Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs)
What is an HLA
An HLA is a Level 4/5 Qualification for new employees or for existing employees who are upskilling/entering a new job role.
- Main qualification is a Foundation Degree or Level 4/5 Diploma, achieved over 2 years (3 years for Mechatronics and Computing)
- It is an employment contract, working 4 days per week with your employer and studying in College 1 day per week. You are also paid for your day in College!
- Entry requirements vary but generally include GCSE Maths & English at grace C or above and A Levels or a Level 3 Certificate/Diploma.
Browse our range of Higher Levels Apprenticeships:
Contact Us
Andrea Foster
Advanced Technician Mechanical and Manufacturing,
Mechatronics, Industry 4.0, Computing
andreafoster@serc.ac.uk
David Gore
Health and Social Care, Childcare (Management), Cyber
Security, Cloud Computing
E: dgore@serc.ac.uk
M: 07500947724
Natasha Lennox
Accountancy, Culinary Arts Management, Hospitality
Management, Construction Managements
E: nlennox@serc.ac.uk
M: 07971303412
HLA Frequently Asked Questions
- Earn while you learn
You will receive at least Minimum Wage (HLA) for the duration of your studies including College Day! - Experienced Mentor
Work with and learn from professionals with years of experience in your chosen industry - Just 1 day per week in College
Complete your HLA (Foundation Degree or Diploma) with just 1 day or evening per week in College over 2 years (3 years for Mechatronics and Culinary Arts) - No fees = No Student Loans
Your course will be fully funded by the Department for the Economy which means no student debt! - Fantastic career opportunities
You have a job from day one which opens many opportunities for progression/promotion within your company
t and interview skills at careers@serc.ac.uk
Opportunities are available for you to gain qualifications from Level 4 upwards if you are a new employee or an existing employee in a new job role. Entry requirements will depend on the apprenticeship pathway.
To take part in the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme you need, as a minimum, to:
- be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, with a Northern Ireland based company
- work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training)
- have achieved all necessary entry qualifications determined by the relevant sector
- pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector
- be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland (18)
You may need to meet other eligibility considerations, for example you may not be eligible if you're a non-EU national, a public sector worker or already have a recognised vocational qualification.
- Contact employers directly by email, telephone or call in with your CV
- Contact your local College – email us for support at any time in they year!
- Look for vacancies online (employer websites or job search website such as Job Centre Online
- Have you previously done a school work placement? Contact them if aligned with your chosen industry
- Contact SERC’s career service for free advice, CV support and interview skills at careers@serc.ac.uk
An HLA is a Level 4/5 Qualification for new employees or for existing employees who are upskilling/entering a new job role.
- Main qualification is a Foundation Degree or Level 4/5 Diploma, achieved over 2 years (3 years for Mechatronics and Computing)
- It is an employment contract, working 4 days per week with your employer and studying in College 1 day per week. You are also paid for your day in College!
- Entry requirements vary but generally include GCSE Maths & English at grace C or above and A Levels or a Level 3 Certificate/Diploma
Benefits of Apprenticeships
- Earn while you learn You will receive at least the Apprenticeship Rate (L2/3) or Minimum Wage (HLA) for the duration of your studies including College Day!
- Experienced Mentor Work with and learn from professionals with years of experience in your chosen industry
- Just 1 day per week in CollegeComplete your HLA (Foundation Degree or Diploma) or Level 2/3 Apprenticeship with just 1 day or evening per week in College (2 days per week where essential skills are required)
- No fees = no student loans for HLA students Your course will be fully funded by the Department for the Economy which means no student debt
- Fantastic career opportunitiesYou have a job from day one which opens up many opportunities for progression/promotion within your company