Prospective Applicants
Get started on your Apprenticeship journey
Ulster University is the leading provider of degree apprenticeships in Northern Ireland with more than 700 apprentices enrolled across our approved apprenticeship frameworks.
We deliver degree apprenticeships with employer partners including: AECOM, Allen & Overy, Almac, AllState, Bank of Ireland, Danske Bank, Deloitte, Energia, Farrans, Norbrook, PwC and Kainos.
All of this success is based on our strong partnerships with our employers, if you would like further information on how your organisation can get involved with us contact apprenticeships@ulster.ac.uk.
Why Employ Degree Apprentices?
Apprentices develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours directly relevant to your business, often in key skills shortage areas
Degree Apprenticeships help attract and retain talented employees, providing a ladder of opportunity and progression - they are also a great way of improving the diversity of your workforce and social mobility
Apprentices work on live projects devised by you, them and our tutors - maximising tangible business benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are Degree Apprenticeships?
- Work-based training programmes designed alongside employers to get the best out of new or existing recruits
- Combine academic study at the University with on-the-job training and work experience
- Apprentices can earn an undergraduate degree or masters
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How will they benefit my business?
- Fill higher-level skills gaps and boost productivity
- Attract and retain talent
- Tailored to fit the needs of your business
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Which employers are eligible for Apprenticeship Funding?
- All employers except those in the public sector
- Companies with a permanent base in Northern Ireland
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Are existing employees eligible for Apprenticeships?
- Yes, however they must be in a new role (within 6 months of the start of the apprenticeship training) and require substantial learning and skills development commensurate to the apprenticeship programme
- All existing employees must complete an existing employee application to seek approval for funding
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What is expected of an Employer in a degree apprenticeship?
- Employers must provide employment in a real position within the organisation
- Apprentices must have a contract of employment for a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes day release/off-the-job directed training) with one employer
- The apprentice is paid the appropriate rate for the job, in line with National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage Regulations (not the apprenticeship rate)
- Employers must provide on the job training, and release their employee for University-based training in order to meet course requirements
- Employers must provide an apprentice mentor and sign all required documentation to ensure funding is available
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What do they cost?
- The University fee is funded by the Department for the Economy*
- The employer pays the apprentice a salary/wage.
*Some apprenticeships may require a small employer contribution to cover the full fee cost.
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Where does training happen?
- Off-the job training takes place at the University either through day release, block study and online learning.
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How long does a Degree Apprenticeship take to complete?
- This depends on the apprenticeship framework; some can be completed in 3 years whilst others can take up to 8 years. The average duration of a Degree Apprenticeship is 4 years.
What is a Degree Apprenticeship?
A Degree Apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that leads to an Undergraduate or Postgraduate degree from Ulster University. Apprentices divide their time between the workplace and University, applying what they learn in their daily lives and benefitting from the support of a mentor.
Degree Apprenticeships are part of the Department for the Economy's Higher Level Apprenticeship scheme, so Apprentices can complete their programme of study without incurring any tuition fees.
Apprenticeships are Employment
Apprentices work for our 170+ employer partners, so it's important to remember that securing a Degree Apprenticeship should be treated the same way as securing employment. Through their own selection process, Employers determine which candidate is the best fit for their organisation, so the first step in securing an Apprenticeship involves finding a suitable employer and securing a role with them.
Our Find an Apprenticeship page lists current Apprenticeship opportunities open for applications, and our Advice for Applicants page provides some guidance about searching for other organisations that aren't currently advertising but might be willing to support an apprentice.
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Information for Employers
Everything you need to know as a current or prospective Apprenticeship Employer