Construction Degree Apprenticeships

What happens in a construction degree apprenticeship?

A construction degree apprenticeship combines university-level study with paid, hands-on experience. Instead of studying full-time, you’ll split your time between working for an employer and attending university part-time, usually one day a week or in short blocks throughout the year. 

Over three to five years, you will work towards a Bachelor of Science or Engineering, in a subject like Construction Management, Civil Engineering or Quantity Surveying (we go into these in more detail below!).

While studying, apprentices are also employed full-time, meaning you’ll gain valuable on-the-job training. You’ll work on real construction projects, learning everything from site supervision and cost estimation to project planning and client communication. 

What makes degree apprenticeships especially appealing is the fact that the employer and government fully fund tuition fees, so you can earn a salary while avoiding student debt.

Degree Apprenticeship or University?

This is a really important question to ask yourself, and the answer will depend on what you want from this experience. Should you do a specific degree apprenticeship in construction or should you go to university and study a generic subject such as Civil Engineering?

We’ve broken it down for you below: 

If you'd like to delve deeper into the choice between university and apprenticeships, we have a guide for that.

Regardless of what decision you make, a fantastic career in construction is yours for the taking.

Where could a construction degree apprenticeship take me?

A degree apprenticeship in construction will take you far. You could work on some very cool projects, like the Universal Studios theme park opening in Bedford, or the new Lower Thames Crossing. The industry is booming, and the Government are investing heavily in it.

There are loads of areas you could specialise in once you qualify. Let’s explore some of your options:

• Construction Site Managers. Overseeing building projects from start to finish.

• Quantity Surveyors. Managing budgets, contracts, and project costs.

• Civil Engineers. Designing and maintaining infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings.

• Building Services Engineers. Specialising in electrical, mechanical, or environmental systems inside buildings.

• Project Managers. Leading teams and making sure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

You can also work towards chartered status like RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) or ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers).

Some apprentices even progress into senior management, start their own businesses or specialise in areas like sustainability, digital construction (BIM), or health and safety.

There are many opportunities open up for you if you choose to complete a construction degree apprenticeship.

Ever wanted to know what it’s like working for Kier Group? Read a review by a degree apprentice about their experience.

What qualifications do you need for a construction degree apprenticeship?

You’ll usually need a higher-level qualification to do a degree apprenticeship. Usually, employers will ask for,

• Three A Levels (or similar: BTEC, Level 3 or 4 apprenticeship)

• Between 112-120 UCAS points.

You’ll also need to be 18 and older. If you've already got construction experience, you might not need as many qualifications as someone just starting their career journey. But you should be able to demonstrate your skills.

Always double-check the requirements before applying.

How much are construction degree apprentices paid?

Construction degree apprentices are paid a salary from day one, which means you earn while you learn. The exact amount depends on the company and your location, but most employers pay well above the minimum apprenticeship wage, especially for degree-level roles. 

In general, starting salaries for construction degree apprentices range from £18,000 to £25,000 per year, with the average on our website being £24,100. These salaries can be higher in London or with large construction firms.

As you gain experience and progress through the apprenticeship, your pay usually increases each year. By the time you finish your degree (after 4–5 years), you’ll not only have a full qualification but also several years of industry experience, and that puts you in a strong position to move into higher-paid roles. You could be earning £30,000 or more soon after completing your apprenticeship. 

How to apply for a construction degree apprenticeship

Employers will start looking for degree apprentices to join them between September and March, so it’s 100% worth getting your application in early. However, do know that you have a bit more wiggle room than the typical university route, as you don’t have to follow the UCAS deadline.

You can search for a construction degree apprenticeship on our website.

You need to make sure that your apprenticeship CV and cover letter are in top shape. Make sure to follow our guides, and we asked employers what they want to see. Also, always make sure you’re tailoring your application to the role and the company for the best chance of success!