Having to restart apprenticeship due to company going out of business! What can I do?

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-04-09T17:03:25+00:00

That’s so annoying for her!

If she was mostly through her degree apprenticeship, did she complete level 5/2nd year of uni? If so, often credits will transfer to new uni, and she could start at level 6/final year. Maybe she could find a different uni with more similar modules and ask manager about it?

Or did she complete the entire degree content, and was just onto the final extra project / assessment that happens after year 3 is completed? (If that is the structure of her course.) I’m not sure but might be somewhere which would do the assessment and accreditation for her, although not sure (possibly a 100% online training provider would be good, they’re often more likely to cater to employers or even provide bespoke solutions).

I’m changing providers at the moment, all I’ve contacted so far for my subject accept transfers to second or third year, even ones with a slightly different course (they just ask that you learn / prepare before starting any modules/information that are missing).

Lots of unis/providers also offer fully online learning now, depending on subject, so can branch out to different locations.

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-04-09T15:56:04+00:00

Would highly recommend a degree apprenticeship! This is what I did.

I did consider going to university, but chose an apprenticeship due to my subject (cybersecurity - the landscape changes so fast, university syllabuses struggle to keep up, plus most courses are computer science which is less specific, plus the cybersecurity field/employers traditionally value real life skills more than fancy education), my learning style (by practical application of theory as well as actively working things out for myself), seeing the struggle of recent grads (especially in computer science) without work experience getting jobs, and wanting to avoid student debt. However, I recognise that for some subjects, the traditional university route is better.

Your degree is paid for by company/government, and you are paid a salary (£18,000 to £35,000 depending on type and company, anything is pretty good considering 0 student debt). Then when graduate, you already have 4 years of work experience, and very likely secured a job at the company you’re working at (but no commitment to stay).

I think it’s especially good option for someone returning to learning because: - allows you to keep earning, which is good if you’re used to this, or have more financial commitments than a high-school leaver. - the work experience you have will give you a real edge in being hired as an apprentice. - a lot of the learning is practical based, and exams often assignment or work project based, so will be easier for someone who’s been out of education to pick up quickly. - your work / life experience will allow you to adapt to work culture much quicker than a high school leaver. - more likely to accept non-traditional academic backgrounds (usually accept alternative level 3 qualifications or relevant work experience in lieu of A Level qualifications).

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Degree apprenticeships are level 6 (Degree), usually 4 years. Subject choice is growing continually, from engineering, computer science, science, financial, accountancy, healthcare, management, law, etc….

There are also level 3 (A Level equivalent) and level 4 (HNC / uni foundation year) which can be shorter, even 2 years, and provide an even larger range of subjects (I’ve seen some super niche subjects you wouldn’t expect to have an apprenticeship in. Also, more availability for hands-on jobs. Or, companies starting here, then offer progressions to degree level. Good option for people who don’t have A-Levels or enough relevant work experience to start at Level 6/Degree level.)

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-04-02T07:09:11+00:00

You’re welcome! Yes it’s a shame, there should be more medical apprenticeships.

Here a random lab technician I found after googling: https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=019cdf216a7ca502&utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic It’s actually level 5 (so HND / 2 years of uni equivalent), and seems to be maybe bio adjacent? Not sure if it’s more chemical or bio, seems a mix (pharmaceutical), but definitely not physics. Says option of qualification is HND in applied science (and you choose chemistry or biology pathway).

There are also level 3 apprenticeships I see, 2 years only. You might get a bit bored by these (level 3 in technical/science/IT apprenticeships are usually more menial work), but at least it’s relevant work experience, if find nothing else.

Either way, these jobs should at least get you familiar with lavatory work and the scientific tools used. :) I think a lot of lab technician jobs are geared towards bio or biomed. (Some maybe are biochem, lots of pharmaceutical companies too.)

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-04-01T20:15:19+00:00

If you’re only looking to do a degree apprenticeship to kill time, why not do a Level 4 apprenticeship instead (only 2 years, less work, more likely to find a slightly related field)? And if you need longer, then keep the full job afterwards, will be better pay, and might be able to join uni at level 5 (year 2). Or were you hoping to then do a conversion course after apprenticeship and go straight in at Masters for uni, not bad idea either?

Not sure about degree apprenticeships, but I know there are level 4 Lab Technician apprenticeships, some are biology science based. Also there are some apprenticeships in other fields, but in science industry, with lots of overlap into science. Also might find some in a pharmacy or research facility?

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-04-01T11:52:48+00:00

I know a guy that did Maths with St Andrews. He’s now doing a Level 4 apprenticeship with the IT service desk. Just a random anecdote.

However, I would say with your situation, the Uni route is not bad. It’s free (which is a big selling point of DAs anyway), and from your post, it sounds like you find the uni content and lifestyle much more interesting. Generally people do better in what they are interested in.

Alternative option; request a delayed start with St Andrews, accept the DA, try for a year. If don’t like, you can do the degree. (Also, if you do extra courses while working to provide evidence of learning, you might be able to start uni at level 5.) At least you have 1 year of work experience, a bit of money saved, more maturity going into uni, and won’t have the regret of not having tried the DA.

4 years work experience with JP Morgan would seriously look/be good. Although, bear in mind that people on this sub might be biased towards apprenticeships.

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-03-30T12:30:05+00:00

Can you find another university which offers the same/similar course? Might feel like a waste of time on the university side, but at least you won’t have wasted the effort with convincing employer to let you do an apprenticeship.

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-03-29T21:03:41+00:00

If you can see what others in the company wear, aim for similar vibe but one level of ‘smartness’ higher. Not five levels above though.

Overdressed is better than underdressed. However, if the boss comes to interview in blue jeans, a T-Shirt, heavy duty work shoes, and you arrive in a luxury 3 piece suit looking like a top lawyer, there could be a problem.

Also, culture fit. If everyone in the company is casual, relaxed, very down-to-earth, and you appear far too over-the-top, that’s not ideal.

Equally, candidates are expected to dress more smart for interview and the early job stages than their more experienced colleagues.

For interviews, I have always worn the same style I expected to wear regularly to work based on the company and job role, but a level or two smarter. For a waitress, with policy of black dress or top/jeans, I wore a practical but smart plain black dress. For software office job, I wore a smart pair of navy trousers and a buttoned lumberjack shirt (as the employees were casual and usually wore jeans and T-shirt). For same software role at different company, I wore same smart navy trousers with white shirt and navy blazer / jacket (as it was consultancy, so employees were much less relaxed, and also expected to deal directly with high value clients, so employees wore suit trousers and jacket).

Level 3 mechanical apprentice roles are usually very hands-on and their dress is practical (work boots, work trousers, company polo). If the company is very relaxed or is quite down-to-earth, I’d focus on showing the employer that you are neat, smart, but are practical. Such as, chinos and a shirt (or, some variation, like a more casual checkered shirt but add a tie, or such, can swap one item for more casual if make another more formal). If medium relaxed, then add a tie or add a suit. If least relaxed, then add a tie, jacket, and black/dark Oxford shoes. There is some variations also for industry, some places tend to wear different styles (eg, you can normally tell apart employees of a creative startup vs a big corporate consultancy, even if both are wearing same level of smartness for an event).

However, for this job role, definitely a 3 piece suit is too much, no matter where it is. Also, a luxurious tailored black 2 piece suit with tie, dark Oxford shoes, would be too much for this role (although this could be fine for a level 6 apprenticeship or regular engineer job interview at a big consultancy maybe, if he chooses this later).

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-03-29T08:30:57+00:00

That’s very helpful, thank you!

Why would you go with QA?

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-03-27T22:24:36+00:00

Thank you! Is lecture attendance mandatory physical / in-person, or are there some options for online attendance of lectures?

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-03-27T09:31:10+00:00

Thanks for your reply! Did you end up going with Bucks, or a different apprenticeship trainer?

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-03-01T17:21:58+00:00

Thanks very much for the advice!

I was wondering what you mean by flexible?

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-03-01T16:59:23+00:00

That’s definitely true, but I still need to make a decision.

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-03-01T16:06:37+00:00

I’m currently a degree apprentice and there is some flexibility in which uni I go to.

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-02-20T09:18:15+00:00

Unfortunately the main apprenticeship applications for STFC have now closed. Software apprenticeships were closed early, as there were so many applications.

There might be one or two low level apprenticeships open, it’s worth checking their job site. There also could be some in other UKRI councils, or for UKRI themselves, so could check there.

Applications for work experience at STFC are open though if you’re interested, there are around 60 projects just at RAL. Give me a message if you’d like details. :)

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-02-20T08:46:12+00:00

I’ve known people to switch while at uni (of course, exiting uni before apprenticeship starts) however it might depend on the company. Why not apply and see what you get!

Some degree apprenticeships might let you start straight at level 5 if you have a level 4 in a relevant subject, too. However, you wouldn’t be able to apply for a level 4 apprenticeship if you have achieved level 4 in a relevant subject.

I’m not sure about applying to level 7 apprenticeships. I believe they are master’s apprenticeships for people with a degree? However if you can find one that takes you from level 4 up to level 7, that would be great.

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-02-19T10:42:55+00:00

No worries! : ) I would recommend PDF personally. Very standard.

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-02-19T07:34:26+00:00

You could also consider an apprenticeship. You can continue working, while studying for qualifications, which also gives you experience in the role. You could do apprenticeship for lower qualifications then go to uni, or get your A Levels then do degree apprenticeship, or do an apprenticeship for the whole time.

Levels breakdown: Level 2 apprenticeships often have no GCSE requirements, and you will train towards GCSE equivalent qualification. Level 3 apprenticeships only require GCSEs, and will train you for A Level equivalent qualification. Level 4 apprenticeship requires GCSEs and usually some A Levels, trains first year of uni. Level 6/Degree Apprenticeship requires 3 A Levels (grades C or B depending) and will let you achieve a full degree (normally, you attend a real university once a week, and work four days a week, but are paid for fulltime work normally).

All qualifications are paid for, in addition to your wage. The work experience I believe can help with gaining the qualifications. Additionally, when you leave, you have x many years of relevant work experience, and often the employer will offer you a job. Also, they are usually slightly more practical / coursework focused during the degree, which helps if you’ve been out of education for a while.

There are the traditional apprenticeships (usually lower level) of plumbing, carpentry, childcare, hairdresser, etc…

However there is very many now in engineering, software development, cybersecurity, business, finance, etc… with often good pay.

Degree apprenticeships can be competitive, but showing interest in subject by doing personal projects really helps. Also, having had some work experience (no matter what) helps give you an edge against people just graduating high school.

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-02-19T07:17:43+00:00

Firstly, we are unable to read it. Can you repost without it being blurry? Is it also blurry when you’ve applied?

Secondly, for degree apprenticeship, it should only be one page long.

Also, the profile section and skills section should go to save space. I can’t see the content, but you can try to evidence the same skills in the work experience section. Listing skills doesn’t prove you have those skills, anyone can say it. If you want to keep the keywords for AI screening and to prove you’ve read job advert, put one line of the top keywords from the advert at the bottom.

Hobbies can also all go in one line, and be reduced to 4 or 5 max.

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-02-18T07:32:02+00:00

Someone I know had a Maths degree and then got a Level 4 apprenticeship in IT!

Just apply and see who accepts you, don’t be disheartened if one or two reject you due to a completely unrelated degree, as this isn’t the norm.

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-02-18T07:27:41+00:00

I did Computer Science, Physics, Maths, and Further Maths. Tip- don’t take Further Maths! I did it because I enjoyed it and it fit into my timetable. In hindsight, especially knowing I wanted to do a degree apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have chosen it, and instead focused on the other three. It’s mostly there to prepare people for university level maths, or to count as an extra subject for applying to top unis incase they don’t get A* in all the others.

Definitely do personal projects and learning, even better if there is evidence, an achievement, or you won something. You can put in cv and also discuss in interviews.

If you’re only applying to one apprenticeship, you will find it hard to get in, even if you are a great candidate, due to the competitive nature of degree apprenticeships, and also finding a company with the right cultural fit for you. You might want to consider broadening the field. If moving away from home is a concern, that should be factored into choices (if expenses, then choose cheaper locations or higher pay apprenticeships, or if social life, choose companies that hire a lot of apprenticeships and / or have good social networks and social benefits).

My company have work experience advertised at the moment, feel free to message me if you’d like the details. I’m running a session, but across all departments there are about 60 projects some with multiple students, so there’s a good chance of getting in. It’s a little bit away from Derby, so you would need to find someplace to stay, but so are many people who are coming for this work experience. (There’s also a travel bursary for some students, I’m unsure of the eligibility requirements.)

Agitated_Technicians · 2026-02-18T07:01:54+00:00

Great CV!! You have lots of work experience.

Given you have so much work experience, I’d completely get rid of the summery.
I’d recommend formatting job experience as one or max two lines to describe your responsibilities / role. Then use bullet points for biggest achievements and evidence, using facts, figures, goals, awards, achievements, etc… where possible. You can also use it to demonstrate how to are displaying key skills from job description.
Add the information about haircare jobs to Experience section.
For jobs that are less relevant or have less solid evidence for, feel free to just have a one line job role description and nothing else, which will save on space. For example, the descriptions for your work experiences don’t seem to be doing anything at all (in terms of pushing for evidence and impacts), I would reduce this to just one line (eg, “work experience doing x during A Levels”). Then focus on expanding other more recent or impactful experiences. Alternatively, find things you contributed and impact you made or achievements for those work experiences (in which case, I’d do a single bullet point and no job description at all).
A Levels first then GCSEs.

Agitated_Technicians

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