Apprenticeships

Who is eligible to be an apprentice?

Apprentices must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week. Degree apprenticeships can be used to recruit new staff to your business or to upskill existing staff. Apprentices must also have the right to live and work in the UK.

How is the apprenticeship programme delivered?

A degree apprenticeship combines University academic study with on-the-job training. Delivery at the University is flexible and can be worked around the apprentice’s commitments with options including day sessions, block delivery and online training.

How long will the apprenticeship last?

Apprenticeships must last for at least a year. They can last up to 5 years depending on the level the apprentice is studying.

What is an apprenticeship agreement and why do I need one?

It is a mandatory requirement that all apprentices have an apprenticeship agreement. The apprenticeship agreement is a three-way partnership which sets out the responsibilities between the employer, the training provider and the apprentice.

What are apprenticeship standards, and who is responsible for creating them?

Apprenticeship standards underpin all apprenticeships. They set out what an apprentice will be doing and the skills required of them, by job role. Standards are developed by employer groups known as ‘trailblazers’, in partnership with universities.

Search the full list of standards on the Skills England website.

How are apprenticeships funded?

All our apprenticeship courses are fully funded via the apprenticeship levy. The levy is paid by employers with a pay bill of over £3 million (they pay 0.5% of their total annual pay bill). Levy paying employers then access their funds through the online apprenticeship service. The funds in their accounts are available to spend on apprenticeship training in England.

If the employer does not pay the levy, the employer will be required to pay 5% towards the cost of the Apprenticeship training with the Government paying the remaining 95% (up to the maximum of the funding band). For more information about the apprenticeship funding, please visit our Funding and the Levy page.

You can also find more information about the apprenticeship funding on the Government website.

What apprenticeships do you offer?

Please see our Available Apprenticeships page.

What support will my organisation receive?

The University of Northampton will help your organisation to identify a Higher and Degree Apprenticeship programme to meet the requirements of your business. We will also guide you through the contractual and operational aspects of the apprenticeships system including the funding rules.

My employee is in the UK on a visa, are they eligible?

Apprentices must have the right to live and work in the UK and must meet the eligibility criteria set out in the funding rules. Before starting the recruitment and application process, please review the eligibility rules. If you would like any further information about the eligibility criteria or have any questions, please contact us on apprenticeships@northampton.ac.uk.

How to apply for an apprenticeship?

All our apprenticeships are employer driven. Therefore, we can only offer apprenticeship courses through an employer.

We will work with you to discuss your requirements and guide you through the application and funding process. Whether you are interested in applying for the current employees or new recruits, please contact the Apprenticeship Team on apprenticeships@northampton.ac.uk and we will be happy to help you.

How much do apprentices get paid?

While the national minimum wage for apprentices is £7.55 per hour (as of April 2025), apprentices in the East Midlands region typically earn more competitive salaries. Our current higher and degree apprentices at the University of Northampton earn average starting salaries between £18,000 and £26,000, varying by sector and employer. For example, engineering apprentices in Northamptonshire often start at £20,000+, while digital and technology solutions apprentices frequently command higher starting salaries due to the region’s growing technology sector.

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

The duration varies depending on the level and programme. Higher apprenticeships (Levels 4 and 5) typically take 2 – 3 years to complete. Degree apprenticeships (Levels 6 and 7) usually take 3 – 6 years, with most bachelor’s degree apprenticeships taking 4 – 5 years. The longer duration compared to traditional degrees reflects the part-time nature of the study and the integration of work experience.

At the University of Northampton, our programmes typically run:

• Higher apprenticeships: 2 – 3 years
• Degree apprenticeships: 3 – 4 years for bachelor’s level
• Master’s degree apprenticeships: 2 – 3 years

Our scheduling is designed to align with local employer needs, with most programmes following a day-release model to minimise disruption to workplace activities.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

Entry requirements typically include:

• For higher apprenticeships: Usually at least 5 GCSEs grades 9-4 (A*-C) and Level 3 qualifications like A-levels, BTEC, or a relevant lower apprenticeship
• For degree apprenticeships: Usually 3 A-levels or equivalent BTEC qualifications, with specific grade requirements varying by employer and university (typically ranging from BBC to AAB) Specific subject requirements often apply, particularly for technical roles.
• At the University of Northampton, we also value relevant work experience and consider each application individually

How does the application process work?

The application process typically involves:

1. Searching for opportunities on websites like GOV.UK Find an Apprenticeship
2. Submitting an application to the employer (not the university)
3. Online assessments (numerical/verbal reasoning)
4. Video or telephone interviews
5. Assessment centres or face-to-face interviews

Applications often open nearly a year before the start date, similar to graduate schemes.

At the University of Northampton we hold regular apprenticeship information sessions and offer one-to-one guidance through our dedicated apprenticeships team. We recommend registering your interest through our website to receive updates about new opportunities.

What support do apprentices receive during their studies?

Apprentices receive multiple forms of support:

• A workplace mentor to guide professional development
• A university tutor for academic support
• Protected study time (typically one day per week)
• Access to university facilities and resources
• Peer support from other apprentices
• Regular progress reviews with both employer and university

What happens after completing the apprenticeship?

Most apprentices are offered permanent positions with their employer upon completion. You’ll have:

• A recognised qualification (degree or higher qualification)
• Several years of work experience
• No student debt
• Professional qualifications or membership (in many cases)
• Opportunity for career progression within the company

What are the main differences between traditional university and an apprenticeship?

Key differences include:

• Earning while learning vs. paying tuition fees
• Working full-time vs. full-time study
• Professional experience gained throughout vs. typically after graduation
• More structured schedule vs. more flexible university lifestyle
• Immediate application of learning vs. theoretical knowledge

Can I change employers during my apprenticeship?

While it’s possible to change employers during an apprenticeship, it’s complex because:

• The new employer must be able to support the same apprenticeship standard
• They must be willing to take on the commitment
• The transfer must be agreed upon by all parties

It’s generally recommended to complete the apprenticeship with your original employer unless there are significant issues.

The University of Northampton has a dedicated apprenticeship support team that can assist if you need to change employers. We maintain relationships with multiple employers in the region, which can facilitate transfers when necessary.

How is the study time structured?

Study patterns vary but typically include:

• Day release (one day per week at university)
• Block release (several weeks at university throughout the year)
• Online learning and virtual classrooms
• Evening classes and independent study
• Work-based projects that contribute to your qualification

The exact structure depends on the employer and university partnership.

At the University of Northampton, we typically use:

• Day release model
• Virtual learning through our NILE (Northampton Integrated Learning Environment) platform
• Block release for some specialised programmes
• Access to our Learning Development team and our ASSIST support services
• 24/7 access to our Learning Commons and digital resources

What skills and qualities make a successful apprentice?

Successful apprentices typically demonstrate:

• Strong time management and organisation skills
• Ability to balance work and study commitments
• Good communication skills
• Self-motivation and initiative
• Willingness to learn and adapt
• Professional attitude
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

These qualities help apprentices manage the demands of working while studying.

Our most successful apprentices at the University of Northampton also demonstrate:

• Digital literacy skills to engage with our online learning platforms
• Networking abilities to build relationships across our apprentice community
• Community engagement, reflecting our Changemaker values
• Commitment to professional development and lifelong learning

I am in the UK on a visa, am I eligible?

Apprentices must have the right to live and work in the UK and must meet the eligibility criteria set out in the funding rules. You can read more about your eligibility on the gov.uk website. If you would like any further information about the eligibility criteria or have any questions, please contact us on apprenticeships@northampton.ac.uk.

Is there an age limit for doing higher and degree apprenticeships?

People of all ages can benefit from apprenticeships, whether they are starting their careers, changing professions, or upskilling within their current jobs. There is no upper age limit, making apprenticeships a versatile option for lifelong learning. A University of Northampton Degree apprenticeship will enable you to study for a higher-level qualification and gain you professional recognition, but they are only open to age groups over 18.

I’ve already got a degree/higher qualification, am I eligible to do an apprenticeship?

You can still do an apprenticeship even if you already have a degree or higher qualification. Although, this must be an entirely different topic. For instance, if you have a mental health nursing degree, we can’t fund you to do an adult nursing degree.

In short, to be eligible for a higher/degree apprenticeship, you generally need to be:

• Aged 18 or over
• Living in England
• Not in full-time education

Employers may have specific entry requirements based on the industry and role, but having a higher qualification can often be beneficial.

Can the apprenticeship be completed in a shorter amount of time?

No, our courses have a fixed structure/timetable. The only way they are shortened is if an applicant is exempt from parts of the course because they already hold credits.

What happens if you fail an assessment/module during the apprenticeship?

Failing a module or test during your apprenticeship isn’t the end of the world, but each case will be treated on an individual basis. But here are some things to consider:

• Resits/retakes: You would typically have the opportunity to resit or retake a module or test, as long as your employer and training provider (UON) are happy with this. They should provide you with support to help you improve and succeed in a retake.
• Cost: You won’t have to pay back any money if you fail your apprenticeship. Any costs associated with retakes or training are typically covered by your employer or your training provider. Because of this, some employers may refuse to allow you to resit, or could even lead to dismissal.

• End-Point Assessment (EPA) Policy (PDF, 211KB)
• Subcontracting Policy (PDF, 337KB)
• UON Apprenticeship Handbook (PDF, 314KB)
• Apprenticeship Safeguarding Guidelines (PDF, 188KB)