BSc Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship

Hey there! I can try to answer your questions as best as I can.

I’m doing the Data Analyst route too, but have a look at the core and optional modules for this route and compare this with your university modules. I’ve heard from friends that a sandwich year is very beneficial since you both get the degree and a year’s work experience in a relevant industry. However, having 4 years work experience alongside apprenticeship qualifications can be hugely beneficial.

Don’t forget that at least 20% of your working time is allocated to studying (you get paid to study), you have a salary, and don’t incur any debt. These benefits can make a huge start to your degree, but of course it depends on a range of factors since your degree is pretty much chosen for you by the company.

Unfortunately I don’t know anyone that has relocated for an apprenticeship and I understand that it will be difficult when you are essentially working a full-job.

Have you looked into flexi-working hours? You could potentially have a longer weekend to spend at home by working extra throughout the week, and leave early on the Friday to visit family. Don’t forget you have an annual leave allowance and some companies give you the option to buy annual leave (unpaid leave) which you can use to visit family too. I have 25 days paid leave and 10 days unpaid leave as I want to do more travelling in my twenties.

The socialising aspect will vary depending on the apprenticeship you are in. If you’re the only apprentice, you won’t get as many opportunities compared to a company that recruits 20 apprentices per year. I think around 10 apprentices is a good number as larger companies with more apprentices have more competition and rivalry to secure full-time positions.

There’s around 15 apprentices at my company and we arrange pub trips, meals, and bowling, but there’s only around 7 regulars and the rest keep to themselves. It really depends on the type of people you are working with and how outgoing they are.

Also check if there’s a graduate scheme. If there is there will be more younger people in your organisation, which of course creates more social opportunities.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.

Oh, thank you! I didn't think about comparing the modules which I should have done. I'll look into that.

That number of people sounds alright! Many of the ones I've looked at have stated the number of apprentices they're taking on so I think I'll be okay there.

Just one more question, I hope it doesn't seem weird. What would you say is the ratio of male-to-female apprentices with you?

another thing, degree apprenticeships have such a long application process from online application to online tests assessment centres multiple interview and sometimes insight evening. it depends on your location but if you're traveling far like I did you will be wasting money and it won't be paid until you have been made an offer

Oh, thank you! I didn't think about comparing the modules which I should have done. I'll look into that.

That number of people sounds alright! Many of the ones I've looked at have stated the number of apprentices they're taking on so I think I'll be okay there.

Just one more question, I hope it doesn't seem weird. What would you say is the ratio of male-to-female apprentices with you?

So far, no answers from Accenture, but companies such as IBM, TBC and BT have replied to me. Doing a BT interview (Video where you talk to yourself) I completely failed, as it felt unnatural, and I kept stuttering and messing up my answers, so that falls out. Hopefully other companies reply and I still have a shot haha

Good luck with the other interviews and don’t let that get you down. Fortunately I never had to go through such a process as I initially enrolled on a Level 3 and was able to build a reputation within the company.

I’m not sure if I can successfully go through such a process but interview skills are a must to move on in your career.

Unfortunately there’s only 1 female apprentice out of the 15 total apprentices. Not sure why as IT careers for females are growing and half of my team on my project are female.

That's a shame. Maybe It'll be different for me, who knows. Thank you for answering!

I'm working towards a BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in IT which is equivalent to a full A-Level and I'm predicted to get a Merit, easily a Distinction if I try hard enough. Would this be sufficient for the Degree programme, or failing that a Higher apprenticeship? The content of the BTEC is really good with the exam covering the fundamentals of IT and the NEA has you work with Access and relational databases.

Yes, that should be fine! It's the equivalent of a Level 3 qualification, such as A-Levels, and I'm sure a Distinction in IT would make you stand out in the selection process. Use the content of the BTEC to your advantage and how it is more beneficial than the A-Level route. I'm sure you'll do fine.

Ah I see, that's very reassuring then! Although you did say that you'd done a Level 3 apprenticeship after you did your A-Levels - is that because you hadn't done an IT course at that point? I was also on the phone with QA after I'd registered my interest and one of their advisors recommended I'd do the L3 apprenticeship before even a L4, even though I'd mentioned the BTEC while doing so.

Ah I see, that's very reassuring then! Although you did say that you'd done a Level 3 apprenticeship after you did your A-Levels - is that because you hadn't done an IT course at that point? I was also on the phone with QA after I'd registered my interest and one of their advisors recommended I'd do the L3 apprenticeship before even a L4, even though I'd mentioned the BTEC while doing so.

Level 3 BTEC IT is fine for the degree programme; I did that qualification and I'm on an Software and Web Development apprenticeship that my company is willing to pay for me to get a degree. My company said I had to do Level 3 apprenticeship first before moving on to the degree so I could learn the basics and it would be less difficult for me to study the degree. I personally don't mind doing the Level 3 qualification even though I had one under my belt.

Once all the stages have been completed.
How long does it take for the call saying you have, or, have not been selected for the apprenticeship?

I completed Deloitte and EY just waiting on the call.