Introduction: The Path to Success You Didn’t Know Existed

“Is university really worth it?”

It’s a question thousands of high schoolers and school leavers are asking themselves right now.

It’s a challenging time. Tuition fee interest rates are increasing. In fact, student loan interest rates in the UK reached 8% in August 2024, the highest level ever recorded! That means that you’ll have to pay back even more money when you finish university. And, employers now are not only looking for university degrees, but they want to see candidates with real work experience.

Imagine this: Your friends are applying for university, excited about freshers’ week and uni life, but there’s one commitment they avoid thinking about —the crushing weight of £50k+ in student loans waiting for them on the other side.

What if you could skip the debt, earn a degree, and land your dream job—all at the same time?

Unveil degree apprenticeships. A smarter, faster, and financially friendly path that combines education, work experience, and a salary. If you’re tired of wondering whether university is the right choice, and if degree apprenticeships are worth it, keep reading.

What Is a Degree Apprenticeship and How Do They Work?

Think it’s just a low paid apprenticeship with some training thrown in? Think again.

A degree apprenticeship doesn’t just include a degree—it’s the ultimate career launchpad.

Here’s how it works:

✅ Earn a fully accredited degree (yes, the same one as a university student).
✅ Get paid a real salary from day one (no part-time jobs or weekend shifts required).
✅ Gain 3+ years of industry experience while you study.

Instead of worrying if your degree will even make a difference in a packed job market, degree apprenticeships fast-track your future by giving you the desired skills and connections.

In fact, many degree apprentices who we have interviewed say that they chose this path because they wanted to work and gain a qualification without all the financial fuss. They wanted to start their careers at a young age, and avoid the huge debts that come with a traditional degree.

We've given you a quick comparison chart of the differences between a degree apprenticeship and traditional uni below. Use it to help you make your decision!

Degree Apprenticeships vs University

How Degree Apprenticeships Work

Trying to figure out how you get a degree apprenticeship? Let me break it down for you.

1. The Application Process

Getting a degree apprenticeship isn’t easy. Employers will invest thousands into your education and salary, so they look for candidates with high drive, curiosity, coachability, and the ability to grow. It’s a risky investment for them, so you’ll need:

The passion for the industry you’re applying for
A CV that shows your potential.
A cover letter that tells your story.
The ability to answer aptitude tests under timed conditions
The confidence to ace interviews and assessment centres.

Especially as a young person, practice and drive are key to acing the application process!

2. Balancing Work and Study

Juggling lectures and a job sounds intense, right? Degree apprenticeships keep this in mind, and are designed to make it manageable. You’ll spend your time:

Working in your favourite field, applying what you learn immediately.
Studying through online or in-person lectures, with dedicated time for coursework and assignments.
Networking with other apprentices so you don't feel alone.

Think of it as a loop: Your learning informs your job, and your job informs your learning. The majority of people learn best when they practice what they learn.

3. Built-In Support

You’re not doing this alone. You’ll still get help with your apprenticeship with issues like time management and deadlines. Your employer and university work together to give you:

A structured schedule that prioritises both work and education.
Mentors who guide you through challenges.
Resources to help you stay on track.

At Apprentice Launchpad, we’ve seen firsthand how the right guidance can turn confusion into confidence. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way, so you won’t feel alone in this journey.

Why Degree Apprenticeships Are Worth Every Second

Let’s talk about the top benefits that leave the normal university path in the dust.

1. Earn While You Learn

Instead of paying to study, degree apprenticeships let you get paid while you earn your qualification. Salaries start around £20,000 per year, depending on your industry. Some salaries can go beyond £25,000. We find that STEM roles tend to pay the most, as they usually need more specialisation.

Imagine graduating with money in the bank, not a debt repayment plan and stress for years.

2. Graduate Debt-Free

Almost 1.8 million grads owe more than £50,000 in student loans each, leaving graduates paying off debt for decades. With a degree apprenticeship, your employer covers your tuition, and you graduate without owing a single penny.

Would you rather spend your 20s accruing and worrying about paying off debt—or using your paycheck to travel, save, or invest in your future?

3. Real-World Experience Employers Love

Most university graduates leave with a degree—and little else. Most universities don’t teach their students real employable skills.

Degree apprentices finish with:

A real university degree.
3+ years of experience.
Proven industry skills.

Employers don’t just hire you for your degree—they hire you because you already know how to do the job, and you have the deets to back it.

4. A Guaranteed Job Waiting for You

Most degree apprenticeships lead to a permanent role. It makes sense because the employer has already invested so much into you. You’re not just another graduate applying for jobs—you’re already part of the team.

While your friends are competing against hundreds for graduate roles, you’ll already be employed. In fact, many struggling graduates have said the entry-level positions they found required years of experience, placing them at a disadvantage. With a degree apprenticeship, you're in safe hands!

5. Skills That Actually Matter

University lectures teach theory, but degree apprenticeships focus on what employers need right now. You’ll graduate with real skills that are needed in your industry, and extend beyond your career path.

With skills tailored to your career goals, you’ll walk into any job confident and capable.

Is a Degree Apprenticeship Right for You?

Here’s the best part: degree apprenticeships aren’t just for one type of person—they’re for anyone ready to take control of their future. Including..

Year 12 and 13 Students:

Start your career debt-free with a clear path forward as a young professional. Seize opportunities that only professionals with decades of experience often get.

Gap Year Applicants:

Use your time off to find your passion, figure out your career and gain what employers are looking for NOW.

University Dropouts:

Switch to a path that gives you experience, a degree, and financial freedom, instead of worrying about debt and if it’s all even worth the trouble.

Conclusion: Stop Thinking, Start Doing

Degree apprenticeships aren’t just another option to pass over—they’re the smarter, debt-free way to earn a degree, gain experience, and secure your future. And they’re becoming popular super fast.

So, what’s stopping you?

👉 Want to start applying? Make sure you avoid these top 5 CV mistakes Year 12 and 13 students make!

👉 Find out the 5 myths around degree apprenticeships that we've debunked!

👉 Learn more about how degree apprenticeships prevent student debt while getting a degree for free!

How Degree Apprenticeships Work (And Why They’re Worth Every Second)