Apprenticeships are a great way to learn skills while working and earning a wage.
Available to anyone over 16, gone are the days when only school leavers looking for technical trade applied.
In fact, in 2023/24, reports show that 48.4% of apprenticeship starts were by those aged 25 and over, with only 23.2% under 19 and 28.3% aged 19-24.
Apprenticeships can be found across many different apprenticeship sectors, from digital marketing to HR, and are available whether you’re looking to upskill in your current role or learn new skills to change careers.
If you didn’t know that graduates could apply for an apprenticeship, then read on.
Can you do an apprenticeship if you have a degree?
Yes, many people with degrees choose to do an apprenticeship to build their skills and improve their job prospects.
Since May 2017, the UK Government has made big changes to how apprenticeships work. One key change is that graduates can now apply for apprenticeships, no matter what they studied before.
The Government has also focused on creating more advanced apprenticeships. These are called higher-level apprenticeships. They include Level 6 and Level 7 options, which are equal to a degree or master’s qualification. This means more choices for learners and more chances to keep growing in your career.
Is it worth doing an apprenticeship after a degree?
Even if you've already attained a degree, there are many benefits of pursuing an adult apprenticeship. Apprenticeships offer a unique blend of hands-on experience and theoretical learning. This provides practical skills to apprentices that complement and enhance academic knowledge.
Why consider an apprenticeship after university?
Apprenticeships help you build real skills for a specific job or industry. They can make you more employable and open up new career paths.
Many apprentices go on to find solid, long-term jobs. The skills you learn are practical and often in high demand, which can help you move up faster in your career.
No matter your background or qualifications, an apprenticeship is a great way to keep learning and growing in your profession.
One of the best things about apprenticeships is that you get paid while you train. No matter your level or reason for starting, every apprenticeship offers:
-
A recognised qualification
-
Up-to-date industry training
-
Practical, in-demand skills
And the best part? There are no tuition fees or student loans. It’s a smart way to build your future without the debt.
At Total People, we support hundreds of graduates each year who choose apprenticeships to either pivot into a new career or strengthen their position in a current one. A degree doesn’t disqualify you, it opens more doors.
- Total People
Read more: Am I Too Old for an Apprenticeship?
Eligibility and funding criteria for apprenticeships
If you already have a degree, you can still do an apprenticeship, but there are a few rules.
-
Your apprenticeship must be in a different subject than your degree. You can’t repeat something you’ve already studied at a similar level.
-
You must learn something new. The apprenticeship should teach you skills you haven’t gained before - this is called “significant new learning.”
Graduates are eligible for funding, which helps cover the cost of training. This is great for employers too. Many use their apprenticeship levy budget to hire and train graduates, making these roles more available than ever.
Understanding the different apprenticeship levels
Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers. You can start one if:
-
You're just beginning your career
-
You want to switch to a new field
-
You're aiming to upskill in your current job
No matter where you are in your career, an apprenticeship can help you grow and move forward.Each apprenticeship has a level and educational equivalent. They can go far beyond the scope of on-the-job training, ranging from GCSEs to PhDs.
The standard apprenticeship levels are:
-
Level 2 apprenticeship: equal to a GCSE
-
Level 3 apprenticeship: equal to an A Level
-
Levels 4 & 5 apprenticeships: equal to a foundation degree and above
-
Levels 6 &7 apprenticeships:equal to a bachelor's or master's degreeLevel 8 apprenticeship: equal to a PhD or doctorate degree
We work with employers across more than 30 sectors, many of whom actively seek graduates for apprenticeship roles, especially through funding available via the apprenticeship levy.
-Total People
Choosing the right training provider for your apprenticeship programme
Whether you’re an employer looking to train your team or an individual ready to build your skills, Total People is here to help. We offer apprenticeship training in over 30 sectors, working closely with businesses to design tailored learning plans that meet real workforce needs.
For apprentices, we provide hands-on training, industry-recognised qualifications, and support every step of the way, without the burden of tuition fees. Whether you're hiring or applying, we're here to guide you through your next step. Contact us or explore our apprenticeship vacancies today.
