26, we’ve had more interest than ever before from CHS pupils in applying Degree and Higher Level Apprenticeships. It was great to deliver a staff CPD session this morning to colleagues on the topic at CHS and here’s the guidance we’ve put together for our Sixth Formers on how to apply and stand out from the crowd.
1) Know which websites to use to find opportunities and set alerts as they get updated daily.
Browse apprenticeships before you apply – This has details of all opportunities currently open on the government site. You need to check this on a regular basis as there are daily/weekly updates from companies posting opportunities.
Search for opportunities through UCAS – The UCAS apprenticeship search engine is a great resource as well.
Apprenticeship Application Guides – UCAS now has tailored advice for specific sectors
Company websites – if there’s a scheme or company you would like to apply to, go onto their website and find out when applications open and sign up for updates. This way is the most beneficial and usually you can find the most information about the apprenticeship here.
Follow the LinkedIn pages of the companies that you are most interested in, they also post tips and additional information such as dates. How to use LinkedIn as a student or apprentice | UCAS
The Student Room can be very helpful as you can get information websites don’t tell you, as previous apprentices respond and provide insights.
2) Be alert during September to December of Year 13 – this is the most popular time for companies to launch their schemes and opportunities. They may even stop receiving applications before the deadline due to the high level of applications so apply early.
3) Start looking in Year 12 – find out what is available a year before you think about applying, set alerts for the following year and create a long list of everything that interests you.
4) Meaningful Work Experience:Virtual Insight Days for Top companies are some of the best ways to find out if a career is right for you. Apply early, they are competitive. This is only work experience, but the application process helps to prepare you slightly for the first round of interviews you may undergo as a potential degree apprentice.
5) Start building your CV – what work experience have you completed in the summer of Year 12, do you have a part time job, have you taken part in co-curricular activities that are relevant to your chosen apprenticeship and how can you stand out in a crowded field? How to Write a CV | Writing a CV | UCAS
6) Expect to have to do a lot – the process tends to involve lots of stages from an initial application, online testing, interviews, presentations and assessment centres. It will put into perspective the challenges of a UCAS Personal Statement! Many companies hire only 5-30 people every year for a programme, so it’s not easy but not impossible!
7) Submit a UCAS application anyway – here at CHS we would recommend that everyone submits a UCAS application to keep their options open.
8) Don’t be afraid of taking a year out – it may take two cycles of applications to find the right apprenticeship for you and having the time and space to consider your options after Sixth Form may be beneficial to you, alongside some travel and wider life experiences.
By Mr Jones, Assistant Head (Sixth Form)