Degree apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships are part of the Welsh Government’s aim to increase the number of higher level apprenticeships, including those at degree level, as set out in its apprenticeships policy statement. They are fully funded by the Welsh Government through Medr the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research.  As such, employers can be confident that degree apprenticeships will be subject to the same quality assurance as other higher education provision, and comply with the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales (SASW).

Degree apprenticeships are currently available at level 6, equivalent to a full undergraduate bachelor’s degree, in the priority areas of:

• Digital
• Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing  
• Construction

They are available in partnership with universities in Wales.

The apprenticeship model in Wales differs to the apprenticeship model in England. Higher education providers in Wales are able to deliver degree apprenticeships in England if they are on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP).

Employers in Wales can offer a degree apprenticeship in IT, engineering or advanced manufacturing through a partnership with a university in Wales. Degree apprentices gain workplace experience, while simultaneously working towards a degree level qualification that can also include professional qualifications relevant to industry.

Degree apprentices are employed and paid a salary throughout the course duration. A degree apprenticeship will be a minimum of three years and usually up to a maximum of five years in length. Degree apprentices spend around 20% of their time at university and the rest with their employer.

Recruiting a degree apprentice from your existing workforce or a new employee couldn’t be easier, and degree apprentices are available to all employers in Wales regardless of size. Working together with a university in Wales, you will plan the degree apprenticeship for your apprentice, be that in Welsh or English, allowing a tailor-made, business specific approach.

Your university will agree with you the qualification, assessment and programme processes.

There are two costs associated with a degree apprenticeship - the degree apprentice’s salary costs and the tuition fee costs of higher education study. You have to pay the first cost. You don’t pay the second.

The Welsh Government fully funds the cost of the tuition fees.

Investment in developing your employees with industry-led degree apprenticeships can transform your business.

1. Enable cost-effective high value training – you cover the degree apprentice’s salary costs and the Welsh Government covers the cost of study.
2. Allow learning to be applied directly to the workplace.
3. Lead to innovation, increased productivity, efficiency and business growth.
4. Create a motivated, highly-skilled and qualified workforce.
5. Develop mentoring and supervisory skills in your staff.
6. Fill skills gaps to meet demands now and in the future.
7. Identify and grow talent for succession planning.
8. Provide an attractive ladder of opportunity and career progression to support and retain your workforce.
9. Be designed flexibly around your needs.

If you are new to apprenticeships, you can access further help and support from an Employment Engagement Advisor by:

• Filling out the Expression of Interest form
• Or speak directly to a university.