This question has been edited 7/25/2022

Hi Leah, hope you're well. For our grad programme you're required to do a degree but the subject does not need to be in anything specific but for our apprenticeship programmes you don't require a degree.

You can compare our programmes here - https://ukcareers.ey.com/students/programmes/compare-our-programmes

Thank you Amy! Would you be able to do a degree alongside EY? Or would it have to be completed before hand?

No problem! The degree apprenticeship is a degree level apprenticeship so you don't have to complete a degree at all before hand!

Thanks Amy. What are the benefits of being a graduate/ undergraduate rather than an apprentice?

Hi Leah - picking this up from Amy! In terms of benefits we have a compare our programmes tool on the website which allows you to look at both programmes side by side.

I would say the main benefit to doing an undergrad degree is that if you have a subject you are really interested in you can spend extra time really learning about it in detail, you will also generally have more free time and you get the social side of university.

When you join the business, there is no difference in terms of progression between an apprentice and a graduate. So the main reason to do a degree rather than an apprenticeship would be personal preference

Ah I see. Thank you!

Hi, would say that taking an apprenticeship route would perhaps be a hindrance if for example, you work at EY for a couple years but then decide to pursue a job in a different firm? Would it be more difficult to get a job than someone who has a degree?

Hi Mustafa - welcome to the chat! From an EY perspective, there is no difference in terms of career prospects between a graduate or an apprentice - both have the same opportunities for progression and reaching senior roles in the business - some of our Partners are school leavers. The qualification you receive as an apprentice is also globally recognised and allows you to work in a range of different industries, so you're not trapped in professional services!

What if for example, after 2 years of working at EY, I decide to pursue a job in a different firm, would it be more difficult to secure that job?

So it depends on what apprenticeship scheme you are undertaking. For the business apprenticeship, you have the opportunity to leave after 2 years when you will have gained a level 4 apprenticeship, or you can continue to complete the programme where you will gain a level 7.

On our degree apprenticeships, it would be the same situation as you if you chose to leave university before gaining your full degree - however, you would have some valuable work experience to take away

How long would the programme be if fully completed to level 7?

It's 4.5 years for the full programme. The degree apprenticeship range between 3-4 years