UCAS apprenticeships, and every other UK apprenticeship, in one place
UCAS lists some higher and degree apprenticeships. Shine lists every level, Intermediate, Advanced, Higher and Degree, from employers across engineering, construction, digital, healthcare and more. Free to apply, matched to your postcode.
Can you apply for apprenticeships through UCAS?
You can browse degree apprenticeships on UCAS, but you apply directly to each employer, not through the UCAS points system. There is no single deadline, vacancies open year-round, and you can hold a UCAS university offer at the same time as applying for apprenticeships to keep both routes open.
Last reviewed by the Shine careers team.
The sectors we specialise in
STEM, Agriculture, Manufacturing and Construction
We focus on the skills shortages every other platform misses. Training school students for entry-level roles in industries where the talent gap is widest.
STEMEngineering, science, medical, tech, software, lab tech, electrical, mechatronics.
AgricultureFarming, agri-tech, food production, land management.
ManufacturingProduction, CNC, quality, maintenance, warehousing.
ConstructionTrades, site, building services, civils, surveying.
Every level
Level 2, Level 3, Higher and Degree apprenticeships, not just the ones on UCAS.
Near you
Filter live local roles by postcode and travel distance.
Paid, debt-free
Earn a real wage from day one, training fully funded by the employer.
One free search
Skip switching between UCAS, employer sites and job boards. Shine pulls them together.
UCAS apprenticeship FAQs
Straight answers to the questions UK students most ask when comparing UCAS, university and apprenticeships.
- Do you apply for apprenticeships through UCAS?
- UCAS lists some apprenticeships alongside university courses, but most UK apprenticeship vacancies are advertised directly by employers. On Shine you can browse and apply to live local apprenticeships in one place, no UCAS account required, and most employers reply within two weeks.
- What is the UCAS apprenticeship search?
- It's UCAS's listing of apprenticeship vacancies, mainly higher and degree apprenticeships. It's a useful starting point, but it doesn't show every Level 2 and Level 3 role. Shine pulls in live UK apprenticeships across every level and sector, matched to your postcode and strengths.
- Is an apprenticeship better than UCAS / university?
- Neither is universally better. With an apprenticeship you're employed, paid a wage, and your training is funded, you finish debt-free with real experience. With university you study full-time and pay tuition. Degree apprenticeships give you both: a full degree and a salary, no fees. The right route depends on the career you want.
- Can I apply to both UCAS and apprenticeships at the same time?
- Yes, many UK students apply for university through UCAS while also applying for apprenticeships in parallel. There's no penalty for keeping both options open until you accept an offer.
- What levels of apprenticeship can I find?
- Shine lists every level: Intermediate (Level 2, GCSE equivalent), Advanced (Level 3, A‑level equivalent), Higher (Levels 4–5, foundation degree / HND equivalent) and Degree apprenticeships (Levels 6–7, full bachelor's or master's degree).
- How do I find UCAS apprenticeships near me?
- Sign up free, add your postcode and how far you'll travel, and Shine matches you to live UK apprenticeships in your area across engineering, construction, manufacturing, digital, healthcare, business and more. Updated daily.
Ready to find yours?
Free, takes under 15 minutes, and we'll show you live apprenticeships matched to you, beyond the UCAS list.
Get started
Related guides
Part of Shine's apprenticeship guide series, plain-English answers, updated regularly.
- Apprenticeships in the UKWhat is an apprenticeship and how do you get one?
- Engineering apprenticeshipsWhat is an engineering apprenticeship?
- Construction apprenticeshipsWhat is a construction apprenticeship?
- STEM apprenticeshipsWhat is a STEM apprenticeship?
- IT & digital apprenticeshipsWhat is an IT apprenticeship?
- Manufacturing apprenticeshipsWhat is a manufacturing apprenticeship?
- Agriculture apprenticeshipsWhat is an agriculture apprenticeship?
- Degree apprenticeshipsWhat is a degree apprenticeship?
- London apprenticeshipsHow do you find an apprenticeship in London?
- School leaver jobsWhat jobs can you get after leaving school?