What is a degree apprenticeship?

Degree apprenticeships combine hands-on experience with higher level study to provide the skills and knowledge needed to gain a degree. First launched in 2015 as a key element of reforms to the UK’s apprenticeship system, degree apprenticeships are designed to focus on areas where higher-level skills are needed. 

What are degree apprenticeships? 

Degree apprenticeships are one of four types of apprenticeships in the UK: 

• Intermediate: Equivalent to GCSE
• Advanced: Equivalent to A level
• Higher: Equivalent to foundation degree and above
• Degree: Equivalent to a bachelor's or master's degree 

Degree apprenticeships take between two to five years to complete depending on the level, with degree apprentices awarded either a bachelor’s degree (level 6) or a master’s degree (level 7) on completion. 

Degree apprentices also need to be employed in the occupation they are studying. 

CIOB provides Level 6 degree apprenticeships in Construction Site Management, Design and Construction Management, and Construction Quantity Surveyor, and is also an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) for these standards.

Why do a degree apprenticeship? 

Unlike a traditional degree, the hands-on nature of an apprenticeship means apprentices prove themselves to be competent in all aspects of the site management role, including working within the approved codes of practice and being safe on a live site. 

Degree apprentices are also employed by a company and paid a salary, and as such are entitled to the same rights as other employees, including a contract of employment and at least 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays. 

Degree apprentices spend at least 20% of their time studying (a minimum of six hours). As with other apprenticeships, course fees are shared between government and employers through the apprenticeship levy.

Apprenticeships are an amazing pathway into the profession, as the apprentice can gain theoretic knowledge and practical experience in duality, with a stable employer. 

On-site mentors also tend to be assigned to help apprentices navigate through their career and course, sharing their experience and knowledge. This practical experience creates an advantage for apprentices over full-time students as they obtain not just a degree, but around five years of on-the-job experience upon completion of the course.

Why hire degree apprentices? 

By employing apprentices, a business often increases in value and quality, apprentices are learning about the latest legislations and changes in the industry which more senior team members may be sheltered from, thus allowing the business to remain present, conformant, and competitive as apprentices work through the ranks.

Degree apprentices that complete a degree apprenticeship provided by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) are also eligible to become chartered members of CIOB.

In England, degree apprenticeships can be searched through the Government’s Find an apprenticeship service, and the UCAS and Prospects websites. In Wales, they can be found on the Careers Wales website.