Higher and Degree Apprenticeship – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This FAQ has been produced by UVAC and outlines answers to questions raised by HEIs, FECs and alternative and private training providers in a series of institutional Higher and Degree Apprenticeship briefings we have conducted.

For more information on these briefings please contact Adrian Anderson at UVAC .

UVAC will regularly update and develop this document over forthcoming months.

WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP

  1. What is a Higher Apprenticeship?

Government describes an Apprenticeship as follows:

‘An Apprenticeship is a job, in a skilled occupation, that requires substantial and sustained training, leading to the achievement of an Apprenticeship standard and the development of transferable skills to progress careers.’ - BIS/DfE

An Apprenticeship involves an individual undertaking a substantial and sustained training programme to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to be competent in a defined occupation. Apprenticeships, which include a substantial focus on work-based learning, are designed to support employers train individuals for specific occupations.

Apprenticeships focus on occupations and have been developed for occupations at level 2 (GCSE level) to level 7 (master’s degree level). Apprenticeships developed at level 4 (certificate of higher education level) to level 7 (master’s degree level) are described as Higher Apprenticeships. Higher Apprenticeships do not necessarily need to involve a learner undertaking a higher education qualification.

  1. What is a Degree Apprenticeship?

A Degree Apprenticeship involves an individual being awarded a bachelor’s or master’s degree as part of their Apprenticeship. A Higher Apprenticeship does not. Higher Apprenticeships cover level 4 to level 7. Degree Apprenticeships must either involve an individual achieving a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree.

Some Degree Apprenticeships involve using the accreditation of the degree as the Apprenticeship end test demonstrating the individual has the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to be competent in the occupation. An Apprenticeship where an individual achieves a foundation degree as part of their Apprenticeship is a Higher Apprenticeship not a Degree Apprenticeship. Degree Apprenticeships are not available at level 8.

HEIs and their college and training provider partners have the flexibility to decide how best to delivery Degree Apprenticeships; through day release, block release, work-based, distance and blended learning. The policy agenda is developing, but it is clear that Degree Apprenticeships based on standards are a Government priority. Degree Apprenticeship is a 'fluid' policy and operational area, more so than Higher Apprenticeship. HEIs and their partners are advised to ‘watch this space’ for further developments.

  1. Should an HEI focus on Degree Apprenticeships or Higher and Degree Apprenticeships?

This will depend on employer demand for Apprenticeship and the ethos and type of provision currently offered, or that could be offered by an institution. Many HEIs are focusing predominantly on Degree Apprenticeship. A substantial number of Apprenticeship standards have, however, been developed at level 4 and several at level 5. In many areas employers are interested in working with HEIs to deliver provision at these levels. UVAC would encourage HEIs to explore the potential of Higher Apprenticeship at levels 4 and 5. Importantly, HEIs will also want to consider progression and articulation from Advanced (level 3) and Higher Apprenticeship to their higher education provision. Employers in some key areas of Apprenticeship provision, health and social care being good examples, will want to support progression between different levels and occupations and develop work based career pathways for their workforce. HEIs will, however, want to be aware that the development and delivery of Degree Apprenticeships is emerging as a Government policy priority.

  1. What is the difference between an Apprenticeship based on an Apprenticeship Standard and an Apprenticeship based on an Apprenticeship Framework?

Two types of Higher and Degree Apprenticeship are currently available.

Apprenticeship frameworks were developed by ‘Issuing Authorities’, usually Sector Skills Councils and specified the knowledge and competencequalifications and/or integrated qualification(s) required to complete the Apprenticeship. Approximately 50 Higher Apprenticeship frameworks were developed. Apprenticeship frameworks are being replaced by new Apprenticeships based on standards (see below) – the precise timetable for this process has yet to be determined and some frameworks may continue to have currency for several years. Government now expects ‘a migration from apprenticeship frameworks to standards over the course of the Parliament, with as much of this to take place by 2017/18 as possible’. No new Apprenticeship frameworks are being developed and a staged withdrawal of SASE frameworks starts from 31st May 2016. Many frameworks, however, remain in use and HEIs may request for their own qualifications to be included in a framework. To do so an HEI will need to demonstrate that their qualification delivers the knowledge and/or competency requirements of a framework through a mapping exercise to an existing qualification specified in the framework. UVAC can advise on this process. A full list of Apprenticeship frameworks can be found at

Apprenticeship standardsare developed by groups of employers known as Trailblazers, working through a national (England) Government supported process. Apprenticeship standards outline the knowledge, skills and behaviours employers define as required to be competent in a specific occupation. Apprenticeship standards are short (2 pages is recommended) documents written in plain English. Apprenticeship standards form the basis of the new Apprenticeship system – which is designed to ‘put employers in the driving seat’ of the Apprenticeship system. Once an Apprenticeship standard is developed and approved employers are then required to develop an assessment plan. When the assessment plan is approved and a funding cap is allocated, the Apprenticeship is described as ‘ready for delivery’. Approximately 140 Trailblazer groups have or are developing over 350 Apprenticeship standards. Over 40% (as at January 2016) of Apprenticeship standards developed are at HE level in some key areas of HE provision (examples include accountancy, construction, digital, engineering/manufacturing, health, management and law). A list of Apprenticeship standards under development, those approved and those ready for delivery is available at

  1. Should an HEI focus on Apprenticeships based on frameworks or Apprenticeships based on standards?

Apprenticeship frameworks have a limited 'shelf life' and will be replaced by Apprenticeships based on standards. Skills Funding Agency (SFA) funding for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, based on standards, is more generous than for HIgher and Degree Apprenticeships based on frameworks. Securing approval for inclusion of an HEI qualification in a framework may not necessary be straightforward. This will involve approaching the Issuing Authority responsible for the framework for approval and undertaking a mapping exercise to demonstrate to the Issuing Authority that a qualification will deliver the knowledge and/or competency requirements of the framework. This will obviously not apply where an HEI’s qualification is already specified in a framework. In most cases UVAC would suggest HEIs focused on Apprenticeships based on standards. There are, however, exceptions, particularly where an HEI’s qualification is already specified in a framework. In some cases there is also strong employer demand for a Higher Apprenticeship framework and the process to recognise a new HE qualification for some frameworks can be relatively straightforward. Further advice is available from UVAC.

WHY SHOULD AN HEI AND ITS PARTNERS CONSIDER ENGAGEMENT IN THE DELIVERY OF APPRENTICESHIP

  1. Why should an HEI consider delivering Higher and Degree Apprenticeships?

There are several powerful reasons as to why an HEI should be interested in the Apprenticeship agenda:

Employer Demand – Government has put employers in the ‘driving seat’ for Apprenticeship development. Through the Trailblazer process employers are developing Apprenticeship standards which form the basis of future Apprenticeships. In the past Apprenticeship has largely been a level 2 (GCSE equivalent) and level 3 (A level equivalent) programme. Through the standards process employers are developing Apprenticeships for many higher level occupations and are pushing Apprenticeship into core areas of higher education provision. It is too early to say what the level of employer demand for Higher and Degree Apprenticeship will be, but early indications suggest it could be substantial in some sectors. Around 40% of Apprenticeship Standards developed (as at January 2016) are at HE level in some key areas of HE provision (examples include accountancy, construction, digital, engineering/manufacturing, health, management and law). Employers are using Higher and Degree Apprenticeship both as programmes for new recruits and also to raise the skills and performance of existing staff. Employers are reporting that Higher and Degree Apprenticeship can nurture talent and help improve staff retention.

The Apprenticeship levy (see question 11) is causing many ‘large’ employers, NHS Trusts are particularly good examples, to explore how they will utilise Apprenticeship at all levels to develop the skills and performance of new recruits and existing staff. Major graduate recruiters are also considering the potential offered by Apprenticeship. Through the Enterprise Bill the Government intends to introduce statutory targets for the employment of apprentices. The proposal is that public bodies with 250 or more employees will have a minimum target of 2.3%. Public Procurement rules have already been changed so that ‘for all relevant government contracts that are over £10m and more than 12 months in duration, bidders will also need to compete on the basis of their contribution to apprenticeship and skills.’ All these measures will undoubtedly stimulate employer demand for Apprenticeship, including Higher and Degree Apprenticeship. Of course, demand for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships in some occupation areasmay be limited and in such cases HEIs will want to consider carefully issues of financial feasibility and partnership and delivery options.

Individual Benefit and Potential Demand - For an individual a Degree Apprenticeship offers the ‘best of both worlds’ the opportunity to gain a bachelor’s or master’s degree, while working and earning. On successful completion of an Apprenticeship an individual will have the knowledge, skills and behaviours as defined by employers required for a specific occupation. A Higher Apprenticeship also offers an individual the opportunity to earn while they learn and gain the knowledge and skills required for a higher level occupation. Individuals also have their fees paid by their employer/through Government funding. As such a Higher Apprenticeship or Degree Apprenticeship provides HEIs with an important ‘new offer’ for prospective students.

Apprenticeship has the support of all major Westminster political parties – Apprenticeship is a ‘long-term’ policy and not a short-term initiative. The Government is also working with key partners to change attitudes and perceptions. Government is working with UCAS and the national careers service to raise awareness of Higher and Degree Apprenticeship among young people. Government will also run a national marketing and communications campaign to raise awareness of Higher and Degree Apprenticeship. Finally, Government is committed to raising awareness of all types of Apprenticeship in schools.

Apprenticeship offers HEIs a new income stream – Employers and SFA currently pay for Higher and Degree Apprenticeship delivery. In future Apprenticeship provision will be funded through the Apprenticeship levy (see question 11). The Apprentice does not pay. Apprenticeship offers HEIs and their college and training provider partners’opportunities to recruit new cohorts of learners and widen access. Many HEIs will want to position their approach to Higher Apprenticeship and Degree Apprenticeship as part of their wider approach to working with employers on research and knowledge exchange. Higher and Degree Apprentices do not pay fees and earn a salary, so perceptions of ‘debt’ will not be an off-putting factor to prospective students. Of course, Higher Apprenticeship and Degree Apprenticeship also posea competitive threat to individual HEIs. The levy will change employer behaviour and Higher and Degree Apprenticeship offers a new alternative for individual learners.

HEIs may wish to consider:

•The strategy and any targets they should have for Higher and Degree Apprenticeship

•How they will compete with other HEIs, FECs and private training providers

•How they will work with NHS Trusts, local authorities and other large employers who will pay the Apprenticeship levy

•How they work with SMEs who can secure significant Government funding for Apprenticeship delivery

•For a prospective student a Degree Apprenticeship offers a job and salary from day one and fees paid by an employer and Government. What impactwill this have onan HEI’s existing provision?

  1. Skills policy has a history of 'short term initiatives' managed by organisations (TECs, LSC and SFA) with limited affinity, understanding or interest in higher education. Why should an HEI get involved?

Higher Apprenticeship and Degree Apprenticeship are not short-term initiatives, but long-term Government policy priorities. Under the Enterprise Bill the terms Apprenticeship/apprentice will be given same legal protection as the term “degree”.

HEIs have to date undoubtedly found engagement in the Apprenticeship agenda to be difficult, time consuming and bureaucratic. The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) is a further education organisation using further education processes to manage, fund and oversee Apprenticeship and Higher and Degree Apprenticeship provision. UVAC has long argued that Apprenticeship is not a further education programme, but an employer led skills programme that needs to draw on the expertise of further education, training providers and higher education institutions. UVAC will continue to work with the HE sector to challenge the SFA to ensure that its systems do not continue to operate as a brake on the development of the HEI role in Higher and Degree Apprenticeship or the ability of HEIs to deliver the Higher and Degree Apprenticeships demanded by employers. We are already seeing progress in several key areas.

In the short-term ‘work-a-rounds’ are being developed to minimise the bureaucratic burden HEIs face when engaging in Higher and Degree Apprenticeship. In the longer-term (post April 2017) a new Apprenticeship delivery and funding system will be introduced. UVAC is working with other stakeholders to ensure HEIs and all other partners can play an optimum role in the development and delivery of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships based upon employer demand.

APPRENTICESHIP FUNDING AND THE APPRENTICESHIP LEVY

  1. What funding is currently available to support the delivery of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships?

Funding is available for both Higher and Degree Apprenticeships based on frameworks and Higher and Degree Apprenticeships based on standards. To access funding an HEI needs to be included on the SFA’s Register of Training Organisations (ROTO) and have secured a SFA allocation (see question 10). BIS believes that the growth in Higher and Degree Apprenticeships prior to the introduction of the Apprenticeship levyin April 2017 will be affordable from the existing Apprenticeship budget.

Apprenticeship frameworks– For individuals 19 and over SFA may contribute up to a maximum of 50% of the agreed cost of the training programme and qualification included in the framework. The ‘agreed cost’ will be agreed by the SFA and HEI. For an individual under the age of 19 the SFA may contribute 100% of the agreed cost. SMEs may also be able to secure additional support for employing an Apprentice.The Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (£1,500 for small businesses to support each of their first five apprentices aged 16 – 24 working towards apprenticeship frameworks) is available until the end of the 2016/17 academic year.

Apprenticeship standards– Funding for Apprenticeships based on standards is based on the principle that for every £1 an employer invests in the training and accreditation of an apprentice the Government will pay £2, up to a maximum Government agreed cap. The highest cap for the Government contribution is £18,000. All Apprenticeships’ready for delivery’ specify the maximum cap. Additional funding is also provided for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, for apprentices aged 16 – 19, case leaversand for successful completion.

More information is available from the Skills Funding Agency.

  1. How much can an HEI charge to support the delivery and accreditation of a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship?

No. For an Apprenticeship based on a standard the cost for delivering the Apprenticeship will be agreed between the employer and HE provider. The cap level for the Apprenticeship specifies the maximum contribution Government will make to the training and assessment of the Apprenticeship. Employers may ‘shop around’ to secure the most cost effective provision available to deliver the Apprenticeship.

  1. I've also been told we need a Skills Funding Agency (SFA) 'allocation' to deliver Higher and Degree Apprenticeship. Is this true?

Yes. An HEI (or any other HE provider) needs to be included on the Skills Funding Agency's Register of Training Organisations (ROTO). SFA will announce when ROTO is open to new applicants. In addition to inclusion on ROTO an HEI will until the introduction of the Apprenticeship levy need to secure an SFA ‘allocation’ to claim funding to deliver Higher and Degree Apprenticeships. SFA has in the last 15 months run two procurement rounds opening ROTO to HEIs and inviting HEIs to apply for an allocation. HEIs that are not on ROTO and do not have an allocation should prepare for forthcoming procurement rounds. HEIs not on ROTO may also want to consider how they can deliver Higher and Degree Apprenticeships with an FEC that is on ROTO and has an allocation. Again, contact UVAC for further information.

  1. What is the Apprenticeship Levy?

The Apprenticeship levy will be introduced from April 2017. Details of the operation of the levy have still to be announced. The following provides a summary of what we currently know:

•The levy is designed to tackle the under investment by employers in skills and the negative impact this has on productivity

•The levy is being introduced to help fund the target for 3 million apprenticeship starts this Parliament

•The levy will apply to both public and private sector employersand is set at 0.5% of payroll and will apply to all sectors. All employers will be provided with an allowance of £15,000 to offset against their levy payments. This means that only employers with a payroll in excess of £3m will pay the levy.