I'm nearing the end of my DTS degree with a specialism in Software Engineering and I just want to complain a bit so I'm sorry about that but the learning was just boring, we cover barely anything engineering related, nothing low level, no computer science concepts like logic gates nothing like that it's just annoying.

I've heard that the unis apparently don't get enough interest for just Software Engineering but based off of there being nearly 60 of us software apprentices where I work I have a feeling that it's a lie.

The degree just feels way too generic and shallow and it annoys me a bit that I lack the comp sci knowledge that my friends have.

I hear some of the stuff my friends who went to uni did and it sounds like so much fun why can't we learn about low level Operating System development and other comp sci principals.

Sorry to complain

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So I've been picked up as exceptional talent for a Software Engineering role at a pretty well known tech company (like everyone knows them) but I've also got an offer for a Data & Analytics DA at one of the big management consultancies

SWE role: straight into proper engineering work, the brand name is massive, everyone knows the company

DA role: a Russell Group degree, client-facing work, mix of technical and business side, graduate debt-free with 4 years consulting experience. also there's the whole social side of uni and being part of a cohort which seems decent

The thing is both options seem good for completely different reasons which is why I'm stuck. with the DA I get the degree funded, the whole social side of being at uni and part of a cohort, and it feels like an easier exit if I wanted to shift direction later on. with the SWE role I get that insane brand recognition in tech and proper technical work from day one but no degree and the fear is if I get laid off I'm a bit stuffed without the qualification

Has anyone had to choose between a DA and a full time role like this? what made you go one way or the other? or did anyone turn down their DA for something else and either regret it or not regret it?

Just want to hear from people who've actually been in this position because right now I'm going in circles

Has this happened to anyone before for reasons apart from big lies on cv

In December I passed a level 4 network engineering apprenticeship and want to go onto doing a digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship.

I have applied for a couple but got rejected.

I am struggling to find anything to apply for.

Am I looking at a bad time?

Is there any tips to find jobs to apply for?

Appreciate any responses : )

Guys, is anyone else still waiting for a response from the BAE degree apprenticeship? Thx

What type of content are y guys thinking and what do you hope to achieve doing this? Network? Money? Image?

Maybe referencing a 37 hours week

so im a final 4th year digital and technology soltuions degree apprentice at a large company working in a mix of things like dashboarding, using agentic workflows etc. i recevied news recentntly from my manager that she thinks im not gonna get a return offer due to department hiring freezes although ive done great work and recevied praise from directors, averaged out to a strong 1st (84%) at uni. ive had sleepless nights as i dont know what to even do, i was under the assumption that I would stay with the company after graduating as most apprentices in my company do. and now people are talking about how the job market is cooked for IT and i dont know what im going to do. can i apply to grad roles? and would i be likely to get an offer with my experience? I feel as though i am underqualified for full time roles idk. and where do i even find grad roles/jobs? i have about 2 years worth of savings, is htis sufficient time to get a job? ive been having panic attacks about this. please help out.

Just got rejected from the offer I really wanted after an assesment centre and this is my second rejection after an ac I basically have no other applications left anymore except for one and I'm already on a gap year and can't take another one I currently hate the uni I've applied after visiting it and don't know what to do now

Hi I’ve received 2 offers for degree apprenticeship. One with Microsoft in London for their customer success unit which can lead into most likely customer account manger role or lower chance cloud architec. On the other hand, I’ve also received an offer from Lloyds bank, for tech engineering in Manchester so it’s a bit of every career in the tech industry. Neither guarantee a job at the end of the programme. And I honestly feel like I’d enjoy both roles the same amount. In terms of career progression which role would be most beneficial and does anybody know what each role fully entails. As well as long term salary which is best? Thank youuuuuu

I’m curious how many applications, online assessment, assessment centres interview stages you went through and if you ended up with an offer.

I have been applying for different places for the last couple months and I’ve recently received a good Trainee Accountant apprenticeship offer. I’m not sure if accounting is the right fit for me as I really wanted a software/engineering apprenticeship. The offer is really good but the issue is with me personally. I don’t want to waste time investing on it if I don’t like it. Should I decline it?

I had my final stage interview for a Degree Apprenticeship last week and they rang me today to let me know I got the position! Long time coming thanks for everyone in this community for the support.

I just had a call from the careers team at AtkinsRéalis saying a spot opened up at a location further away from what I applied. I've had rejections from everywhere else so I'm SO HAPPY ARGEGEGEG just wanted to yap about my joy somewhere

Good luck to everyone else!!!!

Was excited when offered my DA. Hundreds applied and I was one of few given offers. But the company is a mid sized bank and it’s put a little doubt in my mind as other people have mentioned it’s not a massive company. Such a great opportunity and they sponsor extra qualifications after a period of time working there, such as finance qualifications etc. I was very excited and I like the company but like I said other people have put doubts in my mind.

I’m genuinely at a loss. I’ve made it to the final stage interveiw for 7 different apprenticeships now, ranging from degree apprenticeships in QS to underwriting and wealth management.

I know most people struggle to even get one interview, but getting to the very end 7 times just to get binned off feels like a massive punch in the gut. The worst part is the feedback is always useless, they just tell me I did great, I'm a "top candidate," and that I’d be an asset to any company.

If I'm doing so well, I don't get why I can't actually land the offer. It’s starting to feel like a joke at this point. I don't know if I'm missing something specific or if it's just a dead numbers game.

Hi everyone, just wanted some input on my current situation. I've applied to 30 degree apprenticeships this year for engineering. Almost equally interested in all types of engineering, depending on the company, but leaning more towards the aerospace industry. I got through the first few stages of most applications and got to 3 assessment centres; GE Aerospace, Airbus and Rolls Royce (aerospace), with reserve offers for the last 2. The 2 roles I'm on reserve for are electromechanical engineering and manufacturing engineering respectively. Still in year 13 so doing exams currently but I have not applied for university at all as id rather take a gap year and reapply for DA's. My main question is, assuming I take a gap year, what is the best route for me to improve my applications, do I try to find a part time job or full time (aerospace related?). Also, what are the chances of my reserve offers coming through. Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi guys, just looking for some advice. Over a week ago I received a call from a company I had applied to telling me they were happy with my application and that they’ll let me know if I get an interview. The interview is on the 15th and ive not been contacted yet. Should I be worried ?

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to make a quick post about why I decided to leave my HLA with only a few months left until graduation. (4 years in total!)

For context, I’m studying a Level 5 undergraduate degree in Economics while working as an analyst.

First of all, I still genuinely think HLAs are a brilliant alternative to the traditional uni route. Getting professional work experience while studying, earning money, and moving to a new city was a massive opportunity for me. Coming from a retail background, having a proper office job and a bit more money in my bank account felt amazing at the time.

I learned a lot, both professionally and personally, and I do think apprenticeships can be great for young people.

So why did I leave?

Pay

The pay was honestly very poor for the amount of work I was doing. I understood I wouldn’t be earning graduate salaries because I didn’t have a degree yet, but being on the EXACT same wage for nearly four years while grads and other full-time staff got annual pay rises was frustrating.

I was promised pay rises multiple times, but they never happened. Increasing my salary because minimum wage went up is not really a pay rise, even if it was presented that way.

Responsibilities

I actually enjoy responsibility. I’ve balanced work, studying, volunteering, and caring responsibilities before, so hard work itself wasn’t the issue.

The problem was doing full-time analyst-level work on poor pay without much recognition. Eventually it just started to feel unfair and demotivating.

Balancing work and uni

This was probably one of the biggest issues for me. From my experience, firms talk a lot about supporting apprentices, but when deadlines, exams, or coursework came around, work always came first.

There wasn’t much understanding around uni workload, and getting time off approved for study or exams felt harder than climbing a mountain sometimes.

What’s next?

The only reason I felt comfortable leaving was because I already had another analyst role lined up where I’m treated as a proper full-time employee rather than “just the apprentice”.

I’m now focusing on finishing my degree, not long left now, and honestly I feel much happier with the direction things are going.

I still think apprenticeships can be amazing opportunities, but I also think people should know the reality of them too! Any questions ask away!