APPRENTICESHIPS are at the forefront of Government education reform and many changes have been implemented to create standards for Apprenticeships that are employer-led. This means that opportunities for high level and professional Apprenticeship positions are opening up to the future workforce who are either looking for an alternative route onto a University degree or to gain a highly recognised qualification that will help enhance their career ambitions.
Apprenticeships offer progression routes into managerial positions that continue to bring knowledge and experience into the workplace. Higher Apprenticeships, delivered at HNC and Foundation Degree level, offer succession planning solutions to all employers, big or small, who want to sustain their business growth and innovation in their sector. Furthermore it is an ideal opportunity for employers to train their employees to degree level.
Across the country, Apprenticeships are available in 1,500 job roles, covering more than 170 industries with over 20,000 people starting a Higher Apprenticeship since August 2013.
The University of Derby and Buxton & Leek College are offering, and are continuing to develop, a range of Higher Apprenticeships, and very soon Degree Apprenticeships, that both meet employer need and local skills requirements. Employers have the opportunity now to identify existing staff that have the ability to perform at this level. Higher Apprenticeships offer employers a professional training programme combining both degree-level theoretical training and relevant, meaningful on-the-job experience, enabling them to fill skills gaps. They also offer a potential Apprentice the chance to develop within the workplace, become a valued contributor to the business.
A Higher Apprenticeship functions much like a normal Apprenticeship in the sense that it will give the learner a good mix of on and off-the-job training. However, these Apprenticeships are designed to equip learners with more advanced skills and qualifications. In some cases, they offer another route to gaining a university qualification. It’s a really unique chance to earn and learn.
Many Apprenticeship routes are funded by the government and in some cases only require small contributions from the employer. So, unlike degrees, there’s not need to get into debt or take out a student loan.
The Government have secured £20 million in support of the delivery of Higher Apprenticeships, which means they could fund anywhere between 50% and 100% of the training costs for employers. The University and College have kept employer contributions low and competitive and will work with employers to ensure they get what they pay for, a highly skilled employee.
For more information call 0800 074 0099 or visit www.blc.ac.uk/apprenticeships
