What are they?
THESE are a relatively new type of apprenticeship. A higher apprenticeship usually involves studying for a Level 4 qualification such as a foundation degree. A degree apprenticeship will involve degree-level study.
You will need to be accepted by a university to study for your course and the university will give you details of their entry requirements. The apprenticeship may involve studying for your course in Jersey or through a distance or blended-learning programme with a UK university.
What is involved?
Degree and higher apprenticeships are not the same as a sandwich degree or a work placement. They involve working for a company while studying for a university-level qualification on a part-time basis. This means that it may take longer to complete your course than if you studied it full-time.
As your employer will expect you to combine a full-time job and part-time study over several years, you will need to be very motivated to complete one of these apprenticeships.
However, as an employee, as well as a student, you will be paid a salary. This means you will be earning and gaining valuable experience and skills at the same time as working towards your university qualification.
What support will I get?
If you take up a degree or higher apprenticeship, you will be able to access a lot of support. The Trackers Apprenticeship Programme will provide you with a mentor to support you and your employer may also provide someone to help you develop in your role and study on your course. You will also have support from your university.
Higher and degree apprenticeships in Jersey
Trackers Apprenticeship Programme is working with local employers as well as local and UK university centres to develop higher and degree-level apprenticeships for Jersey. Apprenticeships that are currently being developed are civil engineering, digital and technology solutions and hospitality management.
More information
For more information about the degree and higher apprenticeships that are currently being developed in Jersey and how they are funded visit gov.je/trackers or email trackers@gov.je
Joe Le Claire
HNC/B-Eng Civil Engineering
Trainee Civil Engineer/Project Manager at Geomarine
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I chose to take an apprenticeship as it provides the opportunity to work in industry with leading professionals both supporting you during your studies and also challenging you in areas where you show strengths.
How do Trackers mentors help support you during your apprenticeship?
My Trackers mentor has really helped me make more practical use of my time. Doing a degree alongside a full-time job has really opened my eyes to how much you need to use small pockets of time in an effective manor.
To date, this degree has been the most academically difficult challenge I have faced and, at times, facing a full day of work when you have multiple reports due can be challenging. Having a mentor to talk to, separate from the work environment, really helped me to break down an overwhelming workload into smaller achievable pieces.
How has your apprenticeship benefitted you?
The greatest benefit of doing a degree in the Island as an apprentice is learning the theoretical, then applying and adapting it to the practical situations within the workplace. Working alongside professionals gives you the opportunity to apply and try out new ideas in a controlled environment.
What are your future plans and career aspirations?
After I complete my degree, I will be continuing on to chartership. During my studies and progression through chartership, I am planning to take on some overseas projects, mainly focusing on bridge or dam structures. Large projects will vastly increase my experience, drawing upon my knowledge of the industry and will widen my scope on how the industry operates in different parts of the world.
Do you have any advice for future apprentices?
Be open-minded and make use of the other students on your course. Some of our best work and learning experiences have been from bouncing ideas between us in a student group chat and collaborating through sharing data.
