A firm hires you as an apprentice, pays you a wage, gives you invaluable experience and puts you through your degree. In today's job market, that experience matters more than ever.
A real job with a real salary, not a student loan.
Your employer pays for your training. You come out with no debt.
Genuine experience, while your friends are only just finishing uni and hunting for grad jobs.
Usually a job at the end, and a network that can support your whole career.
Levels: Level 6 is a full bachelor's degree. Level 7 is master's-level, and on many routes you finish fully chartered in your profession, like a chartered accountant. They're offered across most industries, from finance to engineering and healthcare.
"You have to pay for the degree."
"Apprenticeships are for people who couldn't get into uni."
"You can do one in almost any industry."
"It's not a real degree."
"You need straight A*s to get on a top scheme."
"You can apply to uni as a back-up at the same time."
"You'll be stuck at the same company forever."
The average student starting repayments in April 2026 owed £47,730.
Or even full chartered status on a Level 7 route.
The thing employers want most.
While your peers are finishing uni and starting the grad job hunt.
People across a big firm who can support your career for years to come.
But you do have money that lets you enjoy things most people your age can't afford.
The offer is step one. Then you prove yourself at work while working towards a degree.
If they go to uni, your lives suddenly look very different for the first time, and you have to mature much faster.
I've been there and done it, and I've helped plenty more people do it after me. Every package starts with a free briefing call.
Helen, Head of Economics and Business, Winstanley College. Her son Andrew secured four offers: HSBC, Legal & General, EY and Lloyd's of London.