At the start of Year 13, I still didn’t fully understand what a degree apprenticeship actually was.

I was quite lucky to be in a school where multiple post-18 options were discussed, my school did talk about apprenticeships, we had a few presentations and mentions, but university was clearly the main focus. Most of the guidance, attention, and support was directed at the UCAS route. Apprenticeships felt like the less talked about option. Not discouraged, but definitely not emphasised as much as the traditional route.

So, I didn’t think much of it, until LinkedIn opened my eyes.

How I Discovered Degree Apprenticeships

It started with a post. Someone not much older than me had just started a degree apprenticeship at a major company. They were earning a salary, studying for a degree part-time, and gaining real work experience. And they weren’t the only one, I kept seeing more and more people sharing similar stories.

These weren’t just traditional trade apprenticeships either. They were in tech, finance, business, marketing, you name it. With big companies too.

That’s when I realised: university wasn’t the only way forward. For someone like me who wanted to get hands-on, avoid student debt, and build experience early, a degree apprenticeship seemed like the perfect path.

But Getting In Wasn’t Easy

Once I decided to go for it, I assumed things would fall into place quickly.

They didn’t.

The process is competitive. I applied to loads of roles, sometimes over 20 at a time. A few rejections came fast. Some applications led to interviews or assessment centres, but then nothing. Others ghosted completely.

Each rejection knocked my confidence a bit. I started second-guessing everything: my CV, my answers, whether I even had a shot.

But I kept seeing others talk about their rejections too, people who faced setback after setback before finally getting in. That helped me realise I wasn’t alone. And more importantly, that rejection doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It just means you haven’t found the right fit yet.

Finally, the Breakthrough

After months of applying, I got my first offer.

Then another.

Seeing these words: “We’re excited to offer you a place on our degree apprenticeship programme” felt surreal. It made all the setbacks worth it.

I was going to earn a degree, gain experience, and avoid debt, all in one go. I’d made it through.

What I Wish I Knew From the Start

If you’re figuring out what’s next, here are a few things I learned the hard way:

1. Degree apprenticeships exist, and they’re legit.

They may not be the loudest option in school, but they’re just as valuable. You come out with a degree and real-world experience. That’s a win.

2. Rejection isn’t failure, it’s feedback.

Every no is part of the process. Learn from it. Improve the next application. The more you apply, the more confident you’ll become.

3. LinkedIn is your best tool.

It’s where I learned everything, from what apprenticeships existed, to how others structured their applications, to how to prepare for interviews. Follow people. Reach out. Ask questions. Most people are happy to help.

4. Be clear on your “why.”

Recruiters want to know why you’re choosing a degree apprenticeship, and why their company. Be honest. Show them you’ve done your research and know what you're signing up for.

💡 Application Tips for Aspiring Degree Apprentices

If you're about to start applying, here are some practical things I wish someone had told me:

1. Start early.

Applications open as soon as September. The earlier you apply, the more opportunities you’ll have, and the more practice you’ll get.

2. Tailor your application. Every. Single. Time.

Don’t copy and paste. Use the company’s name. Mention their values. Talk about the role like you actually care about it. Generic applications are easy to spot and easy to reject.

3. Get your CV checked.

Ask a teacher, careers advisor, or someone on LinkedIn to review it. Keep it one page, clear, and relevant. Highlight achievements, projects, or experiences that show you can learn and take initiative.

4. Practice online assessments.

A lot of companies use psychometric tests or game-based assessments. You can find practice versions online. Doing a few ahead of time makes a big difference.

5. Prepare examples using STAR.

For interviews and video responses, structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It keeps your answers clear and shows what you actually did.

6. Don’t let imposter syndrome stop you.

You don’t need experience to apply. They’re not expecting you to know everything. Show your willingness to learn and your motivation to grow. That’s what matters most.

7. Keep going, even when it’s quiet.

Some companies take weeks to reply. Some won’t reply at all. Keep applying. Don’t wait for one answer before moving to the next.

Soham Jain

Incoming Technology Degree Apprentice at The Bank of England | Currently in Year 13 studying A Levels

You can find out more and connect with Soham on LinkedIn.