Becoming an apprentice

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a work-based training and education programme that allows employees to earn as they learn. On-the-job training is delivered alongside degree-level academic learning, helping apprentices work towards a nationally recognised qualification. 

There are two types of qualifications to choose from depending on your previous experience and career aspirations. 

A higher apprenticeship

This route allows apprentices to study towards Level 4 and 5 qualifications. A Level 5 qualification is the equivalent of a foundation degree and above. 

A degree apprenticeship

This route allows apprentices to study towards Levels 6 and 7 qualifications and is the equivalent of a bachelor's and master's degree. 

What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a fantastic option if you're looking to develop new, future-focused skills, gain real-world experiences and further your career. But that's not all, there are lots of reasons to choose an apprenticeship, including: 

Watch our short video to hear the benefits of an apprenticeship from the people who know best - our partner employers and current apprentices. 

A blonde lady, speaking in a navy blue Bombardier jumper.

View Why you should consider studying an Apprenticeship! video transcript

How to apply

As apprenticeships are paid for by the employer, you'll initially have to find employment with an organisation who are offering an apprenticeship. You'll then be able to apply for the apprenticeship through your employer. 

Finding an apprenticeship

If you're interested in starting an apprenticeship, you can search for current vacancies on the government's website. We would recommend doing research on local organisations too so that you know what opportunities are available and when their application window opens. 

In the meantime, work on your CV and cover letter to showcase your suitability. Focus on what makes you stand out to employers, for example, extracurricular activities such as Duke of Edinburgh. This particular example demonstrates that you're a team player and have strong communication skills. 

If you're already in employment

You'll need the support of your employer to pursue an apprenticeship. Have a chat with them about the benefits an apprenticeship will have on your personal and professional development, but also how it can enhance your workplace performance. 

Your employer can contact the Apprenticeship Hub (apprenticeships@derby.ac.uk) for further information, advice and guidance.

Selecting your apprenticeship

Buxton and Leek College offer intermediate apprenticeships (Level 2) and advanced apprenticeships (Level 3). These are equivalent to five GCSEs and two A-Levels respectively. 

Levels 4 and above

In partnership with The Institute of Apprenticeships, we can offer Business Apprenticeships from level 2 to level 7.

Apprenticeships in development 

We're preparing to introduce a range of new and exciting programmes in Health and Social Care, including: 

  • Physicians Associate 
  • Occupational Therapy 
  • Physiotherapy 
  • Midwifery 
  • Social Work 
  • Youth Work 
  • Public Health Practitioner 
  • Project Manager 
  • Specialist Community Public Health Nurse 
  • District Nurse

In partnership with Buxton and Leek College we offer hospitality apprenticeships from level 2 to level 7.

Find out more information on our Mineral Products apprenticeships.

The Rolls Royce Nuclear Skills Academy located at the I-Hub in Derby, surrounded by grass fields.

Nuclear Skills Academy

The Nuclear Skills Academy has the funding to provide 200 apprentices each year for at least the next ten years. In partnership with Rolls-Royce, our courses deliver a future-focused nuclear education.

Find out more about the Nuclear Skills AcademyFind out more about the Nuclear Skills Academy

Apprenticeship stories

‘Exceptional support’ for engineering apprentice Molly

Molly Burrows shares her experience of working towards the Degree Apprenticeship in Manufacturing Engineering.

Nursing Associate Rachel Atkin beside a Christmas tree
From care worker to registered nursing associate and beyond

Rachel Atkin has recently become a Registered Nursing Associate by completing a two-year Higher Apprenticeship. This is her story.

From pubs to Police Officer

From pulling pints to pulling criminals off the street. PC Connor Denning has spoken of his delight at being one of the force’s newest recruits, as he swap the bar for the beat.

Owen Conti at the University of Derby, Kedleston Road site.
From business owner to senior leader

Managing Director Owen is studying our Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship to develop his senior leadership skills to support him in his role at Code 56.

Hanson UK Mineral Products Apprentice Kamil with his dad
Following in my dad's footsteps: Kamil's apprenticeship journey

Kamil Ogrodowicz is following in his father's footsteps by embarking on a career in the mineral extractives industry. He's undertaking the Mineral Products Technician Higher Apprenticeship.

Civil Engineering Degree apprentice at graduation
Achieving Professional Success with a Degree Apprenticeship

Charlie decided to study the Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship as a way to develop his knowledge whilst gaining valuable practical experience.

Staking out a future in procurement

Alex Lawrence talks about his experience as a procurement apprentice.

Kully Boden speaking at a lecturn.
Apprentice Kully’s journey to promotion and Chartered Manager status

Kully Boden explains how the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship has benefitted her.

New PC’s desire to help others takes her from F1 to the frontline

Aged 40, Harminder Rai-Mottram switched from a career in Motorsport to the Police Force with an apprenticeship. This is her story.

Shannon advances her career with a degree apprenticeship

Shannon-Louise Huxley tells us why she chose to study the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship.

Mineral products apprentice Sarah Howarth standing on Caterpillar machinery
Studying while working is the perfect blend for mineral products apprentice

In the third year of her Mineral Products Technician Higher Apprenticeship with Aggregate Industries, Sarah Howarth reflects on her experience so far.

A person using a stethoscope on a mannequin to listen for a heart beat.
Nursing Associate Apprenticeship takes Emma to the other side of the world

Emma Macukiewicz completed the Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship and now works in Australia as a Registered Enrolled Nurse (equivalent to the UK's Registered Nursing Associate).

Two people shaking hands in a business meeting.
JCB apprentice Ioan gets his career off to a solid start

JCB employee, Ioan Evans, is partway through the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship. Hear his experience of the programme so far and of being a JCB apprentice.

Derbyshire County Council logo
Senior Leader Apprenticeship helps Stuart secure a promotion

School business professional, Stuart Greensmith White, is currently undertaking the Senior Leader Apprenticeship. It's already given him new opportunities and helped him to secure a promotion.

A person typing on a laptop.
Beating 'imposter syndrome' with a postgraduate-level apprenticeship

David Kinsey works for Derby City Council as its Head of Highway Asset Management, Grounds and Arboriculture. He's recently completed the postgraduate-level Senior Leader Apprenticeship.

Pencil crayons in a pot on a table
Discovering her love for teaching with the help of our teacher apprenticeship

After teaching a class of 14 to 15-year-olds with multiple learning difficulties, Samantha was introduced to a completely different side of teaching, sparking the start of a new career path.

Tarnia talking in British Sign Language.
Nursing Associate Apprentice wins award at the 2021 Student Nursing Times Awards

Tarnia Lefevre, Nursing Associate apprentice was awarded the ‘Nursing Associate Trainee of the Year’ at the Student Nursing Times Awards in 2021 for her dedication to helping and advocating for the de...

Child reading with a teacher
Moving from centre stage to the centre of the classroom

With a passion for Performing Arts, Lois completed our Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship, specialising in Performing Arts. Lois has been offered multiple positions as an Early Career Teacher.

Georgia completing a procedure on a practice dummy
Perfect timing as Georgia retrains via hospital apprenticeship

Georgia was looking to pursue her passion and retrain as an Operating Department Practitioner - just as her employer was looking for people for its Operating Department Practitioner Apprenticeship.

Steffi Ward wearing her University of Derby nursing uniform
How Steffi's apprenticeship helped her change careers

When teacher Steffi Ward decided she needed a career change, our Mental Health Nursing Apprenticeship gave her the perfect opportunity.

Josie Bates - MSc Nursing (Adult) Apprentice in scrubs
Changing career paths to become a front face in patient care

Josie Bates explains her journey through her apprenticeship and describes how the MSc Nursing (Adult) course has benefitted her.

Patrick Challen - a Materials Science Technologist Degree Apprentice
Working alongside Leading Scientists and Engineers

Patrick Challen explains what the Materials Science Technologist Apprenticeship entails and how it has helped his career.

Abigail Harris - MSc Nursing (Adult) Apprentice
Nursing apprenticeship graduate becomes a rapid-response nurse

Abigail Harris has always wanted to be a nurse, she explains how she was able to start her MSc Nursing (Adult) because of her passion for patient care.

Bryde Beighton, leadership and management apprentice
Management apprenticeship helps Bryde secure promotion

Read about Bryde's experience of doing a leadership and management apprenticeship with the University of Derby. 

Head and shoulders shot of Josh Rice
Josh sets his sights on management roles after second apprenticeship

Find out why Josh Rice loves apprenticeships so much, and how they have helped him in his career so far. 

FAQs

A higher or degree apprenticeship focuses on combining academic study with work-based learning, allowing apprentices to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours set out by the apprenticeship framework in a real-life setting. Academic study is required and is comparable to a Level 4 HNC equivalent or a bachelor's degree. In contrast, a HNC equivalent or bachelor's degree focuses on full-time or part-time academic learning.

  • You must currently be in paid employment for at least 30 hours per week
  • You must have 5 GCSE’s grade C or above equivalent in maths and english
  • You must have 120 points from A-Levels/BTEC or other qualifications or experience
  • Your employer must pay for the training
  • You must have the right to live and work in the UK
  • At least 50% of your work must take place in England (There are different rules for apprentices who work in Scotland and Wales).

'Off-the-job' training is defined as the time spent by the apprentice away from the employment setting (or within the employment setting but outside of their usual duties) that directly relates to the apprenticeship framework or standard. Each apprenticeship programme requires a minimum time spent undertaking this type of training, and it can be spread over the duration of the programme.

What counts as 'off-the-job' training?

  • Theory teaching, including lectures, role playing, simulation exercises, online learning and manufacturer training
  • Practical training, including shadowing, mentoring and industry visits
  • Learning support (including using online material) and time spent working on assignments.

It does not include:

  • Training undertaken in English or maths
  • Progress reviews
  • Apprenticeship framework or standard assessments
  • Any training which takes place outside of the apprentice’s paid working hours
  • Time spent in 'off-the-job' training must be recorded by the apprentice.

The time it takes for an apprentice to complete a higher or degree apprenticeship at the University of Derby varies, and can be affected by a number of factors. Our courses are offered over a minimum number of years, and vary by apprenticeship standard, the type of programme, employer requirements/expectations and the development of the apprentice. Each apprenticeship is tailor-made to employer experience and to meet your entry criteria.

Our apprenticeships require a combination of on-the-job learning as well as on-campus study at the University of Derby.

Apprentices are required to attend on-day or block release from their employment. Patterns of attendance will vary depending on the course. There is a 20% mandatory ‘off-the-job’ learning requirement for apprenticeships.

Our programmes are specially-designed to help apprentices link academic theory to their employment setting, enabling them to apply their developing skills and knowledge within their job role. Apprentices are encouraged to use real work problems and issues to inform and enhance their knowledge, and provide evidence of this learning for assessment purposes.

The University of Derby supports its apprentices with online resources, including readings, podcasts and recordings of lectures and tutorials. Apprentices will also have a personal tutor to review progress and identify further learning opportunities – pushing those who are doing well, and helping those who require additional support.

Apprentices will be given work-related activities to undertake, which can be designed in consultation with employers to ensure your organisation receives a real benefit. This type of activity can be scheduled to suit the apprentice, enabling them to learn to manage their time and workload effectively.