Deciding what to do after college is often daunting, whether you’re interested in university, an apprenticeship, or going straight into work, the best way to decide is to be fully informed of every option.  

One of our ex-students, Charlie, is currently on his second year of a Degree Apprenticeship at the Ministry of Defence (MOD). After finishing Weston College 2 years ago, Charlie came back in to talk to some of our A Level learners about all the benefits of a degree apprenticeship, outline the general structure, and explain the application process and entry requirements needed for a degree apprenticeship at the MOD.  

At college, Charlie studied A Levels in Computer Science, Economics and Maths and is currently completing the Digital Technology Degree Apprenticeship, a 4-year course that allows him to obtain a degree but also get some great work experience at the same time.  

A Degree Apprenticeship at the Ministry of Defence consists of approximately 80% work and 20% study and is normally around 4 years long. The university study aspect of Charlie’s course is completed 1 day a week and is delivered at the Weston College Winter Gardens. There are approximately six work placements across the 4 years, each lasting around 8 months and providing you with real-world skills and knowledge of a working environment.  

There are many benefits to choosing a degree apprenticeship which stretch outside of gaining more work experience than a normal university degree. For example, you also get opportunities to travel, a fully funded tuition and a competitive salary throughout your apprenticeship, a flexible work schedule with the option to work from home, the chance to work alongside amazing industry partners, and a high chance of continued employment once you have completed your apprenticeship. 

In order to apply for a degree apprenticeship at the MOD, you are required to have at least five GCSE’s grade C or above, and 3 A Levels or equivalent grade C or above, including Maths and a Science. If you meet these requirements or are on track to achieve them, you can apply by sending in your CV and a cover letter of why you would be a good fit for them.   

You will then be required to complete an online competency test in Maths, English and Computer Science; however, this application process can vary depending on the degree apprenticeship you apply for. High scoring candidates will be invited to the assessment centre in Weston to complete tests and, if you are successful, you will then be invited to an online interview. Provisional offers will then be made, and a formal offer will be sent out once you have achieved the required grades.  

Charlie also gave tips to the learners regarding the assessment process, giving a brief outline of previous assessment examples and explaining the typical attributes that the MOD look for in candidates, for example initiative and communication between groups.

He also provided advice for students considering a degree apprenticeship, saying, “you should apply to multiple degree apprenticeships but also apply to a university because that is your best chance of getting something.   

I applied to 5 or 6 and I only heard back from 2 of them. You may have a bad day, so your best bet is to apply for multiple and increase your chances.”  

The learners found Charlie’s talk helpful and inciteful, with their lecturer, Ana, saying “they asked questions until the very end of the lesson. I’d never seen them so engaged!”  

We’d like to say a big thank you to Charlie for coming in and talking to the students about his experiences and explaining the application process for a degree apprenticeship at the Ministry of Defence.  

If you’re interested in applying for our A Levels next September, click here.  

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.