Gap year Degree Apprenticeships

3

Hi, I'm considering to take a gap year to apply for degree apprenticeships. Is it likely that Id be able to apply in my first year of uni? or is it better to take a year out? are there any current apprentices who could give me some advice or an insight into the life. Thanks.

Reply 1

Suhul1

6

Generally the majority of degree apprenticeships typically start on Jan and end near June / July with very few available in August due to the September typical start date.

I managed to secure a level 3 apprenticeship and later a level 6 apprenticeship as of recent. I would definitely recommend taking a gap year and applying for apprenticeships while working.

But it really depends how much you want to go university, how bad you want an apprenticeship, are you willing to take a loan out amongst other things will ultimately decide whether that gap year is the right choice.

I personally took a long road as I couldn’t secure a level 6 apprenticeship I decided to do a level 3 for 18 months and now I’m doing a level 6. You could say I’m starting 2 years late but it isn’t true as I’m earning a salary, saving debt and gained tons of work experience.

If you are going to take a gap year just make sure you do a bunch of things like volunteering, online courses and certifications amongst other activities.

I’ve applied to quite literally hundreds and hundreds of apprenticeships and all my friends have secured apprenticeships as well so even if you only hear back from 1 in 10 or 1 in 20 trust me it’s normal.

Just keep trying and don’t give up, you don’t have to be the smartest remember that just the most memorable for the employer.

Reply 2

brutha

OP

3

Original post

by Suhul1

Generally the majority of degree apprenticeships typically start on Jan and end near June / July with very few available in August due to the September typical start date.
I managed to secure a level 3 apprenticeship and later a level 6 apprenticeship as of recent. I would definitely recommend taking a gap year and applying for apprenticeships while working.
But it really depends how much you want to go university, how bad you want an apprenticeship, are you willing to take a loan out amongst other things will ultimately decide whether that gap year is the right choice.
I personally took a long road as I couldn’t secure a level 6 apprenticeship I decided to do a level 3 for 18 months and now I’m doing a level 6. You could say I’m starting 2 years late but it isn’t true as I’m earning a salary, saving debt and gained tons of work experience.
If you are going to take a gap year just make sure you do a bunch of things like volunteering, online courses and certifications amongst other activities.
I’ve applied to quite literally hundreds and hundreds of apprenticeships and all my friends have secured apprenticeships as well so even if you only hear back from 1 in 10 or 1 in 20 trust me it’s normal.
Just keep trying and don’t give up, you don’t have to be the smartest remember that just the most memorable for the employer.

Of course. Apprenticeships are incredible and if I manage to get one, its an amazing opportunity which will basically guarantee job security in some companies. I just have the regular concerns e.g the work/life balance, the environment etc... Especially as my friends are all going to be dotted around the country at different unis, experiencing freshers. It will be quite lonely, is the student life worth the debt though? How is your experience?

Reply 3

Suhul1

6

Original post

by brutha

Of course. Apprenticeships are incredible and if I manage to get one, its an amazing opportunity which will basically guarantee job security in some companies. I just have the regular concerns e.g the work/life balance, the environment etc... Especially as my friends are all going to be dotted around the country at different unis, experiencing freshers. It will be quite lonely, is the student life worth the debt though? How is your experience?

Honestly, as an apprentice I see full time uni students having a lot of fun however, it really depends. If your very out going and extroverted, willing to make a lot of friend’s and go out often, your gonna have an amazing time.

I used to think it’s uni isn’t worth that fun / experience but it’s similar to school where it’s only after you leave, you realise how much fun it actually was and it’s not something you can really replicate.

There are societies and groups which run regular events for apprentices and stuff like that depending on the university you go to, but since we only have 1 study day a week and the majority of our time is spent at work, your not getting anywhere near that uni type experience for the most part.

You also need to bear in mind a lot of apprentices do their study day online with no option to go into the actual uni, while some say it’s mandatory, It really depends on the apprenticeship and what your employer has set up.

Regarding the time management, again it depends on a. How difficult you find studying compared to working and b. The apprenticeship you’re going for. For example, some people find studying full time easier then full time working, some people would rather do mostly studying and a bit of work and vice versa.

However, what I will say for what I’ve seen is that many times you’ll have a lot of free time at work were your really not doing much work at all and your just chilling and you can easily get your uni work done. Then on your study days you can chill for the vast majority of it. However, some other times, you’re going to be really restricted at work and quite busy and you might need to do some uni work in the weekends.

Reply 4

Suhul1

6

Original post

by brutha

Of course. Apprenticeships are incredible and if I manage to get one, its an amazing opportunity which will basically guarantee job security in some companies. I just have the regular concerns e.g the work/life balance, the environment etc... Especially as my friends are all going to be dotted around the country at different unis, experiencing freshers. It will be quite lonely, is the student life worth the debt though? How is your experience?

What did you decide in the end?

Gap year Degree Apprenticeships

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