FAQs for apprentices

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to work in a full-time role whilst studying for a full academic qualification. Our apprenticeships are suitable for learners already in full time work, or those accepting an offer from a company that is willing to help support their apprenticeship.

Studying part-time and open to any age group over 16, DMU’s Higher and Degree Apprenticeship programmes are the perfect way to start or enhance your existing career. 

Each apprenticeship programme gives you the opportunity to benefit from an exciting new world of work and study. Funded by the government and your employer, essentially giving you the chance to earn, learn and achieve a debt free qualification in the process.

For more information on apprenticeships and apprenticeship jobs available from UK organisations see the gov.uk apprenticeship guide.

Download the DMU apprenticeship guide.

 

What are the key benefits of university’s apprenticeships?

You will be equipped for success

Our programmes provide you with the skills, knowledge, experience and attributes to excel in the workplace. Each apprenticeship is tailored to specific work-based skills that you will be able to demonstrate in the business and progress in line with the needs of your employer.

Funding for your apprenticeship

Your employer and/or the government will pay the full cost of your apprenticeship programme. Try to find out if your employer is a levy paying organisation or not. If they pay the levy, then 100% of your apprenticeship can be supported by it. If they do not pay the levy, the government will still pay for 95% of the apprenticeship, with your employer only contributing 5%.

Teaching and learning in a professional capacity

Our tutors are practitioners with real-world knowledge of their field, providing you with an industry-relevant education underpinned by academic knowledge. Our work-based assessments and projects relate directly to practical challenges in your workplace, making the subject relatable as opposed to abstract.

You can learn in a flexible way

Through innovative online resources, you will be able to study alongside your work commitments with both on the job training and classroom-based study. Through our online portal, we’ll be able to assist in your learning at any point throughout the course. You’ll also be assigned a workplace mentor to help support you in the workplace.

 

 

 

What support is available once I have started on programme?

Wellbeing at DMU  

We want to try and ensure that all students have a positive experience at DMU. So it is important that you ask for advice and support as early as possible to reduce the possible impact on your mental health.

The Wellbeing Team offer a range of support including counselling which can give you the opportunity to talk in confidence with someone who is impartial and separate from work, social and family life. The Mental Health Team support students with existing mental health conditions.

To access support please email wellbeing@dmu.ac.uk or book a Single Point of Access Appointment (online or face to face) via MyGateway.

Single Point of Access (SPA) Appointments

• 45 minute appointment
• Opportunity to discuss concerns or worries about your wellbeing or mental health with a member of staff from Wellbeing Services
• You may be supported to access other internal and external services
• Within the appointment an action plan will be devised with you, including the next steps

If you are worried about your safety and feel at risk of harming yourself, please access help immediately through one of the services available at Are you in crisis now?

Disability Advice and Support

The Disability Advice and Support (DAS) service supports apprentices with a wide range of physical and sensory disabilities, medical conditions and specific learning differences (SpLD). This includes accessing funding for support, for example:

• Specialist study tutor to help improve and plan the structure of essays, time management etc
• Autism Mentoring
• Access to an appropriate assessment i.e. through an educational psychologist

Here is a padlet which apprentices may find useful Study Skills Tips for Apprenticeship Students (padlet.com)

For more information please contact dashada@dmu.ac.uk

Healthy DMU

We’re excited to introduce the Healthy DMU Hubwhich brings together information on a range of health and wellbeing-boosting activities, many of which are great fun, and might be things you’ve never considered.

You can find out about things such as Healthy DMU masterclasses, sports activities, De Montfort Students’ Union, volunteering, registering for a GP and mindfulness sessions. It is organised into easy to read sections and updated regularly, so why not check in and see what new wellbeing information and activities are available for you?

For more information please contact healthyDMU@dmu.ac.uk

The Mandala Project

The Mandala Project can signpost DMU students towards practical support if you have experienced;  

• Sexual violence
• Domestic abuse  
• Sexual harassment

Contact themandalaproject@dmu.ac.uk to arrange your appointment.  You can also speak to an adviser on  0116 207 8309, 9.30 – 5pm weekdays when DMU is open 

No Space for Hate

No Space for Hate supports students dealing with incidents of hate and harassment.  This service comprises of an anonymous reporting tool and a specialised service which outlines support and reporting options.

To speak to a member of the No Space for Hate team email them nsfh@dmu.ac.uk

DMU Security

This team are on hand 24 hours a day year round to support students and apprentices in relation to safety on campus. If you have questions or concerns about your safety DMU Security can be contacted:

Telephone: 0116 2577642 (extension 7642), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
Email:  security@dmu.ac.uk​