Rebecca Bale
Apprenticeships Expert, UCAS
With more choice than ever before, where do you start? You might already be researching a degree, but did you know more and more universities are working with employers to offer degree-level apprenticeships?
Over the past five years, we’ve seen a real change in the way apprenticeships are viewed by students and teachers.
One in eight of the university applicants we asked also applied for an apprenticeship. This means there’s high competition for the number apprenticeships available.
Act quickly when opportunities arise
Careerfinder is UCAS’ apprenticeship search site where you can check out apprenticeship vacancies available across the country.
Right now, there are more than 1,500 opportunities covering everything from marketing to journalism, and IT to building surveying.
But remember, opportunities come and go as companies fill their vacancies – so you need to keep checking, and get in quick when you see something that you’re interested in.
Keeping your options open to find the best fit for you
My biggest tip – think laterally. Research both your university and apprenticeship options at the same time, and consider applying for both routes.
Make sure you do your research so you can make an informed choice – and just like you would for the universities you shortlist, research the company, the opportunity, and the career path you’ll be entering.
Once you’ve found an apprenticeship you like, check to see what skills the employer is looking for and read the job description because, while it may not immediately seem like your dream job, the detail could change your mind.
It could open up other options and help you to build a stronger CV and career path.