Becoming an Apprentice at Kent

Becoming an apprentice

Earn while you learn and gain valuable work experience
Apprenticeships
Vacancies

Combine University study with a paid job

Apprenticeships are real jobs, which means the candidate applies directly to the employer for acceptance into their scheme. The University of Kent provides the training, ensuring apprentices gain both practical work experience and academic knowledge. The application process and criteria vary depending on whether the candidate is already employed or seeking employment.


How Apprenticeships Work

Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships offer a unique combination of practical work experience and academic learning, setting them apart from other apprenticeship levels.

These programs are designed for those who wish to continue their education while gaining valuable work experience. 

They range from Level 4 to Level 7, equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree up to a Master’s degree.

  • Higher Apprenticeships (Levels 4 and 5): Equivalent to the first year of a university degree or a foundation degree. They allow employees to continue their education and gain valuable work experience at the same time.
  • Degree Apprenticeships (Levels 6 and 7): The highest level of apprenticeships, equivalent to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. These programs span three to six years and combine work-based learning with academic studies.

Rules Governing Apprenticeships:

  • The apprentice may be an existing employee or a new hire, but they must be employed in a real job.
  • Apprentices are required to work towards achieving an approved apprenticeship standard, with training lasting at least 12 months.
  • The minimum duration of each apprenticeship is based on the apprentice working 30 hours a week or more, including any off-the-job training
  • Apprentices must spend a proportion of their working week on off-the-job training, usually around one day per week.

No Tuition Fees

Cost-Free Education: Apprentices benefit from an education free of tuition fees. The costs for training and assessment are covered by the employer and the government, enabling apprentices to earn a salary while gaining valuable qualifications.

For Employed Candidates

Application Process

If you are already employed and interested in an apprenticeship, discuss your interest with your employer. They can facilitate the application process by partnering with Kent as the training provider.

  • Review our list of available programmes to find the one that best suits your needs. 
  • Once you have chosen a program, contact us for further details and assistance with the application.

Employer Support

Your employer may need to create an apprenticeship service account to manage the funding and administration of the apprenticeship. The University of Kent will support them throughout this process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.

Current Apprenticeships

For Job Seekers

Finding Opportunities 

If you are currently unemployed, you can still become an apprentice. Explore our section with apprenticeship vacancies at Kent or register with the Government's Find an Apprenticeship service to search for current vacancies. 

As an apprentice, you will receive a salary and be entitled to the National Minimum Wage. You will have allocated time for training or study as part of your apprenticeship, along with holiday pay and other employee rights. 

Application Process 

Apply directly to the employer offering the apprenticeship. Typically, this involves submitting a resume, cover letter and sometimes completing assessments or interviews.

Getting your new employer on board

If you secure employment and your employer is willing to support your apprenticeship, but is not currently working with a provider, review our list of current programmes. We can also arrange a meeting with your employer to discuss the apprenticeship process and the benefits of participating in one.

Vacancies
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Funding and Earning

As an apprentice, you benefit from various funding opportunities that cover training and assessment costs, ensuring you can focus on learning and gaining practical experience without financial stress.

Read more

Success Highlights

How our apprenticeships have transformed careers and empowered businesses

Research Scientist

'The next generation of scientific talent', - Jessie Stow shares her apprenticeship journey from Level 5 to Level 7. 

Explore

Policy Officer

'One thing that employers will always find valuable – experience'.

Explore

Professional Economist

Matthew Nash is a Professional Economist apprentice working for the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities.

Explore

Senior Leader

'The final business proposal that I am submitting for the MBA course is based on augmented reality in clinical training – an exciting area that I really want to explore'.

Explore

Laboratory Scientist

Rebecca Burford shares her apprenticeship journey from Level 5 Technician Apprentice to Level 6 Laboratory Scientist.

Explore

Get in Touch

Have questions or need more information about our apprenticeship programmes? Our team is ready to assist you with any questions or guidance you need. 

Contact Us