Geography Apprenticeships

What are the best apprenticeships for people who love geography?

Do you love to explore? Want to make the planet a better place? Are you interested in people and places?

Consider applying for a geography apprenticeship.

Why Geography is useful for apprenticeships

Geography is split into two branches, physical geography and human geography.

Physical geography studies the earth’s composition, including the crust and surface, and how it changes over time. Human geography is the study of the distribution of people and their cultures across the earth’s surface.

Geography encompasses many disciplines, from map reading, strategic planning, forecasting and maths to physical sciences and the study of nature. You will also learn commercial awareness. By studying for a geography-based apprenticeship, you will accrue knowledge and skills that can be an asset across multiple careers.

According to the Royal Geographical Society, geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment, and an apprenticeship could help you take that first step without the expense associated with a university degree. 

Those who show an affinity for geography may eventually land a role focusing on conservation, policy-making or land management. You could end up making a real difference to people’s lives and the planet. 

Transferable skills

Whichever branch of geography you are studying will require strong research skills, critical thinking, and an aptitude for maths, all skills that can be utilised in different sectors. 

There are business studies involved, plus learning to read maps and data and interpret them. Some roles in geography will require you to be outdoors, while others may be centred around lab work. 

You’ll need to be curious and adventurous, willing to consider new perspectives and able to see and recognise patterns. 

Although there is no general geography apprenticeship, you will find many apprenticeships in related subjects, including 

Consider which skills you excel in when choosing which geography-based apprenticeship to apply for.

Intermediate roles

Entry-level apprenticeships are designed for school leavers or those wanting to change their careers. Also called intermediate or Level 2 apprenticeships, they offer a first step into the workforce and an alternative to college. 

Entry Requirements

The basic mandatory requirements to apply for a UK apprenticeship are:

  • You must be 16 or older
  • You must not be in full-time education
  • You must have the right to live and work in the UK

Qualifications gained

By completing a Level 2 apprenticeship, you will earn the equivalent of 5 good GCSE passes. 

Intermediate Geography apprenticeships include:

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Advanced/Higher/Degree targeted at A-Level

After the intermediate stage, UK apprenticeships are structured as follows:

  • Advanced apprenticeships =  Level 3 apprenticeships 
  • Higher apprenticeships = Levels 4 and 5 
  • Degree apprenticeships = Levels 6 and 7 

As you accumulate qualifications and knowledge, you can begin to specialise or climb the ranks in your chosen field.

Entry Requirements

Advanced and above apprenticeships usually require you to complete an intermediate apprenticeship in a related subject or have achieved the equivalent GCSEs or A Levels. Apprenticeships related to Geography may also have specific requirements such as previous distinction in English, Maths, and Geography.

Qualifications gained

Each level of UK apprenticeship earns you an equivalent qualification, as follows:  

  • Advanced apprenticeship = 2 A-Level passes. 
  • Higher apprenticeship = a foundation degree
  • Degree apprenticeship = a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, depending on your level of study. 

Advanced, higher and degree geography apprenticeships include: 

Industry Focus

Studying for a geography apprenticeship can lead to many interesting careers. Here are a few subjects and roles you can look into.

The ability to read, interpret and create maps (cartography) is an aspect of geography that forms the basis of multiple jobs in geography. Cartographers work with engineers, urban planners, and other interested parties to ensure the correct geographical data is communicated.  

Besides a cartographer, you could become a geographer – creating maps, performing surveys, writing reports and conducting interviews to aid in planning and improving Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS specialists create databases of field and geospatial data in towns, cities and regions. They also create maps based on the data they collect and examine.   

Geospatial analysts interpret and present data on factors, including population demographics, climate and physical features such as ice caps and mountains. This role combines strong analytical skills with a background in geography. 

The Royal Town Planning Institute offers town planner apprenticeships at Level 3 and degree level. The University of East London is one of the providers of the Geospatial Mapping and Science Specialist Degree Apprenticeship.

Geography is an excellent starting point for a career in agriculture and outdoor work, and there are apprenticeships at different levels to facilitate you taking the next step. 

From general farm workers and park rangers to landscape architects and land surveyors, if you like to be outside, you’ll find several geography-based roles that are predominantly based in the great outdoors. 

Land surveyors work with cartographers to ensure the correct land boundaries are observed and that the land is environmentally suitable for development. 

Conservation scientists test and evaluate natural habitats to ensure that the native plants and animals are faring well. They make recommendations to the Government and scientists on how to protect endangered species.

Companies such as Ernst and Young and The National Trust offer related apprenticeships.

From environmental consultants to geomorphologists, there are several roles where you can influence the environmental impact of people. 

Environmental consultants investigate issues such as environmental protection, waste management, housing development and water pollution to advise how they can affect a business and the larger area. They sometimes use geologist tools to accomplish their tasks. 

A solid knowledge of geography is at the centre of this job, ensuring environmental impact is measured and that compliance standards are met. 

Geomorphologists are concerned with how the weather and natural features can alter a landscape. They look at wind, rain, volcanos, mountains and more to provide insight to help us understand climate change and prevent or prepare for natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. They typically work outdoors, collecting field samples and studying landforms, but some lab work may also be involved.  

The Environment Agency offers related apprenticeships, including data analyst and environmental practitioner degree programmes. 

Other Opportunities 

As mentioned, a geography apprenticeship lends itself well as a jumping-off point for several careers, here are a few more options:

  • Climatologist
  • Hydrologist
  • Travel writer
  • Remote sensing specialist
  • Geography teacher
  • Urban planner
  • Surveyor
  • Real estate appraiser
  • Disaster aid worker
  • Librarian
  • Environmental scientist
  • Archeologist
  • Anthropologist

Conclusion

If you want to make the world a better place, a geography apprenticeship is an excellent place to start.

With so many opportunities open, you’re sure to find something that suits your skills and interests. Search by subject and location to find geography-based apprenticeships near you

We hope this guide has been helpful, but if there’s anything we haven’t covered or you have a question, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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