#NAW2023 Can You Go To University After An Apprenticeship

The short answer: yes!  

Apprenticeships have come a long way in recent years and are no longer just associated with trades like plumbing or carpentry. They’re available in a huge range of sectors, including accountancy, computing, IT and engineering, to name a few! 

Many people still think that vocational and skills-based learning doesn’t gel well with progression to university, but that’s not true. Universities can accept students with a wide range of qualifications and achievements, so if you’re looking to take your knowledge to the next level then higher education could be for you! 

An apprenticeship can be a rich learning path where you’ll gain lots of invaluable experiences – and universities value that. Your dedication to your apprenticeship and learning shows a strong commitment to the subject, and your focus on gaining more knowledge.  

I’ve completed an apprenticeship. Are my grades equivalent to A Levels? 

Apprenticeships are available at different levels. If you’ve studied a Level 3 apprenticeship then this is equivalent to two A Level pass-grades. If you’ve studied an apprenticeship at Level 4 or above then you will already be studying at university level, and individual universities can advise on how you to top-up your qualifications to gain a full degree or equivalent qualification.  

Most universities will set their own entry requirements for each course, so some may require different qualifications to qualify for a different course. In some cases a university may expect you to have A Levels before you apply, but many do not. 

If you apply to university through UCAS, then your Level 3 apprenticeship qualification will carry UCAS points that count towards your application. If you’re over the age of 22, universities tend to have their own entry requirements for adult learners, which doesn’t mean that they require A-Levels.  

What should I consider before studying at university after an apprenticeship? 

The costs 

Tuition fees and living costs can get expensive, but there are a number of ways you could finance your studies. It’s worth reading up on all of these before you start applying. 

Relevance  

Would earning a degree help your career progression? Is it relevant to an area that interests you? If you’re looking to progress or further your career, or even start a new one, then there may be other options to explore. 

Degree apprenticeships 

With a great number of university-level apprenticeships available, it might be more suitable for you to progress onto a higher level apprenticeship. You may even be able to stay in your current role!  

A degree apprenticeship allows you to continue earning while you learn and graduate debt-free, whilst staying up-to-date with industry trends and practices. You’ll also have more opportunity to make industry contacts whilst you upskill.  

At GC, we offer higher apprenticeships in accounting, HR, management, computing, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. Find out more about our higher apprenticeships here: