Combining study and work
Degree apprenticeships: Studying for a fully-funded degree alongside a paid job
A degree apprenticeship is a job that combines work with higher-level learning. Apprentices work for an employer, in a paid role, and spend at least 20% of their time studying for a degree-level qualification. Their employer also covers the cost of university tuition fees. There are various levels of employer funding available for degree apprenticeships, depending on company size.
They are available across a wide range of industry sectors, providing practical work experience with a salary, for students who want to combine study with an early career. The uptake has increased significantly since their initial launch in 2015, with over 49,000 degree apprenticeship starts in 2024. This represents 17.5% of all apprenticeship starts for 2024/2025.
Degree apprenticeships at DriveWorks
A pipeline for talent & expertise
DriveWorks has a long history of supporting young people, and apprenticeship recruitment forms a key part of our strategy. We’re actively creating a pipeline for talent by recruiting team members who are hopefully more likely to want to stay with DriveWorks after they’ve completed their apprenticeship.
We’re a forward-thinking company with a culture of learning and innovation, and having apprentices as part of our team brings fresh ideas and new ways of thinking. It also has a positive halo impact on wider team members in terms of mentoring and upskilling.
We’re proud to share an update on the degree apprentices who are part of the DriveWorks team.
Celebrating a recent graduate
We are delighted that Jonathan has successfully completed his degree apprenticeship, graduating with first-class honours. He has worked on several key projects at DriveWorks, and as part of his role in the Systems team, he has applied university learning to real-world applications with significant impact.
Degree apprentice progression
Joseph is partway through his degree apprenticeship and is already making a positive contribution to the DriveWorks team. Balancing his studies with his role in the DriveWorks Development team, he’s learning how to manage his time effectively and getting real-life work experience, alongside his studies.
Career development with a degree apprenticeship
Tom works in the IT team at DriveWorks and already has several years of IT experience. Tom is starting his degree apprenticeship studies at MMU later this month, combining a degree in Digital & Technology Solutions with his role at DriveWorks.
Starting out on a degree apprenticeship
Blake took part in a work experience placement at DriveWorks last year, and we’re delighted to welcome him back to a degree apprenticeship role. Blake is combining his role in the DriveWorks Development team with four years of study at MMU.
Degree apprenticeship FAQs
Do you get paid on a degree apprenticeship?
Yes! You’ll get paid at least the apprentice National Minimum Wage, with some employers paying higher salaries.
Will I be guaranteed a job?
No, however, even if you’re not offered a permanent role, the relevant work experience you’ve gained as part of your degree apprenticeship will put you in a very good position when applying for other jobs.
Is there an age limit?
No, they’re open to anyone over the age of 16.
What degree apprenticeships are available?
Degree apprenticeships are available in a range of industries, from nursing, engineering, and teaching, to business administration, finance, and law.
Will I have time to study and work?
Your employer will structure your role with at least 20% of your contracted hours dedicated to study time.
What grades do I need?
This will vary for each vacancy. Employers are likely to look for other skills in addition to exam results, for example, good communication, self-motivation, and working well in a team.
Additional resources
If you’d like to find out more about apprenticeships, we recommend the following resources:
For young people:
UK Government apprenticeship search
Apprenticeships in Cheshire and Warrington
For employers: www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice