Article Gold Open Access 2024

Level 7 degree apprenticeships–a story of challenge, resilience and success

Research in Post-Compulsory Education
Journal · Vol. 29 · Issue 2 · pp. 191-219
Abstract

This study explores the lived experience of both in-service and pre-service apprentices studying Level 7 apprenticeship programmes. Using qualitative questionnaires, this article facilitates a thematic analysis exploring how aspects such as: rationale for enrolment; study habits; prioritisation of workload; resilience and wellbeing are experienced by educators studying either an Academic Professional Apprenticeship or a Senior Leaders Apprenticeship programme. Results demonstrate a mixed landscape is apparent for Level 7 apprentices, with tangible differences, both within and between groups, exhibited regarding reason for enrolment and study habits. The challenge around balancing work-life priorities and the encroachment of work commitments on study time (and vice versa) are a common theme for both cohorts, with those who have better established working patterns and relationships more resilient to the challenges of Level 7 apprenticeship study. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Apprenticeships resilience career aspirations prioritisation study habits workload

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Languages and Linguistics, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Department for Curriculum and Quality Enhancement, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Academic Development, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
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