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Original poster

Computer science apprenticeships

17 replies

Dilbertian · 03/04/2022 17:32

Ds is in Y10 and he has been talking about applying for apprenticeships at companies like Google, rather than going to university. He is a madly keen computer geek, and very able, according to his teachers and big brother (another madly keen and able computer geek, though in a different field of computing).

Dh and I know nothing about apprenticeships. Everyone in our families went or is going to university.

What do we need to know, and how best can we support ds in his plan?

OP posts:
anotherneutralname · 03/04/2022 17:40

Is he applying for degree apprenticeships? Over five years you achieve a degree, it's just that you're employed throughout that time and studying too. Good way to avoid paying fees (the employer pays them via the apprenticeship levy) and earn throughout so avoid needing loans. Same qualification in the end, just takes a bit longer - but you get the real-world experience.

MillicentMargaretAmanda · 03/04/2022 19:35

If it's a degree apprenticeship it's potentially a very good idea. One thing I would say is that many companies are Tech companies these days, so not to just limit himself to looking at places like Google. Several banks, for instance, have apprenticeship programmes in their digital/tech arms.

derekthe1adyhamster · 03/04/2022 19:36

PWC runs one

lljkk · 03/04/2022 20:27

Govt website to find them...

better opportunities if they do a-levels, first

sometimes none are advertised locally other times there are lots that might be relatively local. Have to check regularly.

They are very competitive for good ones. Like job interviews, have to sell yourself, write CV, all that. We / DS thought getting into Uni was a lot easier (!)

3 yr degree on trad. Uni course + 1 year in industry is popular alternative, what DS will do.

Original poster
Dilbertian · 03/04/2022 21:26

Thanks for the info and links.

Ds intends to do A-levels first. I didn't know that apprenticeships could be the equivalent of a degree.

I have suggested to him that he apply to uni as well, as I imagine that the competition to get into a computing apprenticeship must be particularly fierce.

OP posts:
Pythonesque · 04/04/2022 18:33

I agree it sounds like he should be looking at degree apprenticeships seriously. But I would also caution that he needs to look very closely, when the time comes, at the nature of the courses he would be doing. I was talking to someone a few weeks ago who is doing a degree apprenticeship, some of it they are enjoying massively, but the course they are expected to do is at a much lower level at least in first year than they are capable of, and thus a little boring.

I think it is going to take several years for the relatively new degree apprenticeships to shake down - they are proving highly competitive and perhaps attracting those with higher academics than was necessarily conceived of by those setting them up. In my opinion we need a much wider range ...

tealandteal · 04/04/2022 18:40

You can do an apprenticeship at many levels - the traditional apprenticeships that many think of are at level 2 or 3. I completed a level 5 apprenticeship with my employer with gave me a qualification relevant to my role. My husband already had a degree and phd but he is doing a masters through the apprenticeship in a similar subject to your DS. This is because his previous qualifications are in a different field. Upon completion of a degree apprenticeship your DS would have a degree (sorry if too obvious) and in 3 years time no one will know the difference between his degree and a “normal” degree apart from his lack of student loan.

Bratnews · 04/04/2022 18:47

I have a DC doing a degree apprenticeship in software engineering, it’s in Scotland and takes the same length of time as an honours degree at Scottish Uni - 4 years. The terms are longer for example they don’t finish the summer term until the beginning of July.

The course content is the same with different options available to choose from. Dissertation/project is easier as they can have a real life project at work. Uni is one day a week in person and a lot of remote learning the rest of the time.

You have to find the employer first and apply through them. Overall it’s been amazing and from a parents point of view I’d really recommend it as an option.

SuperLoudPoppingAction · 04/04/2022 18:49

Dd did one through QA.
They were very supportive.
She now earns more than me.

Roses1221 · 04/04/2022 18:54

Very impressed a year 10 student is thinking about a degree apprenticeship, well done to him. The gov apprenticeships search website is notoriously dull, try:
Notgoingtouni.com
Careermap
Ratemyapprenticeship
To start to research what’s out there.

It’s worth remembering that degree apprenticeships are very competitive. Probably more so than getting a place at uni (notwithstanding Oxbridge etc). The more experience he can build up, the better.

Try insight days and virtual work experience which can be found on the likes of:
Springpod.com
Uptree.co

At the moment I’m advising students to apply for uni via UCAS as a back up. They can do this in addition to applying for apprenticeships. In 3 years time though, who knows!

Roses1221 · 04/04/2022 18:57

Also… check out this site www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/?

Every apprenticeship has to follow a set ‘standard’
It’s a good idea to explore what is actually available to pursue as an apprentice so you know what you’re searching for! You can also see on here any standards currently being developed, or no longer offered.
You’re aiming for a level 4 aka Higher or level 4 aka degree apprenticeship to follow on from A-levels (level 3)

greenjojocat · 04/04/2022 20:22

Also a good idea to speak to the National careers service

OnlyTheBravest · 05/04/2022 12:31

This one is with PWC. www.pwc.co.uk/careers/student-careers/school-careers/our-programmes/flying-start-degrees/technology.html

Not sure if it has changed since DS applied but he had option to study at Birmingham uni as full time student with working at PWC during holidays. Entry requirements were AAB. Looks like they may be expanding to Manchester as well.

Roses1221 · 05/04/2022 13:30

Forgot to mention this excellent resource too… amazingapprenticeships.com/higher-degree-listing/
In fact the whole amazing apprenticeships site is pretty good, with a dedicated parents section

Orangesandlemons77 · 05/04/2022 13:49

F

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