Information for apprentices

Are you an aspiring apprentice looking to find out more about studying a higher or degree apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to start a new career or gain new qualifications to help you progress in your current career with support from industry-leading experts and our state-of-the-art facilities. Think of it as a win-win situation where you get both education and experience.

Our apprenticeships are available at two levels:

Higher apprenticeships - these are equal to a Level 4 or 5 qualification. Level 5 qualifications are equivalent to a foundation degree.
Degree apprenticeships - these are equal to a Level 6 or 7 qualification. They are equivalent to a bachelors and masters degree.

Whether you study for a higher apprenticeship or a degree apprenticeship will depend on the apprenticeship you’re interested in. If you’re already employed, it will be determined by the needs of your employer.

Earn while you learn

Gain a recognised work-based university qualification at degree or master's level whilst earning a competitive salary

Gain practical work experience

Receive on the job training, apply what you learn in the workplace straightaway, and know your job inside-out

Part of our student community

You'll be supported by academics and student support teams, you also have access to facilities, venues and events

Become an apprentice

As apprenticeships are paid for by the employer, you'll usually 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. Alternatively, you can use our recruitment service to discover a range of available job vacancies.

If you're already in employment

You will need your employer's support to pursue an apprenticeship opportunity. Talk to them about how an apprenticeship can help you grow personally and professionally as well as improving your performance at work.

Browse our range of apprenticeships and find the perfect course for you

Apprenticeship courses

Our recruitment service

We also offer a recruitment service designed to connect individuals with a wide range of diverse job vacancies. Our service is tailored to meet the needs of both the individual and employers, ensuring a match for both parties.

Browse current vacancies and get connected to employers through our dedicated service

Apprenticeship recruitment service

Am I eligible for an apprenticeship?

Higher and degree apprenticeships are suitable for everyone from college leavers to existing employees who are looking to progress in their chosen career. Opportunities span across all sorts of different occupations in many sectors, such as business, engineering, health, digital, and more.

To be eligible to become an apprentice, you'll need to meet the following criteria:

You must hold the required qualifications

Level 2 English and Maths, GCSE, Functional Skills (or equivalent) subject to school and level of standard

You must have the right to live and work in the UK

You must have lived in the UK continuously for the 3 years prior to the start date of the apprenticeship

You must have a contract of employment

The employment must cover you for the duration of the apprenticeship for a minimum of 30 hours a week

Unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria?

If you're unsure whether you meet qualification criteria, don't worry. University of Staffordshire is committed to diversity and inclusion and will consider applications from those with relevant experience on an individual basis, for more information get in touch with us.

How to get started with your application

Secure your role

First, you need to secure a relevant role for at least 30 contracted hours a week. This could be the current role that you're in. The role must be relevant to the apprenticeship as you'll be spending four days a week in the workplace. If you're not currently in a relevant role, you'll need to start applying for role that is relevant to the apprenticeship. If you're struggling to find a role, you can access our Apprenticeship Recruitment Service where we will match you with employers looking to hire an apprentice.

Apprenticeship Recruitment Service
Get your employer's support

Speak to your manager about the degree apprenticeship you're interested in. Degree apprenticeships are funded by employers, so it's essential to get your employer's support. Your employer may receive funds from the government to cover costs. If you secure a role through our Apprenticeship Recruitment Service, the employer will be recruiting specifically for an apprentice and will already support your apprenticeship.
Contact University of Staffordshire

Once you've got your employer’s support, you and your manager will need to contact our Apprenticeships Team. We will answer any questions and will begin the onboarding process. If you've got a role through our Apprenticeship Recruitment Service, we will already be working closely with your employer and will transition you through enrolment.

Contact the Apprenticeships Team
Begin your apprenticeship journey

Once we've received your application and all relevant documents, your Degree Apprenticeship can begin. You'll normally spend 4 days a week in work and 1 day a week studying. University of Staffordshire apprenticeships team will be on hand to support both the apprentice and employer throughout.

Hear from our apprentices

Don't just take our word for it. Our apprentices share their experiences of what it's like studying an apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire. They explain how working and studying has helped them grow their professional and academic skills.

The apprenticeship has been fantastic, with support offered both for personal problems and in study as well. My confidence has grown so I feel like it’s made me a stronger, better person and a better nurse. Best thing I ever did!

Rachel Shingler

Registered Nurse Associate, UHNM

The apprenticeship allowed me to tie all my practical knowledge around the work that I do day to day with young people into the theory and academic side of things. The best thing about doing the apprenticeship is that you’re working with staff who recognise that you’re a professional. The apprenticeship has enabled me to become a qualified social worker and provided me with lots of opportunities to be a senior social worker and eventually move on into management. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire.

Michelle Bailey

Social worker, Stoke on Trent City Council

The best thing about the apprenticeship is the career progression. This course with University of Staffordshire gives me the opportunity to learn new skills to take more responsibility for people, projects and operations. The university has provided me with a lot of support to help me with my confidence and leadership skills. No matter your age, your background or stage in your career, an apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire is a great way to boost your professional development.

Anna Walczak

Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, GE Verona

Studying at University of Staffordshire has allowed me to build connections and make friends with other apprentices from a range of different organisations across the UK. The lecturers and experienced and friendly and the learning facilities are excellent! The best thing about the apprenticeship is the flexibility in learning with both online and in person learning along with the ability to earn full time pay as you learn at the university.

Jess Bayfield

Cyber Security – Digital and Technology Solutions, BT

Hear more stories

More information

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Redundancy support service

Information about the redundancy support service for apprentices.

How is an apprenticeship different to a degree?

A higher or degree apprenticeship combines the academic study of a degree with work-based learning. You will develop your skills and apply them in a real, working role while working towards a recognised academic qualification.

Will I get paid?

Yes! Apprentices are paid a wage like any other job. You get paid by the employer you’re working for.

The fees for the apprenticeship are covered by your employer and the government. This means you have nothing to pay back at the end of your programme of study.

Why University of Staffordshire?

This is an exciting time for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships at University of Staffordshire. We work with some of the country’s largest employers and we’re continually working to introduce an even wider choice of apprenticeships. We're within the top 5 largest apprenticeship provider in the UK, offering a large portfolio of specialist programmes. We were awarded a ‘Good’ by Ofsted in January 2022, emphasising our commitment to our apprenticeship offering.

When can I apply for an apprenticeship?

You can apply for an apprenticeship any time of the year.

Can I do an apprenticeship if I already have a degree?

Yes, as long as the apprenticeship is in a different subject.

How does University of Staffordshire deliver its apprenticeships?

The University delivers it’s apprenticeships in a variety of ways such as day release, block release and blending learning. Utilising our digital capabilities and world class facilities.

Your student experience

Apprentices don't have to miss out on the student experience. You'll be a part of our vibrant community where you can join us on campus, meet new friends, and explore our facilities and fun venues.

Campus venues

Fuel up on discounted food and drink at our bistros, lounges and coffee shops and hang out at our student events.

Ember Lounge

Café and bar at the heart of the College Road site, serving up burgers, karaoke and quizzes.

Catalyst Bistro

The Bistro offers a dining experience with an option to book tables or the space for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Pavilion Burrito and Wrap Bar

Pavilion Burrito and Wrap bar is a Mexican style restaurant that offers a Breakfast and Lunch menus throughout the week.

Squeezebox

Healthy smoothies, hearty oatcakes and the best coffee around can be found in Squeezebox on College Road campus.

Coffee Lab

Coffee Lab offers a full Costa Coffee range of hot and cold drinks as well as sandwiches, toasties, pies, and paninis.

Cafe Cadman

A contemporary “lounge style” café located in the entrance to the library serving Costa coffee; with a range of fantastic impulse cakes and home baked snacks.

Union shops

There are two convenient shops on-campus, both ran by the Students' Union, ensuring the best prices. Read more

A smaller convenience store on Leek Road will help keep you stocked up with essentials, while the College Road store is a great place to pick up lunch-on-the-go or practice sustainability with the weigh and pay offerings.

Creative learning spaces

We're dedicated to providing flexible, high-quality, digitally enabled spaces, whether you need a quiet pod for studying, a modern space for collaboration, or a place to read and think creatively in our libraries. No matter what apprenticeship course you're studying, you'll get access to cutting-edge facilities, from the clinical simulation suites to computer networking labs.

The Catalyst

The building will combine business, networking and apprenticeship opportunities with dynamic teaching spaces and state-of-the-art digital facilities – the perfect launchpad for you future career. Read more

The Catalyst brings together the delivery of apprenticeships and skills, in a flexible, high-quality, digitally enabled space. It offers open, social and flexible learning spaces, emulating real world working environments and opportunities for digital engagement. The Catalyst is a unified building, bringing together social, study, teaching and support functions, where students can browse digital and physical resources, including books and a number of special collections.

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Libraries

We have Libraries and service desks at both sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Our experienced and friendly staff can answer your IT queries, help you to access resources, show you how to research for your assignments and help with referencing.

Smart Zone

A bustling centre of invention, innovation and creation with two floors of dedicated workshop and collaboration spaces for engineering and creative students. Read more

The Smart Zone fuses state-of-the-art fabrication spaces with augmented and blended reality facilities, allowing you to bring your ideas to life using the latest digital and immersive technologies. Find out more about our Smart Zone.

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Creative Lab

The Creative Lab is a design-led facility, a hub for new ideas for business creation, product and service development and business growth. Read more

This workspace provides access to specialist and collaborative facilities where students, innovative thinkers, start-ups and SMEs can benefit from a digitally enhanced environment and university expertise. Equipped with a MAC & PC suite, Wacom tablets and large screens.

Digital Kiln

A modern social space for students based in Mellor Building. It's ideal for group work, creative ideas sessions and relaxation.

Breakout Spaces

Comfy, bright and airy social spaces where students can meet up to discuss group projects, share innovative thinking or network with academic staff and visitors.

Print Bureau

A centralised printing hub offering a wide range of high quality printing including vinyl banners, large format inkjet, riso, ceramic transfers, and fabric printing. Read more

Open to students, staff and the public, the in-house facility provides a range of high-quality printing options including inkjet printing, fabric printing and a vinyl cutting service.

The print bureau hosts a number of large format inkjet printers capable of printing up to A0 size on a range of media including fine-art museum standard archival prints, transparent film (used in screen printing), backlit film, wall art paper (for wall decoration), adhesive backed paper and poster boards

The ceramic printer produces transfers that when fired in a kiln allow the decoration of ceramic products e.g. plates, cups, bowls, jewellery, tiles etc.

Printed and cut vinyl has the potential to print any design, logo or artwork no matter how detailed or intricately shaped onto a range of vinyl products including weatherproof banners or car decals.

The Riso printer creates simple one-off artist leaflets, comics, magazines or individual prints at high volume and low cost.

3D Printing Bureau

Book in jobs, pay for prints, collect work and get technical support using our collection of 3D printers. Read more

Available Printers include Mojo, Up Box, Markforged Onyx One, Formlab 3, and Stratasys J55. Print in various materials - resin, metal, carbon fibre and clay! Find out more about our Print Bureau and our 3D printing facilities

Specialist Laser Cutting

Get access to our Trotec Speedy 400 laser cutter and practice with technology used for industrial manufacturing applications.

Immersive Technologies

This collection of rooms and resources allows for exploration and development with Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies. Read more

Find out more about our Immersive Technology Facilities.

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Fitness & social

A female with a ponytail is wearing gym clothing and using the cross-trainer at the Stanley Matthews gym

Sport at University of Staffordshire

Stay healthy at our gym and sports centre equipped with the latest fitness equipment and the place to join sports teams.

A male and female casually dressed are playing a game of pool at the pub venue on campus, there are other students in the background socialising

Students Union

Be part of our welcoming Students' Union with over 100 clubs and societies to choose from.

Social sports programmes

We have a thriving social sports community where you can try out new sports and make friends, whatever your ability.

Stafford campus

If you're an apprentice based at our Stafford campus, we also have have excellent facilities at the Centre for Health Innovation. Explore state-of-the-art technology, modern social spaces and flexible teaching areas.

Explore Stafford campus

Support & wellbeing

You'll be supported throughout your apprenticeship journey by our caring support and wellbeing teams.

Careers support

Your essential hub for information and guidance on careers

Health and wellbeing

Our caring student services are dedicated to supporting you

Academic support

Helping you to build academic skills to be an effective learner

Get in touch

Contact the Apprenticeship Team

We're here to help. If you have any questions or queries about starting an apprenticeship then please get in touch.

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