UCL understands that setting off on a new career path is a big step for young people. As a parent/guardian, carer or educator, you will play a key role in offering guidance to transition from study to the world of work, and this section is designed to help you navigate the information on our webpages and provide you with an overview of early-career apprenticeships with UCL.
Pursuing excellence, breaking boundaries and making a positive impact on real world problems
Our apprentices are encouraged to take responsibility from day one by working with world-leading researchers and academics, curious students and outstanding staff to deliver projects that make an impact within the university and also often externally.
We offer a supportive environment, through line managers and team members, to help our apprentices succeed and excel in their roles; all our apprentices have a personal mentor, development coach or tutor, and access to training courses.
It’s not always easy to know the exact career path to take and so many of our apprenticeships include rotations with different departments to help apprentices explore career possibilities and gain a broad range of skills.
We’re proud that the majority of our apprentices are offered a permanent role with UCL on completion of their apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship with UCL would suit someone with a commitment to learn and pursue excellence, who is a curious and enthusiastic problem solver.
Frequently asked questions
- What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a full-time paid job opportunity which allows apprentices to earn while they learn and gaining industry-recognised qualifications.
- What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?
Apprentices can:
- Gain valuable skills and work experience without having to pay any fees and/or get into debt.
- Study towards recognised professional, nationally recognised qualifications.
- Develop the employability knowledge skills and behaviours necessary for the future of work.
- Why UCL?
Apprentices will:
- Work for a renowned global world-leading institution – ranked top ten in the world.
- Get dedicated and structured guidance and support from experts with the robust industry know-how and expertise necessary to succeed in the workplace.
- Access a dedicated skills training programme and peer support network.
- Work on projects which have a real world impact.
- Gain excellent career progression opportunities and pathways.
- Get a competitive salary (well above the national average and some well-known employer brands).
- Receive generous holiday entitlements and other benefits.
Please also see the Five reasons to join us section.
- How long do apprenticeships last?
Our early-career apprenticeship programmes can take between 1 and 4 years to complete, depending on the apprenticeship, level, skills and experience the apprentice already has.
- What levels of apprenticeships are there?
- Level 2: Intermediate Apprenticeship – equivalent to GCSE
- Level 3: Advanced Apprenticeship – equivalent to A-Level
- Level 4: Higher Apprenticeship – equivalent to foundation degree and above
- Level 6 and 7: Degree Apprenticeship – equivalent to Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
UCL typically offers Level 3 and 4 apprenticeship programmes for our early-career apprentices.
Look at the Opportunities with us section to find out about the apprenticeships UCL offers.
- Who can do an apprenticeship?
To take part in the apprenticeship programme an applicant must:
- Be 16 or over
- Not already in full-time education
- Live in England (citizen of the UK or European Economic Area (EEA), or have lived in the UK or EEA for the past 3 consecutive years).
Other requirements depend on the level of the apprenticeship, person specification and the nature of the job we advertise.
See the Eligibility to apply section for further details.
- What areas can you do an apprenticeship in?
UCL offers a wide range of apprenticeships in different occupational areas – from technical roles like engineering, lab and animal technicians to professional services areas like business and IT.
We are continuing to grow the programme – see Opportunities with us section to find out about the apprenticeships on offer.
- Who funds the apprenticeship?
UCL (the employer) and the government cover the fees through the Apprenticeship Levy, providing apprentices with a debt-free route into their qualification.
- How much do apprentices get paid? What are their hours?
We offer a competitive salary – above the national average. Annual increases (increments) are determined by performance against set milestones throughout the apprenticeship.
From day one, an apprentice will have full employment status at UCL and are contracted to work 36.5 hours per week. This includes the off-the-job training element of the apprenticeship.
- Are apprentices guaranteed a job at the end?
We want our early-career apprentices to be the future of UCL. Whilst we hope to retain our apprentices, and see them progress further at UCL, there is no guarantee of a job upon successful completion.
If an apprentice successfully completes the programme, they'll have the opportunity to apply for roles at UCL, and they can start applying for vacancies six months before the end of their apprenticeship.
We have offered the majority of our apprentices the opportunity to secure a permanent role towards the end of the apprenticeship and/or further apprenticeship training after the apprenticeship.
Towards the end of the programme, we will discuss employment options and support to help them to consider their next steps.
- My child or student is interested in applying for a UCL apprenticeship. How do they apply?
They can see and apply directly for our vacancies on UCL's job's board and on the National Apprenticeship Service website (search by keyword, job title, UCL or reference number).
- What if my child or student has additional needs? Can I apply for more funding or support?
To help ensure that there is a support structure in place for apprentices with additional needs to succeed in the programme and role, we would encourage them to discuss any requirements with us before they start.
You can view further information on reasonable adjustments on our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpage.
If they need financial help to cover for things like childcare, then they can apply for the advanced learner loan bursary fund. We also offer a great benefits package.
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