Degree apprenticeships v university degrees

My granddaughter is doing an apprenticeship equivalent to A levels with ARUP and has already been offered a degree apprenticeship by them in project management.

It’s hard work as she has two lots of qualifications going on at the moment but will be finishing them this summer. She started on £22k per annum and has already been given a pay rise. Good going for a just 18 year old.

For anyone interested the National Audit Office offers apprenticeships for different age groups but they are based in London and Newcastle.

I think degree apprenticeships are the way to go rather than having a huge debt. These apprenticeships offer work experience as well so two birds with one stone (sorry).

Degree apprenticeships are an excellent idea. Earn whilst you learn and no student debt. Far too many go to university ‘for the experience’ and end up with a degree which doesn’t get them a job together with a mountain of debt which may end up being written off.

My grandson is trying for apprenticeships in business or finance. He is finding it hard going especially as he won’t admit to his autism. He never has wanted to admit to it and says it would go against him. His twin sister on the other hand has applied to university to do Fine Art and so far has been accepted at three ( they ask for a merit in her diploma) without an interview or even submitting her portfolio.

Its much harder to get a place on these apprenticeships than a place at uni.....people often try for several years .....but worth it not to qualify with loads of debt and to have earned for the 3 years while training....but very very hard to get a foot in the door

My granddaughter is in the first year of an engineering degree apprenticeship with BMW. She did a gap year first, so had no additional help from the school. She just got on with applying online, with various stages to get through before a real life group session. Quite adventurous for a girl, but she is fearless.

Her brother is hedging his bets, looking at both universities and apprenticeships, but he is very laid back about it.

Tbh I think it all depends on how much competition there is for places as to how much a student needs to "sell" themself when applying. Some degree courses are highly competitive as are some degree apprenticeships. Good luck to your grandson, he's clearly doing well at school and it certainly helps.

My nephew, now in his mid fifties did an engineering apprenticeship with Marconi.
He has had a very successful career and is well known in his particular field.
Good luck to your grandson. He has an excellent work ethic and deserves to do well, which I'm sure he will.