Being a degree apprentice offers the best of both worlds: you get hands-on experience, and you’re studying towards a qualification. But there’s no getting around the fact that it’s a lot to manage. You’re working a job while also handling the demands of academic life—and let’s not forget you still need some personal time to stay sane.
If you’re not careful, the constant pressure can lead to burnout. Burnout happens when you’re physically and mentally exhausted, and it can make you lose motivation or feel overwhelmed by even simple tasks. The trick is to take proactive steps to avoid burnout before it hits.
1. Master Your Time Management
Time management is your best friend when you’re a degree apprentice. The workload can be intense, but you can make it easier by getting organised. Plan out your weeks in advance so you can see what’s coming up both in terms of work deadlines and assignments. Having everything laid out in a clear schedule will reduce the feeling of always chasing your tail.
A really useful tool for this is time blocking. Divide your day into chunks of time dedicated to specific tasks—working, studying, or personal time. This method helps you stay focused on what needs doing right now instead of stressing over everything at once. Importantly, remember to include breaks and buffer time for when things don’t go as planned (which they often won’t!).
You don’t need to over-complicate it; even something as basic as a weekly planner or an app on your phone can help you see where your time is going and make sure you’re not overloading yourself.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
One of the trickiest parts of being a degree apprentice is that the lines between work, study, and personal time can get blurred. You might find yourself working late into the night or doing university assignments on weekends because there’s always something more to do. If you let this happen too often, it can quickly lead to burnout.
That’s why boundaries are so important. Make sure you have a clear cut-off point for when you stop working or studying each day. Whether it’s 6 p.m. or 9 p.m., having a defined end time gives you space to unwind and recharge. Communicate these boundaries to your employer or tutor if necessary—people will respect them as long as you’re upfront about what you need to stay productive.
This applies to weekends, too. While it might be tempting to catch up on work or study, it’s crucial to carve out some downtime. You need at least one day a week where you’re not thinking about work or uni at all. Giving yourself a break will make you more effective in the long run.
3. Prioritise Self-Care
When life gets busy, it’s easy to sacrifice sleep, exercise, or healthy meals. You might think you’re saving time, but in the long run, skimping on self-care will cost you. Your energy levels and focus depend on looking after yourself, so things like sleep and proper meals aren’t optional—they’re necessities.
Even small changes to your routine can help. For example:
•Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and keep a consistent sleep schedule.
•Try to move your body regularly, even if it’s just a 20-minute walk each day. Exercise is one of the best stress-relievers around.
•Make sure you’re eating balanced meals—snacking between meetings will leave you feeling sluggish.
It’s also worth taking time for your mental health. Simple things like taking 5 minutes for deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness can help calm your mind when things feel overwhelming - it can help reset your focus.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
One of the biggest mistakes degree apprentices make is thinking they have to handle everything on their own. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to someone—whether it’s your manager, mentor, or tutor. They can often offer advice, adjust your workload, or point you toward resources that can help.
Most firms have mental health and well-being resources that you can tap into if you’re feeling stressed. Don’t wait until you’re at breaking point to ask for help—talking to someone early on can prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
Connecting with fellow apprentices can also be incredibly helpful. They know exactly what you’re going through because they’re in the same boat. Whether it’s for moral support, study tips, or just a chat to vent, having a support network can make a world of difference.
5. Take Breaks—And Stick to Them
It’s easy to think that pushing through without breaks will help you get more done, but the opposite is usually true. Your brain needs regular downtime to function at its best. Without it, you’re more likely to hit a wall where nothing seems to stick, and tasks take longer than they should.
Make it a habit to take short breaks throughout your day. For instance, after 45-60 minutes of focused work, take a 10-minute break to walk around, grab a snack, or do something that takes your mind off work. These mini-breaks help reset your concentration and prevent mental fatigue from creeping in.
Don’t forget about longer breaks, either. Whether it’s a day off to rest or just a weekend away from your responsibilities, having downtime to recharge is essential to keep your energy levels up in the long term.
6. Set Realistic Expectations
One common cause of burnout is the pressure we put on ourselves to excel in everything, all the time. You’re likely a high achiever if you’re balancing work and study, but that doesn’t mean you have to be perfect.
Set realistic goals for yourself, and break big projects into smaller tasks that feel manageable. Celebrate the small wins along the way, and remind yourself that it’s okay if you don’t always hit every mark perfectly. Life is about progress, not perfection.
You won’t always get everything right, and sometimes one part of your life will need to take priority over another—and that’s fine. By keeping your expectations in check, you’ll reduce the pressure you put on yourself, making it easier to stay motivated and avoid burnout.
