Work-based degrees and higher apprenticeships
Industry-led, higher and degree apprenticeships to support business growth

Do you want your business to remain competitive? Do you need support with succession planning? Do you want to fill skills gaps? And retain the best talent?
We understand the difficulties some employers have in developing and retaining highly skilled employees. Designed by employers for employers, our work-based degree apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships address skills gaps, staff retention issues and support succession planning.
Adaptable by nature, and utilising Government funding, they can be used to upskill your existing employees including senior management, as well as to attract new talent to your business.
Combining a high-quality education with work-based learning and ongoing professional development, the knowledge your employees gain can be directly and immediately applied to the workplace.
No age limit – suitable for school leavers or your existing workforce
Duration – two-four years
Qualifications – University of Plymouth honours degree with optional professional qualification
Cost – paid by the employer through Government funding or financial incentives
Industry – suitable for all industry sectors and all size businesses
Study – part-time study around work commitments
If you have any questions about degree apprenticeships, get in touch with our team at apprenticeships@plymouth.ac.uk or on +44 (0)1752 583625.
With an international reputation and proven track record of providing higher-level education, we can support your business to upskill your staff and grow your business at no or little upfront cost.
Employees gain either a higher-level qualification or an honours degree with the University of Plymouth, utilising an academic community that is distinguished by its high quality teaching.
One size does not fit all when it comes to training. Our industry-led, consultative approach means we identify training needs within your business and provide bespoke solutions to your skills gaps.
We recognise that funding for training is not always straightforward. As education funding experts, we can support you in accessing Government funding via the apprenticeship levy or provide alternative funding options to minimise or eradicate any up-front cost to your business.
"Attracting and developing talent is critical to the future of our business – in fact, probably the biggest determinant of our future success.
"The University is genuinely interested in what we, as a business, need from the degree apprenticeship programme. I strongly advise any employer who is serious about talent to consider it."
Stuart Brocklehurst, CEO, Applegate
Who are they for?
Both
current employees, including senior managers and newly recruited employees can study for a higher apprenticeship or work-based degree qualifications. The
knowledge they gain can be directly applied to the workplace and will
quickly grow the skillset within your organisation.
How does the training work?
Employees
study a core set of modules with flexible elements that businesses can choose
to meet their ongoing requirements. Your employee is able to work and study
giving them the flexibility that they need while still being on the payroll.
Government funding is available to support with up-front training costs, and if you are a business with a annual pay bill of over £3 million you might have already ‘paid’ for the training through the apprenticeship levy. There are two funding models:
Fully funded
For levy paying organisations
If the annual pay bill of your organisation exceeds £3 million, the apprenticeship training is paid through your levy account. This means it will be fully funded by you as the employer. Once you have exceeded the spend on your levy account you will then move to the co-funded model.
Co-funded
For non-levy paying organisations
The government will co-fund the apprenticeship training by contributing 90 per cent of the costs and you will support with the remaining 10 per cent.
Additional financial incentives: