The UK has long been a host country for international students in pursuit of higher education, both academically and in vocational experience. While international students go to study university degrees, an apprenticeship has recently turned out to be an interesting alternative to earning practical experience with gain while simultaneously earning a qualification. But can international students apply for apprenticeships in the UK, and how does the apprenticeship system work? This article covers these questions, along with the involved universities and companies, to break down what international students should know about this pathway.
Can Global Students Use for Apprenticeships in the UK?
The direct answer to this is yes; foreign students can apply for apprenticeships in the UK, but under certain conditions. First, it has to be borne in mind that apprenticeships are generally designed for people with the right to live and work in the UK. This includes UK nationals, EU/EEA citizens with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, and individuals with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
For students outside the UK, it becomes a little more complex. Overseas students in the UK on a student visa, such as those termed Tier 4, can usually not apply for an apprenticeship because of the constraint in working hours for the holder of a student visa, such as the usual 20 hours per week during term time. Fully qualified apprenticeships require more hours of working than what is normally granted by the student visa.
However, students on different visa types or those who have obtained permission to work in the UK might be able to access the apprenticeship programs. This includes, for instance, students who change their status from a student visa holder to a post-study work visa or other types of visa that allow them to work.
How Does the Apprenticeship System Work?
Apprenticeships in the UK provide a timely and systematic method of obtaining on-job practical training. They may be applied in engineering and IT, as well as health and social care. They are, therefore, typically combined with work-based learning and part-time study at a university or college.
Usually, an apprenticeship takes from 1 to 4 years, depending on the level and field of studies. Several levels of apprenticeship exist:
Intermediate (Level 2) – exactly the same stage as GCSEs
Advanced (Level 3) – the same level as A-levels
Higher (Levels 4-5) – the same level as a foundation degree
Degree (Levels 6-7) – the same level as a full bachelor’s or master’s degree
Apprenticeships are an excellent way for students in the UK to gain practical skills while continuing towards professional qualifications. Many of these apprenticeships offer direct routes into full-time jobs, and many go on working with their providing employer after completion of the apprenticeship. That makes it a good route to long-term employment.
Universities and Apprenticeships: Where to Apply?
Traditional universities often offer paths to getting a degree; however, some UK higher education institutions have joint partnerships with businesses that help foster degree apprenticeships. Degree apprentices allow students to divide their time between studying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree and working for a company. It’s a popular choice of career amongst students who want to further their careers in industries such as technology, business, engineering, or healthcare.
Some of the top universities offering the best apprenticeship programs in the UK include:
Aston University: It has a reputation for links with business and offers degree apprenticeships in, amongst others, Digital Technology, Engineering, and Leadership.
University of Exeter: This Russell Group university offers a range of degree apprenticeships, most notably in business management and data science.
University of Salford: Salford has numerous higher and degree apprenticeships on offer across a range of industries, including Construction, Digital Marketing, and Healthcare.
University of Manchester: One of the leading universities offering degree apprenticeships in subjects like digital and technology solutions, business management, and civil engineering.
Sheffield Hallam University: Sheffield Hallam is keen on degree apprenticeships, with opportunities available in business, healthcare, and engineering disciplines among others.
Both these universities have partnered with businesses to enable students to attain a formal qualification while gaining valuable work experience.
Companies Offering Apprenticeships
Almost all the successful companies in the UK and many popular ones offer apprenticeships to students, exposing them to a wide variety of well-in-demand industries. The following are some leading companies offering apprenticeship programs: Rolls Royce – The engineering giant offers apprenticeship opportunities in aerospace, manufacturing, and technology. Students will get hands-on experience working in one of the most prestigious companies in the UK.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC): Among the best accountancy firms in the UK, PwC offers a range of apprenticeships within accounting, business, and technology. Students can also work towards professional qualifications while gaining hands-on experience.
British Telecom (BT): BT offers apprenticeships across a range of sectors-from IT and software development to customer service-ideal for those pursuing the tech industry.
Unilever: As one of the world’s leaders in consumer goods, Unilever offers apprenticeships in business management, supply chain, and product development.
Jaguar Land Rover: One of the most iconic British car manufacturers gives students the opportunity to take part in apprenticeships in engineering, design, and manufacturing, working in one of the most important industries in the United Kingdom.
All of these companies, plus many others, offer structured apprenticeship programs wherein a student can take real-world experience and work toward qualifications.
How Much Are Apprentices Paid?
Apprentices in the UK are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for apprentices. Since April 2023, this is £5.28 per hour for people aged 16-18 or 19 and over in their first year of apprenticeship. For apprentices over 19 who have completed their first year, they are entitled to the standard National Minimum Wage applicable to their age group, which can be:
£7.49 for people aged 18 to 20
£10.18 if you’re aged 21 to 22
£10.42 if you’re aged 23 or older
However, most companies pay far more than the above rates, with many higher-level or degree apprenticeships attracting much higher rates of pay. In fact, some apprenticeships now attract pay rates as high as £20,000-£30,000 a year, particularly within the industries of technology, engineering, and finances.
How to Apply for an Apprenticeship?
Normally, entry requirements need to be satisfied to enter an apprenticeship, and this will always depend on the level. For instance, Intermediate Apprenticeships would generally require some GCSEs, and Higher and Degree Apprenticeships will normally require A-levels or equivalent.
Most apprenticeship applications are made through the GOV.UK Apprenticeships website, which can be searched by location and industry. Large companies often use their own websites to recruit apprentices.
When you come to apply, make sure you tailor your CV for apprenticeship. Include work experience, whether it be volunteering or part-time jobs, and make note of any skills you have that relate to the job.
Conclusion
Although there are some barriers to accessing apprenticeships for foreign students in the UK, surely there must be opportunities for those with a right to work to take up this valuable route into careers. Apprenticeships combine a good amount of practical experience with the underpinning academic learning and come with competitive rates of pay and a strong long-term prospect. From prestigious companies such as Rolls-Royce to studying with leading universities such as Aston or Manchester, this type of vocational route offers a meaningful and rewarding opportunity for students both from the UK and abroad.
