Apprenticeship FAQ
Practical Guide to Starting an Apprenticeship Journey
Higher and Degree apprenticeships are a partnership between the University of Kent and employers, combining work with tailored university programmes to equip apprentices with both theoretical and practical knowledge.
Benefits include upskilling the existing workforce, attracting talented people, boosting workplace diversity, and filling skills gaps using the apprenticeship levy or government funding through co-investment.
Apprentices must be employed in a real job, work towards an approved apprenticeship standard, complete training that lasts at least 12 months, and spend a proportion of their working week on off-the-job training.
Employers must pay apprentices at least the National Minimum Wage, provide a contract of employment, ensure time off for training, and offer the same conditions as other employees, including paid holidays and sick pay.
Employers can get government help to pay for training. The amount depends on whether they pay the apprenticeship levy. Non-levy payers contribute 5% towards training costs, while the government pays 95%. Levy payers get funds with a 10% government top-up.
Employers can get an additional £1,000 for apprentices who are 16 to 18 years old, 19 to 25 with an education, health and care plan, or 19 to 25 and previously in care.
The University of Kent has extensive experience in providing apprenticeships, having partnered with leading employers since 2011. We deliver apprenticeships across various sectors including business, finance, hospitality, retail, and health and science. The University has been rated as a ‘Good Provider’ of Higher Apprenticeships by Ofsted.
Browse our list of available apprenticeships to find the one that best fits your business needs.
Each apprenticeship comes with specific entry requirements and durations, allowing you to choose the most suitable option.
Higher apprenticeships lead to a certificate or foundation degree (Level 4). Degree apprenticeships lead to a Bachelor’s degree (Level 6) or a Master’s degree (Level 7).
If you still have questions or need further assistance, contact us.
We can help and advise you every step of the way, from an initial discussion about your needs through to quality assurance and fully managed apprenticeships.
The University of Kent's apprenticeship programmes are for those who are already employed and those seeking employment.
If you are already employed, you can apply for a Higher or Degree apprenticeship through your current employer, allowing you to gain new skills and qualifications while continuing your job.
If you are seeking employment, check our current vacancies or the find an Apprenticeship service on the gov.uk website for available opportunities. You can apply directly to employers offering apprenticeship positions.
You earn while you learn: gain valuable skills, work for a great employer, and earn a wage.
There are no university tuition fees, so you may graduate with lower or no debt. You can achieve a higher-level qualification, such as a degree, from a leading UK university and enhance your CV with practical experience and a recognised qualification, positioning you ahead in the job market.
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with university study, spending around one day per week on coursework. They last between one and five years, depending on the level and your employer.
At the University of Kent you can gain a qualification at Level 4 to Level 7, depending on the apprenticeship.
If you are currently employed, you should find a suitable Higher or Degree apprenticeship that aligns with your career goals. Discuss this opportunity with your employer and ask them to initiate the process.
All apprenticeships in England must be managed through the apprenticeship service, and your employer will need to create an apprenticeship service account to recruit and manage your apprenticeship. For more details, our specialists are available to help.
If you are seeking employment, you can search for current apprenticeship vacancies on our website or use the Find an Apprenticeship service on the gov.uk website.
Apprentices are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage. You will be paid for normal working hours and any training or study time. Apprentices also enjoy paid holidays, sick pay, and other employee rights.
Check out our available apprenticeship programmes, entry requirements and modules details.
If you still have questions or need further assistance, contact us.