Moving on from an apprenticeship

Information for current and former apprentices

Overview

Whether you’ve just started your Apprenticeship, are coming to the end or completed your Apprenticeship some time ago there are a wide range of opportunities to support your career progression.

By completing an Advanced Apprenticeship you have a level 3 qualification. The qualifications and experience you have gained as an apprentice prepare you well to progress into a level 4 or above qualification, classed as Higher Education.

The Lifepilot website has plenty of information, advice and tools that can help you get started. Read more in this section to find out about the key things to consider, or complete one of the following activities to help you start your planning.

Get started activity will ask you what you want to know and give you the Lifepilot information you need.

The Lifepilot Profile Builder will help you build a record of your current experience, skills, etc.

You can also ask a Lifepilot adviser a question online and get information to suit you.

What can I do next?

Higher education means any study from Level 4 (which is equivalent, in level, to the first year of a university course) upwards – this can include short courses, a range of degrees, work-related courses and even post-graduate qualifications.

Higher Education is not only about studying a full time three year Degree – there are many other options. There have never been as many part-time and vocational Higher Education programmes. Over 40% of students in higher education are studying part-time, so you can continue to earn while you learn.

Progressing to a higher level might include undertaking a Foundation Degree or a Higher National Certificate/Diploma (HNC/HND). There are also opportunities such as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) available through colleges, universities and training providers where you can continue to develop new skills related to your professional area.

Hear about Abigail's experience of moving from an Apprenticeship into a Foundation Degree at the University of Plymouth.

View a video of Clare who began her working life as an apprentice engineer which led her to university and a subsequent career in marketing.

Download the file: Vicky choose an Apprenticeship after A Levels and is now doing a degree

Vicky

Why think about higher level study?

Higher skills will give you an edge in the job market and help you progress in your career.

The qualifications you achieve are likely to have a direct effect on how much you earn. On average, someone with a level 4 qualification will earn £200 more per week than someone with a level 3 qualification – £10,000 a year.
Employers pay most for skills that are specialised, require training and qualifications, are particularly important to their business and in short supply. By 2020, 40% of the workforce will require higher level skills (skills associated with higher education).
People with higher level qualifications are less likely to be unemployed and are frequently found to be working at a management or senior level.

Hear about Mark's experience and how getting a degree has supported him in his career.

What type of higher education might be best?

If you apply for a work-related course you will be able to combine work and study. You can also use your place of work to provide the evidence of your learning and undertake project work. Many courses now have flexible delivery, for example in the evening, weekends, day release or online. You need to find a programme that suits you best.

If you cannot get the time off work or you work shifts, you could also consider a course with the Open University where learning takes place at home using support materials or through on-line learning.

We have compiled information about the type of study or course that will best suit your ambitions, interest and circumstances.

There are also directories of some of the work-related opportunities for higher level study available at local colleges and universities in the Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset and former Avon area.

How much will it cost?

Costs for courses vary, particularly for part-time learners as the cost is set by the institution. Part-time fees are often lower than equivalent full time fees and may not be as expensive as you might think. In addition, financial assistance is often available.

There is a full section on money matters including funding and student finance.

How to apply?

Once you have decided on a course you need to think about what the application process involves by checking on the institution's website and find out the deadlines for to allow yourself enough time to complete your application.

There is much more information about taking the next steps in applying for a higher level programme here.