IT Degree Apprenticeships

What is an IT degree apprenticeship?

IT degree apprenticeships combine a university degree with real-life work experience with an employer. Your programme will usually last three to five years, where you’ll spend around four days learning on the job with one day at university studying towards your degree.

They’re split into two distinct levels:

• Level 6 (the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree)

• Level 7 (the equivalent of a Master’s degree).

By the time you’re finished, you’ll have both academic qualifications and literal years of work experience, which employers love.

A bonus is that you’re paid a salary for the duration of your degree apprenticeships. Tuition fees? Nope, you don’t need to pay for them either, so you’ll avoid the dreaded student debt.

As a degree apprentice, you're solving actual business problems from day one, not just studying theory. You might be building apps that customers use, protecting companies from cyber threats, or analysing data that help business decisions.

What types of IT degree apprenticeships can I do?

You have so much choice! Whether it’s a career in AI you’re after, or you want to get to grips with data, there’s an apprenticeship waiting for you. Here are some of the types of IT degree apprenticeships out there:

Data science

You’ll sort through diverse datasets to find bits of information for addressing complex problems. Perfect for those who love statistics and data analysis. Some tasks you’ll get up to include:

• Analysing data to spot trends and patterns

• Building models that help businesses make better decisions

• Designing processes for handling large datasets.

Cyber-security

You’ll spend your time actively protecting a business, its systems and data from cyber attacks and unauthorised access. Some responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring systems to detect and respond to security threats

• Designing security requirements for new systems

• Investigating security incidents.

It’s a popular choice. Read our full guide to cyber-security apprenticeships, click below:

Software development

Love coding? As a software developer, you’ll help design, develop and implement software that’ll drive businesses forward. Your responsibilities will include:

• Creating and testing code for applications and websites

• Collaborating with teams to design software

• Debugging and improving existing systems.

Network engineering

You’ll design, install and support the communication networks that businesses rely on. Some of your tasks will include:

• Installing and configuring network equipment

• Monitoring network performance and fixing issues

• Designing solutions for voice and data services.

Did you know you could do an IT degree apprenticeship at beauty giant L’Oréal? This is what one apprentice thought about their time there:

Can I become a chartered IT professional?

Yes you can! You can become a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) through the British Computer Society (BCS).

Think of becoming a CITP as getting a stamp of approval telling clients, employers and other IT professionals that you really know your stuff. Although you currently can’t do a chartered IT degree apprenticeship, if you’re on a scheme run by the BCS or already a member, it’ll help.

To become chartered you’ll need:

• Eight to ten years of IT work experience (a degree apprenticeship will give you a huge chunk of this)

• Must show you've worked at senior level (not just following orders, but making decisions)

• Need to be at SFIA Level 5, basically proving you can work independently.

Explore more on the BCS website.

Why become chartered?

It’s an official way of telling employers, clients and anyone you work with that you do so with the highest levels of competence. Basically, you’re really damn good at your job. There are loads of benefits to becoming a chartered IT professional:

• Get recognised for your expertise. You’ll be able to use the CITP initials after your name.

• Become trustworthy. You’ll join a community of professionals helping to make the tech world better.

• Prove your skills. Your technical abilities will match and go above industry standards and show potential employers exactly what you can do.

• Grow throughout your career. You’ll commit to ongoing professional development to make sure your skills stay relevant as the industry grows.

How much do IT degree apprentices get paid?

As a degree apprentice, you’ll get paid for the duration of your scheme. On average, you could earn around £26,000 per year.

Remember, with a degree apprenticeship there are zero fees to pay. By the time you graduate, you'll have earned around £80,000 and £100,000 in total during your apprenticeship and have zero student debt. That's a pretty good head start.

It doesn’t stop there either. There is potential to earn so much more once you’re fully-qualified. Depending on where you specialise, you could earn anywhere between £27,000 and £90,000.

What are the entry requirements?

To get onto an IT degree apprenticeship, you’ll need the following:

• Five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 (A* to C) or similar

• Three A Levels at grade C and above or similar

• Be 18 or older.

IT degree apprenticeships are for anyone who has a genuine interest in IT, even if you haven’t had any previous experience or training within the industry. You’re there to learn.

Always remember personal projects, coding clubs or courses, or even just wondering how things work can take you a long way in your application.

How do I apply for an IT degree apprenticeship?

Companies usually start looking for apprentices between January and June for autumn starts, however there are many companies who recruit throughout the year. So it’s always worth having a look at the deadlines when you start your search.

If you’ve found an IT degree apprenticeship you love, you’ll start with an apprenticeship CV and online application. You might also be asked to do a couple of online assessments. Always remember to tailor your CV and answers for each application you do.

Made it through the first stage? You'll be invited to an interview and assessment centre, a day filled with group tasks, tests and your final interview.