Become an apprentice

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.

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:

You'll have a full-time job and earn a competitive salary whilst you learn
Your tuition fees are covered by your employer, so you'll have no loan repayments
As your employer is investing in you, this means they're fully committed to your development and progression
Develop in-demand digital and communication skills that will help take organisations forward, making you a valuable employee
The majority (80%) of your learning will be practical so you can apply what you've learnt directly to your role
You can gain a recognised qualification and get involved in the exciting aspects of university life

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.

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

Intermediate and advanced apprenticeships - Intermediate apprenticeships (Level 2) and advanced apprenticeships (Level 3) are equivalent to five GCSEs and two A-Levels respectively.
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.

Finding an apprenticeship

If you're interested in starting an apprenticeship, you must first be employed. You can search for companies currently offering apprenticeship vacancies on the government's website, or you can browse our featured vacancies. 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 can explore our apprenticeship courses and apply for your desired course through your employer.

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 or visit our dedicated Employer webpages.

Featured apprenticeship vacancies

A civil engineering student smiling wearing a hard hat and high visability jacket

Year in Industry Placement - Civil Engineering

Kickstart Your Engineering Career with Octavius Infrastructure. Over 10-12 months, you'll immerse yourself in the dynamic world of engineering, gaining invaluable skills that will shape your future.

Two students on site with an engineering camera

Apprentice Engineer

Kickstart your engineering career with Octavius Infrastructure as a Civil Engineer. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working alongside experienced professionals.

Graduate Engineer

As a Graduate Engineer, you'll gain hands-on experience, collaborate with diverse teams, and contribute to exciting projects that connect communities, improve transport networks, and create impact.

Apprenticeship courses

Level 2 and 3

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

Leadership and Management

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

Health and Social Care

Apprenticeships in development

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

Physicians Associate
Midwifery
Public Health Practitioner
Specialist Community Public Health Nurse
District Nurse

Hospitality

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

Mineral Products

Find out more information on our Mineral Products apprenticeships.

Policing

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

Science and Engineering

Teaching

Frequently asked questions

How is a higher or degree apprenticeship different to a foundation or bachelors degree course?

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.

What are the entry requirements for apprenticeships?

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).

What is 'off-the-job' training?

'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.

How long does a higher or degree apprenticeship take to complete?

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.

How does the University of Derby deliver its apprenticeships?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

Gaining hands on experience

Apprentice Nuclear Submarine Fitter at Rolls Royce, Mohammed Khan's interest in problem solving led him to study a Level 3 Advanced Technical Apprenticeship.

Overcoming Challenges: A journey to Chartered Manager status

Overcoming challenges: a journey to Chartered Manager status case study.

From Healthcare Assistant to qualified Nursing Associate

Before beginning her apprenticeship journey, Anna was a healthcare assistant in A&E during Covid-19, an experience that kickstarted her ambitions to become a healthcare professional.