NAA Member News: University of Greater Manchester – Understanding Degree Apprenticeships
A Degree Apprentice is a full-time employee who works within a business while simultaneously studying towards a university degree. At the University of Greater Manchester in Bolton, degree apprentices benefit from a high-quality academic experience while gaining hands-on industry experience, making them an asset to their employer from day one.
Degree apprenticeships combine academic study with practical, real-world application. Apprentices typically spend 20% of their working time off-the-job, which often equates to one day per week at university, with the remaining time spent working in their job role. They are paid a salary and entitled to the same rights and benefits as other employees.
Age Limit
There is no age limit on apprenticeships, so you can apply and start an apprenticeship at any age, no upper age limit. Degree apprenticeships start aged 18+.
The University delivers a wide range of degree apprenticeships across disciplines such as
- Electrical & Mechanical Engineering
- Digital & Technology Solutions
- Health & Social Care
- Chartered Business Management
- Construction Project Management (Built Environment)
- Civil Engineering
- Facility Management
- CPD Advanced Manufacturing
Apprentices develop technical knowledge, professional behaviours, and core occupational competencies required by their industry, as defined by nationally recognised apprenticeship standards. (Link to all standards on: Skills England (Apprenticeship search / Skills England).
Funding Guidance (Funding Rules: Apprenticeship funding rules 2025 to 2026)
For Levy-Paying Employers (Annual Payroll > £3m)
- Employers can use their Apprenticeship Levy funds to cover 100% of the training costs.
- Funds are accessed via the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS).
- Levy funds expire after 24 months if not used.
For Non-Levy Employers (Annual Payroll < £3m)
- The government funds 95% of the training costs.
- The employer pays the remaining 5% co-investment, which can be paid in instalments.
Funding Covers
- University tuition.
- End-point assessment (EPA).
- Course materials.
- Teaching, mentoring, and quality assurance.
Funding Does Not Cover
- Apprentice wages.
- Travel, accommodation, or other business-incurred costs.
Key Apprenticeship Terminology:
- Apprenticeship Standard
A nationally approved document outlining the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for an occupation, this is what the learner will be assessed against, the Degree element of the training will be mapped against this standard referred to as learning objectives.
- Gateway
A key milestone that marks the end of the apprentice’s on-programme training and the point at which they are ready to undertake their End-Point Assessment (EPA). It is a formal review process where the employer, training provider, and apprentice agree that all knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard have been achieved. The apprentice must also have completed any mandatory qualifications, off-the-job training hours, and portfolio or project work required.
- End-Point Assessment (EPA)
A final assessment to confirm the apprentice has achieved occupational competence
- Off-the-Job Training
Learning that takes place outside of the normal day-to-day job but within contracted hours, the minimum off-the-job (OTJ) training hours for degree apprenticeships are 6 hours per week.
- Levy
A government tax on UK employers with a payroll over £3 million to fund apprenticeships.
- Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) – Apprenticeship Service Account
The government platform used to manage apprenticeship funding and training provider relationships.
- Commitment Statement
A signed agreement between apprentice, employer, and university outlining training, support, and expectations.
- Apprenticeship Agreement
A contract confirming the employment of the apprentice and the training requirements.
- Apprentice wages
Every apprentice must be paid a lawful wage for the time they are in work and in active learning. The employer is responsible for paying the apprentice’s wages and complying with national minimum wage regulations.
Contact Us:
Wayne Watkins
Associate Director of Business Development
Email: w.watkins@bolton.ac.uk
