Science Apprenticeships
The Scientist degree apprenticeship is an industry-driven programme that will train you as a Chemical Scientist or a Biological Scientist for a range of businesses. The modules reflect forward thinking, preparing you for future world challenges. The Biomedical Scientist degree apprenticeship will offer you a route into one of the NHS’s most vital professions.
An alternative to a traditional degree
The Faculty of Engineering and Science are proud to deliver apprenticeship programmes with a number of great companies including Ford, Pfizer and Thames Water. An apprenticeship is an alternative gateway to entering your profession.
Apprentices work alongside their studies – you would be employed and work at your place of work up to four days a week, while also studying at our university at least one day in the week to participate in lectures, practical activities and more with your fellow apprentices. Some of our programmes are offered on a hybrid basis with learning online. It often takes longer to complete a degree apprenticeship compared to the traditional degree route as you are studying part-time. You’ll need to be motivated and good at managing your time to balance your work with your studies.
As a training provider, the University of Greenwich delivers a structured training programme that allows apprentices to work towards a qualification. It’s good to know that after completing your course, your employer will acknowledge you as occupationally competent. This is known as Gateway and allows you to complete your final assessment (known as your End Point Assessment). You would then receive two certificates – an award (normally a degree) from the University of Greenwich, and an apprenticeship from the Department for Education.
What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?
A key benefit of an apprenticeship is that you will be sponsored by an employer and will earn money while you learn, which will bring down the costs of going to university significantly.
They’re also a great way to learn and get career-ready as you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience in a workplace. Being part of a workplace will help you gain transferable employability skills, and by making good contacts, you will have a head start when applying for jobs upon completion of your apprenticeship.
Another benefit is that many of our Faculty of Engineering and Science apprenticeships are accredited, and so completing your apprenticeship could lead you to professional membership of certain institutes.
How do I become a degree apprentice?
There are some entry requirements to consider before applying. You must be in employment for the duration of your course, and the employer must sponsor you. You must have the right to work in England and ordinarily be a resident in the UK or EEA. You must also not be undertaking another apprenticeship course at the same time. Other entry requirements vary depending on the Apprenticeship Standard. There will be additional programme specific entry requirements.
Companies are often looking for apprentices to join their workforce and will advertise their vacancies on here: Find an Apprenticeship page. When you sign up, you’ll get alerts if any vacancies come up – employers are ultimately responsible for recruitment.
If you need any further information about our apprenticeship courses, please contact apprenticeships@gre.ac.uk.
