Choosing between a degree apprenticeship and a traditional university degree is a big decision. Both options offer unique pros and cons – but ultimately deciding which is best suited to you all comes down to a few factors; personal learning style, financial situation and career aspirations. We all know by now what university entails, but you may be less familiar with degree apprenticeships, they aren’t all that new, but the opportunities that employers now provide are far and wide. So, let’s firstly give you the big degree apprenticeship update. 

What even is a degree apprenticeship? 

No, apprenticeships aren’t just in your stereotypical hairdressing or construction. Apprenticeships combine academic study with practice work experience, where through a degree apprenticeship you can gain a bachelor’s or master’s degree in all sorts of industries – engineering to technology, accounting to nursing. So, despite what you may have been told, degree apprenticeships are in for 2025… and open up a whole host of new post opportunities A Level students! 

Earn while you learn! 

One of the biggest advantages of a degree apprenticeship is that you earn a salary while studying. Unlike traditional university students, who often rely on student loans and part-time jobs to get by, apprentices gain hands-on work experience while also not having to pay a penny towards tuition fees! Now especially with the cost of living, we can see why going down this route would be much more favourable. 

Apprenticeships are on the rise. 

Yes, even though going to university remains the most popular path to go down, apprenticeships are on the rise! As we’ve said, attitudes have changed, the number of employers now employing apprentices has increased. Just think, at the age of 18 you could work for huge brands such as the BMW Group, British Airways, JP Morgan and many more! Data shows that in November 2024, just over 50,000 apprentices started degree apprenticeships.  

Career Avenues 

Degree apprenticeships 

• Provides direct entry into a chosen industry, leaving you with 3+ years more work experience than the ‘typical’ graduate by the time you earn your degree! 

• Often leads to permanent employment with the same company – according to the National Apprenticeship Service, this number is up to 90% 

• Strong employer connections, enhancing future career opportunities 

University degrees  

• Offers broad academic knowledge and potential to explore multiple career paths – in other words, your degree doesn’t define you! 

• Doing a university degree can lead you to postgraduate study or even specialising in certain professions such as law and medicine  

• Gives you access to extensive networking opportunities and career services that can help you find your dream job  

Work-life balance  

Degree apprenticeships 

• 80/20 split! Usually, apprentices spend 4 days a week in the office and one day at university studying towards their degree. 

• Prioritising work and managing deadlines 

• Socialising with your team, co-workers and other apprentices at your firm or apprentice-specific networking events 

• Going into the office each day or working from home 

University degrees 

• Moving to a new city/town  

• Getting involved with clubs and societies  

• Getting a part-time job alongside your studies  

• Managing your own time 

Here’s a summary of the pros of each to round up this blog! 

Which Path is Right for You? 

Whether going to university is your plan, or your thinking of doing a degree apprenticeship both require a lot of thought. It’s all down to how you like to work and learn, or whether you want to starting earning money straight out of school. Theres many pros for each, you just need to weigh them up! 

Find out more

Degree Apprenticeships at BU