Apprenticeships for students
Studying for an apprenticeship at the University of Salford is a great way to earn a salary whilst gaining your qualification.
Apprenticeships are funded by your employer and the government so you will graduate debt-free. You will also earn a salary whilst studying as well as gaining a qualification.
An apprenticeship offers an alternative route to getting a university degree. Kick-start your career by studying an apprenticeship with us.
If you are an employer looking to support a staff member through an apprenticeship, please see our information for businesses.
Why should I do an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships combine work with study. As an apprentice, you will study part-time and spend the rest of your time in the workplace. You will also:
- Earn a salary while you learn.
- Receive on-the-job training.
- Study towards a full bachelor’s degree.
- Learn from experts and develop the skills needed in industry.
- Get your studies funded by the Government and your employer, so you wont have student debt to worry about.*
*Because apprenticeships are funded by the Government and employers, apprentices are not eligible for student finance. This includes tuition fee loans and maintenance loans.
What can I study?
We offer undergraduate and postgraduate apprenticeship programmes across a range of subject areas, including engineering, health, and construction. Browse the list below to find a course to study.
Construction and Engineering
Health and Society
- FdSc Nursing Associate
- BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
- BSc (Hons) Podiatry
- BSc (Hons) Public Health Practitioner
- MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner
- PgDip Specialist Community Public Health Nurse - Health Visiting
- PgDip Specialist Community Public Health Nurse - School Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Practice (Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship)
Science
Programmes in development
There are currently no programmes in development. Please check back at a later date.
For more information about our apprenticeship programmes please email the Apprenticeship Services Unit: apprenticeships@salford.ac.uk
Functional Skills
To undertake an apprenticeship programme, the funding rules state that apprentices must hold a Level 2 qualification or GCSE in English and Maths at C / grade 4 or above. If apprentices do not hold these qualifications, then they will have the option to study with our preferred provider Rochdale Training.
This course is potentially fully funded (Dependent on location within Greater Manchester) if you do not already hold a Maths and/or English GCSE or functional skills Level 2 qualification at grade C/grade 4 or above or equivalent.
If you need to complete both your maths and English functional skills, these will be done separately.
Find out more about functional skills.
Application deadlines
Please be aware of the application deadlines below for each of our intakes. If an application hasn’t been received by this date, consideration will be given for the next available intake
- September 2024 Intake – The application deadline is Wednesday 31 July 2024
- January 2025 Intake - The application deadline is Friday 29 November 2024
- March 2025 Intake - The application deadline is Friday 31 January 2025
What our apprentices say
Bethany, Danielle and Chris are studying apprenticeships in quantity surveying. They are also getting on-the-job experience while they study at the construction companies Wilmott Dixon, Morgan Sindall and William Hare. You can find more case studies on the links below or why not watch our video of our 2023 Apprenticeship Award Ceremony.
Paul Smith - Nursing Associate Apprentice
Matt Brown - Construction Apprentice
Tom Hodgkins - Construction Apprentice
How do I apply?
Not in Employment
To apply for an apprenticeship, you must first be employed with a company willing to enrol you on the apprenticeship programme.
The government national apprenticeship website has further information on this. The website also advertises vacancies for apprentices.
Unfortunately, the University does not hold details of employer vacancies.
In Employment
Speak with the apprentice lead in your organisation in the first instance as they will provide the funding and will make initial contact with the Apprenticeship Services Unit. Your employer will need to confirm that they'll fund and support your enrolment with the University.
If you are currently in employment with a company that is willing to support you through an apprenticeship, then they will need to contact us in the first instance to express their interest in the apprenticeship programme and this will trigger the application process.
For general apprenticeship enquiries email apprenticeships@salford.ac.uk phone: +44 (0)161 295 3063 or complete the contact us form
Get in touch
To find out more about working with us, contact apprenticeships@salford.ac.uk, call +44 (0)161 295 3063 or fill out the contact us form.
For information on safeguarding and our British values statement, please see below:
Who pays my tuition fees?
Apprenticeships are funded by your employer and the government, so as an apprentice you do not need to pay tuition fees for your course. Due to the nature of apprenticeships and how they are funded, you will not be eligible for student finance. This includes tuition fee loans and maintenance loans.
Where can I find an apprenticeship?
Vacancies for apprenticeship roles are listed on Government’s apprenticeship website. As well as searching here, we also recommend checking job boards and company websites for vacancies. Following a recruitment process, which includes interviews, the employer will decide who they want for the position.
Am I eligible for an apprenticeship?
Just like our other students, you will need to meet the entry requirements for the course you are studying. You can find entry requirements for each apprenticeships on our course pages. In addition to individual course requirements, it is essential that you have GCSE Maths and English at C or above (or equivalent - see our guide for details). You will need to provide copies of your certificates upon application. This is a requirement of the apprenticeship and we are unable to accept applications without these. You also need to be over 16 and in paid employment with an employer who wants to support your apprenticeship.
What courses can I study on an apprenticeship?
We currently cover a wide range of disciplines. Scroll up to see our current list of courses. Our offer will grow as the government approves new apprenticeship standards. Find out more on the Institute for Apprenticeships website.
How much time will I spend at work and university?
You will spend 80% of your time in your workplace and 20% of your time at university. We have a range of delivery modes available for courses, including day-release, block delivery and online learning. The mode of study will depend on the programme you choose.
How long does an apprenticeship take to complete?
Apprenticeships will usually take between one and five years to complete. You will also need to undertake an end-point assessment, which must be completed up to 12 months after you’ve graduated.
Will I receive a wage?
Yes, you will receive a wage, holiday pay, pension and any other benefits that your employer provides. You’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage.
You must be paid at least the minimum wage rate for your age if you’re an apprentice aged 19 or over and have completed your first year.
What about if I am made redundant from my role with my employer or I choose to leave my employment?
If your circumstances change (redundancy, loss of employer etc.) meaning your apprenticeship can no longer be funded, you may wish to consider transferring from the apprenticeship programme on to the corresponding traditional programme at the university to complete your studies. If you choose to go down this route then you have to be mindful of a number of things.
- If you are made redundant, the university will support you to continue on your apprenticeship for 12 weeks and will also support you where possible to find a new employer so that you may continue studying on the degree apprenticeship programme. If you have not been able to secure employment in the 12 week period, the government regulations will not allow you to continue on your apprenticeship with the University of Salford.
- If you choose to leave your employer for reasons other than redundancy and do not have another qualifying employer for the apprenticeship, you must withdraw from the apprenticeship immediately. In order to do this you firstly need to contact your Degree Apprenticeship Administrator for your school (contact details below) to inform them of your change in circumstances:
Science, Engineering and Environment - seedegreeApprenticeships@salford.ac.uk
Salford Business School - j.m.kelly@salford.ac.uk
School of Health and Society - j.k.sherlock@salford.ac.uk