Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Published on: 13-Dec-2025
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As a university graduate, you have the theoretical knowledge, but what about the practice? This is why many students start asking, “can you do an apprenticeship after university?” The answer is yes, and it’s becoming even more common. In 2026, more employers want graduates for higher-level apprenticeships.
The job market has changed a lot. Companies now expect both knowledge and skill. They want people who can learn at work and grow with the organisation. This is why graduate apprenticeships are rising in the UK, the US, Canada, and many EU countries, especially among students exploring work-based study options abroad.
According to an industry report, apprenticeship starts rose by 7.0% in 2023/24, reaching 130,830 across the UK. These roles offer paid training and real responsibility, especially for those pursuing an apprenticeship after bachelor’s degree.
This guide explains everything you need to know in simple steps and clear language.
Many graduates pick apprenticeships even after their bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Here are the main reasons.
After university, many people feel their degree alone is not enough. These days, everyone seems to have a degree, so employers want more. They want to see what else you’ve done and what real-world skills you bring. That’s where apprenticeships come in.
In some professions, such as engineering or healthcare, such training could result in industry-qualified certification. With this experience, you are not just another graduate, but someone with real skills and evidence to back them up.
As an apprentice, you get paid during the training period. You avoid extra debt for more courses or studying. In countries such as the UK, many apprenticeships are funded by employers or government programs.
It means you can grow your career without spending a lot, much like students manage costs when exploring alternative ways to fund education overseas. For a fresh graduate, such financial enhancement allows planning for life, savings, or further learning.
Maybe your degree is not exactly what you want to do for a career. Or you want a change. Apprenticeships give you a chance to shift into a new field. For example, you could move from the arts to IT. Or from a science degree to a healthcare apprenticeship. Work-based learning helps you reskill. This helps, especially if you want to move into a growing industry or start with short career-focused courses that lead to jobs.
Having a degree does not block apprenticeships. In fact, your degree can be your advantage. It shows you already have a learning discipline and a theoretical basis. For many graduate-level apprenticeships, your past academic work becomes a strong foundation. In short: your degree isn’t obsolete, it becomes your apprenticeship accelerator.
A common concern is graduate apprenticeship eligibility. If you already have a degree, you are often still eligible to start an apprenticeship.
What matters is that the apprenticeship gives you “significant new learning,” which is similar to how universities assess study gaps and prior education history. The apprenticeship must provide training in skills that you did not acquire during your degree.
For example, if you studied history at university, you might then do a graduate apprenticeship in cybersecurity, which gives you new technical skills not covered by your degree.
On the other hand, doing an apprenticeship that is nearly identical to your degree subject may be disallowed.
If you have completed your bachelor’s degree (or higher), you may apply for higher-level apprenticeships. But if you did not finish your degree, you may still qualify for lower-level or intermediate apprenticeships. These may correspond to foundation or undergraduate level training.
In many countries, including the UK, there is no strict upper age limit to start an apprenticeship.
But, in some places (for example, trade-union-backed trades in certain countries), there might be age restrictions for apprenticeships, for international graduates or those relocating, local laws and rules apply.
Apprenticeships come in different levels. Each suits different aims and backgrounds. Here is a simple way to see what suits you best.
Graduate Apprenticeship Pathway Matrix
|
Level |
Equivalent |
Duration |
Best For |
Typical Providers / Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Level 4 |
Foundation Degree |
1–2 years |
Career changers; those without full degree |
Colleges, small employers, SMEs |
|
Level 5 |
Undergraduate Diploma / Advanced Vocational |
2–3 years |
Those needing specialised skills (e.g. accounting technician) |
Professional bodies, trade associations |
|
Level 6 |
Bachelor’s equivalent |
3–4 years |
Engineering, healthcare, professional-level jobs |
Major employers, regulated sectors |
|
Level 7 |
Master’s equivalent / Postgraduate |
1–3 years |
Leadership roles, advanced professional training |
Corporates, large firms, universities |
This range allows graduates to select a path that fits their goals. You can either build new skills, specialise, or move into leadership, much like choosing between different postgraduate and professional study routes.
The following are some of the most promising and popular apprenticeship opportunities for graduates worldwide.
Big tech firms and global companies are offering degree apprenticeships in software, AI, and data roles. These roles combine work and study and pay decent salaries.
The apprenticeships in healthcare are in demand. For graduates seeking stable and meaningful employment, nursing, healthcare support, or allied-health apprenticeships offer excellent growth.
Due to the increasing interest in green energy and sustainability, apprenticeships in wind, solar, and environmental technologies are becoming popular. In other countries, such as Germany, dual systems of work and training attract graduates from around the world.
Accountancy firms and financial services offer graduate apprenticeships, which are sometimes financed by employer levies. These routes usually provide quicker access to finance careers, sometimes bypassing traditional graduate schemes.
Manufacturing hubs in the UK, US, and Europe run apprenticeships in robotics, advanced manufacturing, and industrial automation. They offer secure employment, technical expertise, and career development.
Because apprenticeships combine actual work and study, they give you an upper hand in these hot sectors.
Funding is one of the major advantages of apprenticeship. Many graduate-level apprenticeships are paid and funded, which reduces financial burden.
In the UK, there is a system called the Apprenticeship Levy (recently updated in 2026 as the Growth and Skills Levy). Big employers with a large pay bill (over £3 million per year) pay 0.5% of their payroll as a levy.
Employers use these funds to pay for apprenticeship training.
If a company does not pay the levy (for small or medium employers), the government often covers 95% of apprenticeship training costs.
This means apprentices, even graduates, may not need to pay tuition or training fees.
Unlike full-time further study after graduation, apprenticeships pay you a wage while you train. In many cases, this gives you a solid early income. It helps you avoid extra debt. If you join a graduate scheme or a postgraduate course, you might need loans. Apprenticeships avoid that.
If you decide to try an apprenticeship after your degree, here is how to go about it.
When applying, treat your degree as a strength. Demonstrate how your studies have taught you research, thinking, and complex problem-solving skills. These qualities can make you stand out.
As an example, a humanities graduate applying for a data analysis apprenticeship can highlight research and writing skills as transferable.
Employers who hire graduates through apprenticeships usually expect passion and enthusiasm. Show that you are ready to learn, work hard, and grow.
Tell them why you want to shift (if career change) or why you want to deepen your skills (if you want to specialise).
If the apprenticeship leads to a professional qualification, look for associated industry bodies. Use mentors if possible.
Professional bodies often recognise apprenticeship qualifications, which helps your long-term career.
Stories help you believe in change. Here are two examples to show how apprenticeships helped graduates shift or grow.
Adam Parker completed a Level 3 Digital Marketing apprenticeship at North Lancs Training Group (NLTG) while working for Pennine Labels. He earned a distinction, becoming the first at NLTG to pass the end-point assessment with the highest marks.
Using skills from the course, Adam helped Pennine Labels grow its sample-pack orders and attract new business. His employer praised how he turned learning into real value for the company.
Mercedes Lewinson started as an apprentice in healthcare support at Bradford College. She passed her Maths GCSE after several tries. Then she joined a Level 5 Nursing Associate Higher-Level Apprenticeship at Bolton University.
Now she works in the A&E department at Bradford Teaching Hospital as a nursing associate. She earned praise and even won a Nurse Associate Award for her dedication and care. Her story shows how apprenticeships can help turn ambition into real, valued work.
These stories show that you need not stick to what you studied. Apprenticeships help you switch or grow.
Even though apprenticeships are great, there are some mistakes graduates should avoid.
Large firms get many applications. But small firms or medium-sized companies often give faster, hands-on training. SMEs offer more responsibility early.
Not all programs accept degree holders. Some apprenticeships demand “significant new learning.” If you pick a course similar to your degree, you may get rejected.
Employers often look for attitude. Being ready to learn, being adaptable, and being willing to work matter more than just having high grades. If you ignore this, you may miss good chances.
Only if the apprenticeship offers new skills not covered in your degree should the training provide meaningful new knowledge.
In many countries, such as the UK, there is no rigid upper age limit for apprenticeships.
During training, apprentices usually receive a wage. Many graduate-level apprenticeships come with attractive compensation + skills, + no tuition debt. This can be equal to or even better than an entry-level graduate job.
Yes, some countries accept apprenticeships for international graduates. This depends on local laws, visa rules, and employer support.
Yes. Many employers offer higher apprenticeships that lead to master's-level equivalent qualifications. These are often called Level 7 apprenticeships.
No. Your debt doesn’t affect eligibility. Employers or the government levy funds for apprenticeships.
Yes, many universities and employers accept students who already hold degrees. They support their training and accreditation.
Can you do an apprenticeship after university? Yes, you can. Many graduates are now choosing this path. Doing an apprenticeship after your degree gives you real skills, work experience, and a chance to earn while you learn. It can help you switch careers or deepen your skills without adding debt. Apprenticeships turn your academic degree into a career-launchpad. If you want to build a strong career path with real work, this is the way.
Are you ready to earn while you specialise and explore career pathways after international education? Explore Level 7 apprenticeships with degree in your field today!
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