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Applying for Higher & Degree Apprenticeships

If you are serious about applying for an Advanced, Higher or Degree Apprenticeships, here are some steps for you to follow:

  1. Start by registering on the National Apprenticeship website: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.  You will then need to “Create an Account” before you can search and apply for Apprenticeship vacancies. Choose an appropriate ‘Apprenticeship Level’ – this could be at Advanced /Higher/Degree Level, so try each one in turn.  Try changing the area/distance from home as well or try searching “National” vacancies.  
    You can also find “Higher & Degree Apprenticeship Vacancy listings” on the National Apprenticeship website. This is a bulletin of vacancies that is updated. Usually posted from September in Year 13.
    For comprehensive information on Degree & Higher Apprenticeships see ‘The Guide to Higher & Degree Apprenticeships’ download (ucas.com)
  2. The UCAS Careerfinder website https://careerfinder.ucas.com is an excellent source of higher-level apprenticeships for applicants with A-Levels/or equivalent.
  3. Target specific companies. The following websites contain details on the Top 100 companies delivering apprenticeships and other useful information including tips on writing CVs and Cover Letters, preparing for interviews, guidance on how to access specific industries and different levels of apprenticeships. You can search & apply for apprenticeships on the company websites.
    www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk www.ratemyapprenticeship.com
    Another useful website which you should check-out to discover more employers who deliver apprenticeships is: www.amazingapprenticeships.com
  4. Research, contact & register with some local training providers
    www.theapprenticeshipacademy.co.uk
    www.damartraining.com
    www.gceducationandskills.ac.uk
    … and try some national training providers www.kaplan.co.uk |  www.estio.co.uk | www.qa.com
  5. Research Local colleges (Search ‘Apprenticeships’):
    Trafford College: www.trafford.ac.uk  The Manchester College: www.tmc.ac.uk
    Salford City College: www.salfordcc.ac.uk
  6. Other websites which advertise apprenticeships for young people with Level 3 qualifications including A-Levels/or equivalent (BTEC Nationals):
  7. Research Degree Apprenticeships at local universities such as The Manchester Metropolitan University which has opportunities in Legal Services, Sciences, Healthcare Science, Digital & Technology Solutions and Management – more details at www.mmu.ac.uk/apprenticeships. Typically, most positions are advertised between January and August, you can register for vacancy alerts.

Key Advice

  • You can start looking for Apprenticeship vacancies at any time, but many National Advanced/Higher/Degree Apprenticeship vacancies will be open from October/November of Year 13.  
  • Make sure you have a comprehensive up-to-date CV.
  • Some employers require this, and you can also use it to make speculative enquiries.
  • Try & gain relevant work experience and develop your employability skills e.g. communication, teamwork, ICT, and problem-solving skills.
  • Be prepared – application processes may be very competitive and involve aptitude tests, group selection days, phone/virtual interviews.
  • Use your family, friends and contacts, they may be aware of apprenticeship opportunities.
  • Be prepared to consider Advanced Level apprenticeships as there are some excellent opportunities available with the possibility of progressing onto a Higher/Degree Level apprenticeship.
  • Apprenticeships are a very competitive choice, and there are no guarantees that you will get one.  If you are applying for Advanced/Higher/Degree Apprenticeships, you can of course also apply to University at the same time (www.ucas.com).
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