Welcome
At Solent we're adapting our delivery method and courses to meet the needs of employers.
Alongside the higher and degree apprenticeships that run at our East Park Terrace campus, in a variety of delivery models, we have also launched a fully online range of apprenticeships that are totally flexible and work around your business needs and demands.
Welcome
At Solent we're adapting our delivery method and courses to meet the needs of employers.
Alongside the higher and degree apprenticeships that run at our East Park Terrace campus, in a variety of delivery models, we have also launched a fully online range of apprenticeships that are totally flexible and work around your business needs and demands.
Online courses
Our online courses have been designed and developed to be as flexible as they possibly can be. You will typically have one workshop each month, with the rest of the students studying the same programme as you, with additional work required via our online learning system. You'll also have one-to-one sessions with your tutor who will be able to guide and support you through your programme, adapting the style and workload to meet your needs and ensure you'll be successful in your programme.
On successful achievement of your apprenticeship standard, you will be invited to the next available graduation ceremony to celebrate along with all other Solent students who completed their studies that year.
Search online coursesOn campus courses
We also offer the traditional higher and degree apprenticeships with delivery taking place on campus. Most of these courses are run with students being released from their day job to attend campus one day a week, with additional work required to complete assignments, research, projects, and tasks related to the apprenticeship.
The time on campus depends on the programme but commitment can be discussed at application and also during your interview with the academic course lead for each programme.
Search on-campus courses
Apprenticeships webinars
Learn more about your chosen apprenticeship at one of our apprenticeships webinars. Hear from the course team and ask any questions you may have.
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships offer a unique blend of work experience and academic study. Candidates on an apprenticeship will work a paid job while simultaneously working towards a relevant qualification in their chosen field.
Apprentices are employees with a contract of employment which offers the same benefits and protections as any other employee. Apprentices will typically work for four days of the week, using the remaining day to attend classes and study.
Those undertaking an apprenticeship will complete a variety of activities. These could include professional discussions, presentations, essays, exams and practical assessments, delivered through a combination of classroom sessions and practical workshops, depending on the programme.
- 0apprentices completed their course at Solent in the last year
- 0apprentices are currently studying at Solent University
How to get started
There are many options available to those who'd like to undertake an apprenticeship. Candidates will most likely fall into one of three categories:
- Someone looking to undertake an apprenticeship as part of a new role.
- Someone who already has a job and would like to progress within their organisation.
- Someone who already has a job but would like to retrain as part of a career change.
Becoming an apprentice is a great way to start in a new career while undertaking study that helps you be more impactful in your role. If this is you, you should take a look at GOV.UK's find an apprenticeship service. This service advertises apprenticeship opportunities from across the country and includes vacancies in all areas, from hairdressing to engineering and everything in between.
There are several effective ways to secure an apprenticeship. Gaining work experience is a great starting point, as it helps build relevant skills and shows initiative. Applying directly to companies is another proactive approach, allowing you to express your interest and stand out from other candidates. Volunteering with the company you'd like to work for can also be beneficial, as it demonstrates commitment and gives you the opportunity to make a positive impression. Additionally, it's important to regularly keep an eye out for apprenticeship vacancies, so you don't miss any opportunities when they arise.
If you're already working, apprenticeships can help you further your career. Work with your employer to choose an apprenticeship standard relating to your role, then find a training provider to support your learning. The terms and conditions of your employment remain unchanged by taking up an apprenticeship. However, your employer will be required to allow you time away from the workplace to complete your qualification.
Benefits for employees
- Earn while you learn.
- Achieve your qualification without the debt.
- Gain valuable work experience and be able to apply your learning in the workplace.
- Develop your skills with an employer who is willing to support you in your career to help you grow.
Benefits for employers
- Solent University can support you with finding your employee and advertising your vacancy to support recruitment.
- Incentive payments are available if you employ 16-18-year-old apprentices.
- SMEs are eligible for government funding for a minimum of 95% of the apprenticeship fee.
- Business team support from recruitment to achievement.
- Grow your business with an apprentice who can make an impact from day one with their learning.
Hear from our apprentices
Aaron Vidal, Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer (Degree) Apprenticeship
Aaron's apprenticeship has given him fantastic exposure to various aspects of engineering, getting hands-on with real-world projects.
Read more
Ryan Gaudion, Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship
Ryan is on his second apprenticeship, developing his knowledge and skills to progress his career as a software developer.
Read more
Ellie Peplinski, Registered Nurse Degree (NMC 2018) Apprenticeship
Ellie gets support from her work to study, so she can pursue her dream of becoming a mental health nurse through an apprenticeship.
Read more
Peter Abbs-Fortnum, Nursing Associate (NMC 2018) Apprenticeship
Peter discusses how the apprenticeship gave him financial stability as a homeowner, while training to become a nurse.
Read more
Apprenticeship courses at Solent
Our higher and degree apprenticeship programmes are the ideal way for employees to advance their careers. Apprentices work throughout their studies and graduate debt-free with a nationally recognised university qualification. They are great for employers too, helping to attract motivated staff and train them in a way that maximises the impact they can make.
Apprenticeship funding for levy-paying employers
The Apprenticeship Levy applies to UK employers with an annual payroll exceeding £3 million. Employers pay 0.5% of their annual payroll, offset by a £15,000 annual allowance, with payments collected through HMRC.
Levy-paying employers can use the funds available in their apprenticeship service account to recruit new apprentices or upskill existing employees through approved apprenticeship programmes.
From 1 August 2026, new levy funds expire after 12 months, rather than 24 months, and the government's previous 10% top-up has been removed.
If an employer has insufficient levy funds to cover apprenticeship training and assessment costs, the government will cover 100% of eligible costs for apprentices aged 16–24. For apprentices aged 25 and over, the government contributes 75% of the costs not covered by available levy funds, with employers paying the remaining 25%.
Find out moreWhat if I'm a non-levy-paying employer?
Non-levy-paying employers are businesses with an annual payroll of £3 million or less, generally including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
From 1 August 2026, the government covers 100% of eligible apprenticeship training and assessment costs for apprentices aged 16–24. For apprentices aged 25 and over, the government contributes 95% of these costs, with employers paying the remaining 5%.
From October 2026, eligible non-levy-paying employers can also receive a £2,000 hiring payment when recruiting a new apprentice aged 16–24, subject to eligibility criteria.
Find out moreThe benefits of employing apprentices are in the satisfaction of seeing them progress, and the real value they add to their team in the form of new talent, ideas and enthusiasm. Our clients are very interested in our Apprenticeship Programme and the importance we give to the apprentices’ experience at Roke
Advertise a vacancy
If you have a vacancy for an apprentice, you can advertise the position on the South Coast Institute of Technology website if it's in the digital, engineering, or maritime subject area.
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