Apprenticeships are not only for school leavers. Graduates can also apply for suitable programmes, including opportunities that combine paid employment with professional, technical or degree-level training. Taking an apprenticeship after university may help you enter a new profession, gain an industry qualification or develop specialist skills that your degree did not cover. It can also provide a more structured route into work than a standard entry-level job.
However, not every apprenticeship is designed specifically for graduates. The qualification level, entry requirements and funding rules will depend on the programme and where in the UK it is based. This guide explains what people mean by a graduate apprenticeship, who can apply, how the programmes work and how to decide whether an apprenticeship is the right step after university.
Graduate apprenticeships offer a different route into professional work. Compare them with other options in our Alternative Routes to Graduate Careers guide.
What is a graduate apprenticeship?
The phrase “graduate apprenticeship” can have more than one meaning. It is often used informally to describe an apprenticeship that is suitable for someone who already has a university degree. In this case, the programme might lead to a professional qualification, specialist accreditation or training at a higher level. This means you should not rely on the title alone. Read the vacancy carefully to understand:
- the level of the apprenticeship
- the qualification or professional recognition included
- the entry requirements
- whether previous study affects your eligibility
- how the training is delivered
- the type of job you will be doing
An apprenticeship is a real job rather than an unpaid course. You are employed, paid a wage and trained for a particular occupation.
Can you do an apprenticeship if you already have a degree?
Having a degree does not automatically prevent you from starting an apprenticeship. In England, you can apply if you are aged 16 or over, live in England and are not in full-time education when the programme begins. You can hold a previous qualification, including a degree, and still apply; however, your previous education and experience must be considered.
An apprenticeship should provide substantial new learning rather than repeat knowledge or skills you already have. For example, someone with an English degree may be eligible for a digital, accountancy or project-management apprenticeship because the programme develops knowledge that is substantially different from their degree. On the other hand, someone applying for an apprenticeship that closely repeats their existing qualification may find that they are not eligible or that the programme needs to be shortened to reflect their prior learning. Employers can also set their own entry requirements. A vacancy may request a particular degree subject, a minimum grade, relevant experience or specific GCSE results. Always check the individual advert rather than assuming that all graduates will qualify.
How do apprenticeships work?
An apprenticeship combines paid employment with structured training related to your occupation. You will normally spend most of your time completing your job and part of your paid working time undertaking training. This may include lessons, workshops, projects, online study, workplace observations or preparation for a professional assessment. The training may be delivered by a university, college or specialist training provider.
As an apprentice, you should receive:
- a contract of employment
- a wage
- paid holiday
- supervised workplace experience
- training connected to your role
- time during your working hours to complete that training
The length of the programme will depend on the occupation, apprenticeship level and your previous experience. Some last around a year, while degree-level and highly technical programmes can continue for several years. Your progress should be reviewed during the programme. You may need to complete assignments, practical assessments, examinations or an end-point assessment before finishing.
Graduate apprenticeships vs degree apprenticeships
Graduate apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships are related terms, but they are not always interchangeable.
Degree apprenticeships
In England, degree apprenticeships are programmes at level 6 or level 7 that include degree-level study. A level 6 apprenticeship is equivalent in level to a bachelor’s degree. A level 7 apprenticeship is equivalent in level to a master’s degree, although not every level 7 programme awards a full master’s qualification.
Many degree apprenticeships are aimed at school or college leavers who want to earn a degree while working and are often not open to applicants who already hold a degree. However, graduates may also be eligible when the programme offers substantial new learning, or if it’s a level 7 programme building beyond a bachelors.
Apprenticeships aimed at graduates
Some employers advertise schemes as graduate apprenticeships even when that is not the formal programme title. These may combine a graduate role with further level 7 training towards qualifications in areas such as accountancy, law, insurance, data, management or technology. Focus on the content of the opportunity rather than the employer’s label.
What levels of apprenticeship can graduates apply for?
Apprenticeships in England range from level 2 to level 7. The levels are broadly equivalent to the following stages of education:
- Level 2: GCSE level
- Level 3: A-level standard
- Levels 4 and 5: higher education below degree level
- Level 6: bachelor’s degree level
- Level 7: master’s degree level
Having a degree does not mean you must apply only for level 6 or 7 programmes. A lower-level apprenticeship may still be suitable if it trains you for a genuinely new occupation and provides significant new learning. For example, a graduate changing into a technical trade may need to begin at the level appropriate to that profession.
However, consider whether the programme makes good use of your existing ability and whether a direct-entry role could provide a quicker route. You should also check current funding conditions. Rules can change, and restrictions may apply to certain apprenticeship levels or groups of applicants.
What are the benefits of an apprenticeship after university?
An apprenticeship can offer several benefits when it matches your career aims.
Work towards a recognised qualification
Depending on the programme, you may gain a degree, diploma, professional qualification or occupational accreditation. This can be particularly valuable in careers where employers expect formal certification.
Move into a different field
An apprenticeship may provide a route into work unrelated to your degree. Instead of completing another full-time course, you can learn the new profession while applying your existing graduate-level skills.
Access a clear career path
Some employers use apprenticeships to develop people for permanent positions within the organisation. Completing the programme may lead to greater responsibility, progression or further professional training. However, you should check what the employer actually offers rather than assuming that promotion is guaranteed.
What are the possible disadvantages?
An apprenticeship can be valuable, but it is not automatically better than a graduate job.
Balancing work and study
You will need to meet the expectations of your role while completing training and assessments. Although study should take place within your paid working time, managing deadlines alongside everyday responsibilities can still be demanding.
A potentially lower starting salary
Some apprenticeship salaries are lower than those offered for comparable graduate jobs. Compare the full package, including training, qualifications, progression and future earning potential. Do not assume that the qualification always makes a lower salary worthwhile.
A longer commitment
Some higher and degree apprenticeships last several years. Before accepting, consider whether you are genuinely interested in the occupation and willing to complete the whole programme.
Limited flexibility
The training is linked to a particular occupational standard. Changing role, employer or career direction during the programme may be more complicated than leaving a standard job.
Repeating previous learning
A poorly chosen apprenticeship may cover material you have already studied. Read the curriculum and speak to the employer or training provider about how your degree and experience will be taken into account.
How to assess an apprenticeship opportunity
Look beyond the employer’s name and the qualification title. A suitable apprenticeship should provide meaningful employment, substantial new learning and a clear link to the career you want. Before applying or accepting an offer, check the following areas.
The job itself
Read the day-to-day responsibilities. Ask whether you would still be interested in the work if the programme did not include a qualification. The majority of your time will be spent doing the job, so the occupation must suit you.
The training
Confirm what you will study, how it is delivered and which organisation provides it. Find out whether the programme includes a full qualification, professional accreditation or only the apprenticeship completion certificate.
Your previous learning
Ask how your degree and experience will be assessed. The programme may be shortened or adjusted when you already meet part of the training requirement. Make sure enough new learning remains to justify the apprenticeship.
The time commitment
Check the programme length, working hours, study schedule and assessment requirements. Consider how the commitment fits your circumstances and longer-term plans.
Pay and employment terms
Review the salary, holiday entitlement, pension arrangements, working location and any expectations around travel. Check whether the salary increases as you progress and what happens after you complete the programme.
Progression
Ask what previous apprentices have done next. A strong programme should be able to explain the roles, responsibilities or qualifications that successful apprentices normally move into. Treat future employment as a possibility rather than a guarantee unless it forms part of a written offer.
Graduate apprenticeship or graduate job?
The right option depends on what you need from your next step. A graduate apprenticeship may be more suitable if you are entering a profession that requires structured training, changing career direction, or joining a programme that provides substantial learning beyond your degree.
A standard graduate job may be more suitable if you already have the required technical knowledge, the role offers better responsibilities, salary or progression, or you do not want to continue your education after university.
Compare individual opportunities rather than treating every apprenticeship or graduate job as the same.
Common graduate apprenticeship mistakes
Assuming your degree makes you ineligible
Graduates can apply for apprenticeships when the programme provides suitable new learning. Check the requirements before ruling yourself out.
Focusing only on the qualification
You are applying for a job as well as a training programme. Make sure the day-to-day work interests you.
Ignoring the workload
Balancing employment and study requires organisation and commitment. Ask how training time is protected and how assessments fit around work.
Key takeaways
Graduates can apply for apprenticeships when they meet the vacancy requirements, and the programme provides substantial new learning. The phrase “graduate apprenticeship” is used in different ways across the UK, so check the formal programme, level and qualification rather than relying on the title.
An apprenticeship gives you paid employment and structured occupational training. It may also include a degree or professional qualification. Choose an apprenticeship because the occupation and learning structure suit your goals, not because you believe it is your only alternative to a graduate job.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether an apprenticeship repeats my degree?
Review the apprenticeship curriculum, occupational standard and qualification in detail. Compare them with the knowledge and skills you gained through your degree, work and other training. Some overlap may be acceptable, but the programme should still provide substantial new learning. Ask the employer or training provider how they assess prior learning and whether the programme would be shortened or adjusted. Do not rely only on the apprenticeship level, as a programme at the same level as your degree may still train you for a different occupation.
Can I apply for an apprenticeship in a completely different career?
Yes. An apprenticeship can be a suitable route into a profession that is unrelated to your degree. Your previous qualification does not automatically make you ineligible when the programme develops new occupational knowledge and skills. Check the entry requirements carefully, as the employer may still ask for particular GCSEs, degree results or relevant experience. You should also consider whether the day-to-day work interests you and whether the apprenticeship offers a clearer route than another course or a direct-entry job.
What should I ask about the training before accepting?
Ask what qualification or accreditation you will receive, who provides the training and how it will be delivered. Confirm how much paid working time is protected for study and how lessons, assignments and assessments fit around your job. You should also ask how your previous degree and experience will be taken into account. Find out whether the programme includes a final assessment and what support is available if you struggle. The training should provide clear new learning rather than simply adding a qualification title to ordinary employment.
What happens if I want to leave before completing the apprenticeship?
Check the employment contract and training agreement before accepting the role. These documents should explain the notice period, any repayment terms and what happens to your qualification if you leave early. Changing employer may interrupt the programme because the training is linked to a particular job and occupational standard. Do not assume that leaving works in the same way as resigning from a standard graduate job. If your circumstances change, speak to the employer and training provider before making a decision so you understand the practical and financial consequences.
How should I compare an apprenticeship salary with a graduate job?
Compare more than the starting salary. Look at the working hours, training time, qualification, pension, holiday, travel costs and likely pay progression. Ask whether the salary increases during the programme and what successful apprentices normally earn after completion. A lower starting salary may be reasonable when the training is valuable and leads to a recognised career route, but it should still be affordable and fair for the work. Do not assume that a qualification always makes a weaker salary or employment package worthwhile.
What should I ask about employment after the apprenticeship?
Ask whether the contract is permanent or fixed-term and what usually happens when apprentices complete the programme. Find out which roles previous apprentices moved into, whether a further application is required and how progression decisions are made. A strong employer should be able to describe likely routes without guaranteeing an outcome that depends on performance or business need. Treat future employment as a possibility unless it is confirmed in writing. You should also consider whether the qualification and experience would help you find suitable work elsewhere.
