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Become an Apprentice

Find out what to expect from an apprenticeship and how to apply below.

What to expect

Gain a postgraduate qualification while in paid employment. Our Apprenticeships take two to five years to complete and are delivered in partnership with employers for a range of career paths.

Tripartite relationship

We work closely in a tripartite relationship with you and your Employer to co-create the curriculum according to both of your needs, to sequence on- and off-the-job learning so you can apply what you have learnt in live situations at work, and to make effective progress through regular communication. Tripartite meetings with you, your Workplace Mentor, and your Academic Mentor, take place every 12 weeks unless there is an agreed break in learning.

Off the job training

You will spend a minimum of 6 hours per week on average in off-the-job training with Lancaster University. Hours vary according to programme. We have a strong track record in designing innovative work-based programmes, and teaching and support staff with a range of specialisms and experience in providing support and knowledge across sectors. Our flexible programmes are logically sequenced, building on prior learning. We work together with you to help the Apprentice achieve agreed learning outcomes. Apprentices can learn in person and through digital platforms.

In the workplace

You will spend the majority of the Apprenticeship duration in the workplace. This is called on-the-job training as you will apply what you have learnt at University in live situations. Your workplace mentor will support your progression towards the learning outcomes. A close tripartite relationship allows the on- and off-the-job learning to be sequenced for maximum impact.

Duration and Assessment

Our Apprenticeships take between 2-5 years, depending on the programme. Apprentices progressively build Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) needed for the occupation. We tailor your individual learning goals considering your existing skills and experience. Once you have developed all of the KSBs, you will enter the final stage of the Apprenticeship: the End-Point Assessment (EPA). Methods of assessment in the EPA vary according to programme.

Ethos

Lancaster University upholds the Government's aim 'to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs'. Together with employers, we put these values into practice through mandatory safeguarding and prevent duty training, prompt response to safeguarding concerns, tailored support for apprentices with specific needs or disabilities, student support services, and disciplinary, IT, bullying and harassment policies.

Learner support

You will have an assigned Academic Mentor and Workplace Mentor who will support you throughout the programme. You also have full access to the student services at the University. This includes facilities on campus, subject-specific equipment, IT services, access to cutting-edge research, learning development support, wellbeing and counselling services, careers guidance, student societies, and Students' Union advice.

How to apply for an Apprenticeship

You can become an Apprentice if you are already employed or if you are looking for employment.

Currently employed

If you are already employed, you can explore Apprenticeship options with your Employer. You will need to:

  1. Check you meet the Government funding requirements
  2. Check you meet the Apprenticeship programme requirements
  3. Choose a relevant Apprenticeship
  4. Get formal approval from your Employer

If you work at Lancaster University already, please visit the Apprenticeship intranet page for information on how to apply to the Senior Leader Apprenticeship.

Looking for employment

If you would like to start an Apprenticeship with a new Employer, you can apply for a job that includes Apprenticeship training. You can use the Government website linked below or explore individual employer job vacancy adverts.

How to find Apprenticeships

You can find search, save and apply for Apprenticeships across England using the Government website. If you would like to apply for an Apprenticeship with Lancaster University:

Robin's Apprenticeship experience

"While working as a Detective Constable in Lancashire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit I became aware of the Senior Leaders Master’s Degree Apprenticeship offered by Lancaster University’s Management School.

I enjoy studying, having been to university when I was younger. However, in the intervening years I’d been so busy with work that I’d done little academically other than a handful of short, job-related courses.

Having been a police officer for fifteen years and worked in a variety of roles I was looking for a new challenge and felt ready to lead and manage a team of my own. I think as you become an experienced practitioner you start to look around and see where you can make improvements for people. One of the problems I found with implementing change was that I lacked the rank authority within my organisation to influence effectively. This only heightened my desire to achieve promotion to Sergeant and in December 2020 I started the SLMDA course as it held the potential to satisfy both my aspiration to study and my promotion ambitions.

Within months I was immersed in theories of leadership, management and personal development which I applied directly to my work. By taking on board the focus on reflective practice which is a central them of the programme I became much more self-aware and altered my approach to promotion preparation. In October 2021 I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, an achievement I firmly believe would not have been possible without studying the SLMDA. Within my organisation it’s rare to be promoted to the next rank without any temporary experience in that role, yet I did just that. The course gave me confidence to talk openly in my final interview about leadership, even quoting the likes of Lencioni and Goleman to discuss how I wanted to lead!

Don’t get me wrong, it’s been tough at times. Juggling a busy day job, young family, the Master's Degree and Apprenticeship is challenging but the support I’ve received from both my workplace mentor and University tutor has been first class. They provide me with honest and constructive feedback which challenges and enables me to see areas for improvement. It’s great to know that they are so committed to helping me develop to my full potential.

The programme has been so rewarding, on both a personal and professional level. It’s taught me important skills and given me the tools to make the most of my abilities; recognising my shortcomings and striving to improve; leading authentically, and balancing the needs of my organisation with the values I hold dear, all the while empowering the unique potential in others."

Rob Costigan photo

Frequently Asked Questions

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