Apprenticeships 2018

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MARCH 2018 APPRENTICESHIPSNEWS.CO.UK READ Anne Milton MP on how apprenticeships can work for you P2

LEARN How to become the prime candidate for your dream job P6

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Apprenticeships “Honestly the best thing I’ve ever done.”

George Clarke on architecture, ambition and apprenticeships P6

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IN THIS ISSUE

Apprenticeships and the economy Sue Husband on the skills gap and how apprenticeships are improving careers.

P4

Degree Apprenticeships Are they the right choice for you?

UCAS and NAS Building partnerships for the future, pioneering Degree Apprenticeships together.

ONLINE

P10

National Apprenticeship Week: time for employers and apprentices to celebrate the opportunities on offer This week, I want to highlight that apprenticeships work for everyone – school-leaving apprentices, mature apprentices looking for a career move, employers, local communities and also for the economy.

N

ational Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity!

This is a time for both employers and apprentices across England to come together and to make sure everyone knows what a fantastic opportunity an apprenticeship offers.

Apprenticeships are a great route into a job that can lead to so much more. Earning while you are learning, and providing businesses with the skilled people they need to get on and grow. It’s because an apprenticeship is so valuable that we want to both improve the quality and increase the quantity of apprenticeships on offer. That’s what the government’s apprenticeship reforms are all about.

Over the last year there have been big changes for employers and for those involved in delivering apprenticeships. These changes to how our Follow us

apprenticeship system works have put quality at its heart - and control squarely in the hands of employers.

We established the Institute for Apprenticeships to give employers the power to design and develop new apprenticeships and last April we introduced the Apprenticeship Levy to help fund apprenticeship training.

These are significant changes, and employers are rightly taking the time to plan well so they can adapt. But we want more people to take advantage of the great apprenticeship opportunities around. That’s why I’m thrilled to be a part of this week; I want to increase the awareness and take-up of apprenticeships.

We want to see more apprenticeships but - more importantly – better apprenticeships, in more sectors and covering more roles. Employers themselves are designing new apprenticeships to make sure they work for business and meet their needs. Over facebook.com/MediaplanetUK

Rt Hon Anne Milton MP Minister of State for Skills and Apprenticeships

220 new apprenticeships standards have been developed, with over 300 in further development, replacing the old frameworks. These standards are based in a broad range of sectors including nuclear, fashion, law, banking and defence. We are working together with businesses to make sure @MediaplanetUK

both the apprentice and the employer are getting what they need from the apprenticeship system.

We also want to make sure it is as easy as possible to get on to an apprenticeship, so everyone regardless of their background or where they come from has the chance to achieve their potential. We recently launched the Diversity Hubs project in five cities around the UK, working together with the National Apprenticeship Service, mayors, local representatives and businesses to promote the take-up of apprenticeships among under-represented groups, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. We also set a measure of success for a 20 per cent increase in the proportion of starts by people with learning difficulties or disabilities by 2020.

Apprenticeships can also be a way for people to re-enter the job @MediaplanetUK

market or change jobs, so we have made it easier for part-time workers to undertake apprenticeships, such as those with caring responsibilities, single parents and those returning to work.

These apprenticeship reforms are the largest a government has ever made, but there is still more to do. That’s what this week is all about. I want to continue hearing from businesses and the apprentices themselves about what works for them – and how we can make apprenticeships work better for you.

Apprenticeships are about learning to do a good job and about fulfilling dreams and aspirations. So take up the opportunity an apprenticeship can offer you!

Read more on apprenticeshipsnews. co.uk Please recycle

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Meet your future face-to-face.

Discover unis, employers, and more at a UCAS exhibition.

Find out more and book online at www.ucas.com/exhibitions

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The FCA regulates the financial services industry and finds ways to make sure the market is working for the public. Join us as an apprentice in October 2018 and you’ll make a real difference in how we do that and help improve the lives of millions of people.

We have a variety of apprenticeships in different fields and they are all designed to help you achieve your potential. You’ll work on real projects that matter, learn the skills to build the career you want, and get paid to do it.

Achieve your potential and become an FCA apprentice.

Every apprenticeship guarantees: - Real work that gives you a unique insight into the industry - An industry-leading professional qualification - A highly competitive salary.

Applications open in April 2018.

Email fca.apprenticeships@fca.org.uk or visit www.fca.org.uk/careers to find out more about our different apprenticeships.

Choose a career that matters.

Think broader horizons.

ews.

www.fca.org.uk/careers

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The Student Room surveyed over 11,000 students about how young people make their pathway choices, and what influences decisions around their futures. Here’s some of what they found:

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Q1 What were the key reasons for choosing an apprenticeship?

64%

Improved long-term career prospects

31%

An opportunity to guarantee a job in a time when there’s a lot of nervousness around graduate prospects

Q2 How do you get hold of information about apprenticeships or work-based training?

40%

An improvement on

38%

Of students said they were at least fairly interested in this

in 2016

Admitted they were fully informed about apprenticeships

59%

weren’t interested

32%

Only

17%

But

said they had received little or no information at all

Q3 What were the biggest influencers in doing apprenticeships or vocational training courses?

17%

from a careers advisor from information on a website from a teacher

from a parent

Q4

27%

18%

17%

ther WhatWhat are the of apprenticeships, and is there areperceptions the perceptions of apprenticeships, and a stigma? is there a stigma?

50%

64%

68%

said they’d be more interested in apprenticeships if they were run by top universities

disagreed that apprenticeships lead to low-income employment

agreed there is still a stigma attached to apprenticeships

Source: The Student Room – Options 2017

Why hiring an apprentice is good for business For National Apprenticeship Week (5-9 March) Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, explains the benefits of apprenticeships.

A

pprenticeships are a key part of creating a stronger and fairer economy, where people of all ages and backgrounds can fulfil their potential. They help employers address skills shortages, upskill existing workers and attract new and diverse talent.

Apprenticeships work for individuals, employers, communities and the economy Thousands of employers already benefit from flexible and high-quality apprenticeship training to help their organisation grow, 86 per cent of employers1 say that apprenticeships have helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation. Alongside this, apprenticeships boost career opportunities for people across the country – they are a great way for people to progress in work and life, whatever their age, gender or educational background. Four in five apprentices say the experience has improved their career prospects2, with 85 per cent going into work or further training after their apprenticeship ends.

There has never been a better time to take on an apprentice, with reforms to apprenticeships firmly focused on improving quality in the system and giving employers the skills they need. Employers now lead on developing new apprenticeship standards, and can choose their preferred training organisation from a list of approved providers – giving them confidence in the quality of the training they buy. Higher and Degree apprenticeships, in particular, mean businesses can now train more employees in critical high-level skills, while offering ambitious individuals

Sue Husband Director, National Apprenticeship Service

“4/5 apprenticeships have improved their career prospects.”

not just want to see more apprenticeships; we want better apprenticeships in more sectors, covering more roles, and we want to persuade more employers to offer apprenticeships. Feedback from employers shows they are positive about the changes to apprenticeships and they are taking their time to plan high quality, wellplanned apprenticeship provision that meets their needs.

Since May 2015, there have seen more than 1.2 million individuals starting an apprenticeship, which will provide each of them with the opportunity to gain the skills they need to get on in life. This is a fantastic achievement, but it’s only the start.We want to make sure all employers have the skilled workforce they need. To reach our commitment of three million apprenticeship starts in England by 2020, we are ensuring apprenticeships are as accessible as possible, encouraging take up from under-represented groups so that even more people can benefit from the increased wage and employment prospects that apprenticeships offer.

the chance to learn at university, to degree level.

Apprenticeships: bridging the skills gap Many employers have already made apprenticeships a vital part of their strategic plans to recruit the skills they need in the future.

We are working with employers to help them attract the right talent and boost the quality of candidates applying for apprenticeships.

Our apprenticeship reforms are making sure that employers will gain the skilled workforce they need to compete globally. We do

Read more on hireanapprentice.campaign.gov.uk Read more and apply on getingofar.gov.uk 1.

2.

https://www.gov.uk/ government/uploads/system/ uploads/attachment_data/ file/659710/Apprenticeships_ evaluation_2017_employers.pdf https://www.gov.uk/ government/uploads/system/ uploads/attachment_data/ file/659709/Apprenticeships_ evaluation_2017-learners.pdf

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We’re growing experts At Aviva we play to win.

New thinking and skills are vital to this.

We have Apprentice opportunities in a range of locations across the country for self-motivated individuals.

You will be either leaving education, retraining in a new field or looking to return to work.

In our organisation we invest in our colleagues development to be the best they can be in their roles.

Apprenticeships enable us to attract new recruits who are keen to develop, whilst earning a full time salary.

If you’re motivated to achieve your ambitions, an Aviva Apprenticeship could be perfect for you.

Find out more at: careers.aviva.co.uk/routes-aviva/apprentices

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Elizabeth Hunt Marketing Manager, Milkround

Milkround: How to make yourself the prime candidate for your dream job When applying for apprenticeships, courses or jobs, candidates are quick to identify the practical skills they have and can demonstrate what makes them ideal for the position. Yet it’s those unqualifiable, soft skills, that are just as essential as having the right qualifications or work experience, but are harder to demonstrate, and improving them needs a different approach.

Time management This can be quite a difficult skill to maintain, but not difficult to pick up.

Observe your actions for a few days – how long do your tasks usually take to finish? Are you prioritising your tasks correctly, with the ones that need doing sooner, or the ones that will take the longest, getting completed first? Once you have the answers to these questions you can set up a schedule for yourself and as long as you stick to it, never be late for work or a deadline again.

Confidence You can’t be taught confidence; it’s very much a frame of mind to consciously put yourself into until it becomes second nature. If you’re at work, remind yourself that you earned your place in the position you applied for because of your own achievements. At school, remember that pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone is unnerving, but will ultimately build your confidence when you succeed.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking at the time of being given a task saves time and gives you the confidence that you are clear on execution and expectations.

Professionalism There are multiple factors when it comes to maintaining professionalism in a working environment. Dressing for the job means wearing clothing that’s appropriate to the environment and helps to put you in a productive mindset. Being polite and respectful allows you to build good relationships.

Keeping calm in difficult situations will stand you in good stead for the future and show you are mature. Being mindful of how these elements combine to make your own “personal brand” is important to remember.

Presentations When presenting to a room of people, speak slowly; slower than normal, with little breaks between sentences. This ensures that your audience is capturing every word you’re saying, and makes you seem confident.

Keep eye contact, but also let your eyes move across the room as you speak, and don’t focus on just one part of the room. This makes everyone feel spoken to.

Know your material. If you have a PowerPoint presentation with you, that’s really all you should need. Those keywords should trigger the material for you. Nothing is worse than a speaker who is fumbling with papers instead of speaking. Be prepared. Practice what you’re presenting and make sure you know the subject well in case there are questions after you have finished. *Employers surveyed by the Institute of Student Employers

Read more and apply on apprenticeshipsnews.co.uk

My apprenticeship has been the foundation stone for everything that’s happened since

By Chris Putman

Architect and TV presenter George Clarke knows a thing or two about creative design, that’s for sure. But did you know the star of Channel 4’s ‘George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces’ actually started out as an apprentice? George hopes that by sharing how his apprenticeship changed his life, more young people will consider vocational and technical training as an invaluable foundation for the future.

Q: When did you realise you wanted to become an architect?

I actually didn’t even know what an architect was until I was around 11 or 12! But my grandfather was a builder, so I spent a lot of time on building sites, doing sketching and sculpture, and when I learned what an architect was – and that it was something I could make a living out of – I knew, from that moment, it was all I wanted to be.

My school teacher, Bob Radcliffe, asked me what I wanted to do when I was older. He introduced me to a couple of architects and, through that, got me a work experience placement.

Q: What made you decide to go for an apprenticeship?

I was worried about A-Levels and getting accepted to university, so when I turned 16, I grabbed a copy of the Yellow Pages and wrote to every architecture firm in a 15-mile radius asking for a job. Eventually, one got back to me – David Johnson Architects – and he offered me a job as an architectural technician on £40 a week. He sent me to college, where I did my BTEC in Building Construction. Working for him, being in a practice, learning genuine business skills like communications, letterwriting, taking meeting minutes, drawing, and doing

How d PwC? I joined having Politics was the all diffe experie this wa experie alongsid ing stud

much better for the real world. Doing a degree is still important, and we needWhat i to have the theoretical and academicI reconc knowledge, but the practical skills youple wh gain from an apprenticeship, givesadvise you skills that academic qualificationstions o cannot. abroad.

George Clarke Architect, TV Presenter and Apprenticeships Advocate

“I’ll be encouraging my three kids to do an apprenticeship.” my academic qualifications – it was honestly the best thing I’ve ever done.

Q: What skills did you gain from doing an apprenticeship that other avenues may not have provided?

I knew more about architecture than anyone else. I went back to David Johnson every school holiday while doing technical training and during my degree. It was basically like an informal degree apprenticeship, and it set me up incredibly well.

The academic approach taught me about design and technical drawing, but it didn’t teach me anything about business. Apprenticeships give reallife skills that are invaluable. Apprenticeship schemes prepare people

Q: How has your apprenticeship helped you in your career?

My apprenticeship has been the foundation stone for everything that’s happened since. I think of life as a linear process and everything in it as a stepping stone; you need to make sure that what you do is what you love and what will really help you fulfil your potential and your dreams.

I can understand why previous governments wanted to make university ‘for everyone’. But it was to the detriment of apprenticeships and vocational, technical learning.

In my opinion, they got that wrong; we need both, and it’s great to see that the pendulum is beginning to swing the other way.

Q: What advice would you give to people who have a passion to pursue a career but aren’t sure what the best pathway is?

Get in touch with organisations who are running apprenticeships as early as you can. There are so many organisations that believe apprenticeships are the future for their business, and if you show them you’re beginning to think about what you want to do, even as young as 13-14 years old, then you’ll be ahead of the curve and you’ll learn skills that will set you apart from everyone else. One thing’s for sure; I’ll be encouraging my three kids to do an apprenticeship.

Read more on apprenticeshipsnews. co.uk

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An apprenticeship doesn’t mean missing out on university year and it’s already very hands on.

One of the misconceptions about apprenticeships is that you’re just photocopying and making tea, but from day one you receive technical training and get involved in real client work.

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How did you come to work at PwC? I joined straight from sixth form having studied History, English and Politics at A-Level. What attracted me was the fact that people come from all different walks of life and their experiences are so varied. Doing it this way meant that I got real work experience, on-the-job training alongside earning a salary and avoiding student debt.

What is your role now?

I reconcile the tax positions of people who work internationally and advise clients on the tax implications of sending their employees abroad. I’ve only been working a

DIN X PA N

G

Do you have any regrets about not going to university?

No regrets really as I think going to university is a very different experience. You still move away from home, gain independence and get to grow up.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I really enjoy seeing the progress I’ve made. When I can apply my textbook knowledge to real-life scenarios, it gives me faith in my own ability and that the work I’m doing is paying off.

What wider opportunities has the job given you, and what’s the progression been like?

There is variety in your work to support your development. I can develop consulting and advice skills as well as having a strong technical base, opening up options later on in my career.

When you finish the school leavers programme you’re at the same level, if not more than a graduate

ING HELP

Ndiwe Rocque Tax Associate and former Apprentice, PwC

“Doing an apprenticeship, you still move away from home, gain independence and get to grow up.”

O TO B

BRIT OST

S E C NTI

HRO H E AT

E R P AP E

who’s just entered; the on-the-job experience is really valuable.

W IS

AIN’

What are the benefits of going from school to employment?

The life experience that you get.

Coming straight from school, it gives you an idea of where you want to specialise or whether it’s actually for you. It gives you a more well-rounded view of working life.

What have you found most challenging during your time on the programme?

My biggest concern, before I joined, was that I would be missing out on the ‘uni experience’. However, as part of a cohort, you go through the whole programme with a

ready-made peer group. Along with the regular socials, everyone feels included, regardless of level.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I want to stay in tax, but I would look at working abroad. I am currently considering working in Northern Africa on new enterprise. It’s such a global firm – they view their employees as assets, so internal mobility is made easy.

What would you say to someone thinking of doing work experience or doing one of the school leaver options? What would you say to convince them to join?

Give it a go! It’s better to have loads of options and experience before you make a final decision. When you do then make that choice, you can safely say you’re fully informed.

More info at pwc.com/uk/schools

S

IPS

Heathrow expansion means 10,000 apprenticeships.

With expansion and working with the Heathrow Skills Taskforce, we will help to ensure more young people are trained for the jobs of the future.

Heathrow expansion is part of the plan to strengthen Britain’s future.

That’s why we are getting on with delivering Britain’s new runway.

Building for the future The number of apprenticeships across the airport would double with expansion, taking the total to 10,000 in the period to 2030.

ATKINS, ONE OF THE MANY BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT HEATHROW EXPANSION

For more information and the facts on this advert please visit: www.heathrowexpansion.com/ local-community/job-opportunities/

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George Etchingham Training Provider Apprentice

Apprenticeships for all, including George

By Amanda Straw

Communications Directorate, Department for Work and Pensions It’s a common misconception that apprentices are young people eager to land their first job. In reality, it’s a great way to start a new career regardless of age or circumstance. For older workers and people with disabilities, there are a huge range of benefits.

With no upper age limit for an apprenticeship, many people are considering working later in life to maintain their health and well-being, and enjoy the lifestyle they want.

For employers, older apprentices bring new experience and expertise.

This also opens the door to a new talent pool to help them fill vacancies and strengthen their workforce.

One training provider employed 57-year-old George Etchingham as an apprentice. George already had 45 years’ experience in retail, starting part time work in the retail sector when he was just 12 years old. George chose redundancy from his last employment and, after having been out of work for a year, decided to return to the labour market. While George never expected to be embarking on an apprenticeship at this stage in his career, he found the experience hugely valuable. Now that his apprenticeship is coming to an end, he’s moving into a permanent role as a Teaching and Learning Support Officer with the same company. In fact, in this new role, George will work directly with other older people looking to return to employment.

Another business delivers professional catering training programmes for adults affected by homelessness. Their flagship programme is a 24-month apprenticeship in professional cookery. More than a quarter of these apprentices are over the age of 50 and in the words of one new apprentice, it offered “the opportunity to change career direction at 60 years old.”

Meanwhile, the UK’s largest childcare provider supports around 2,000 apprenticeships each year. Lynn Ashby, aged 50 is one of them who, having worked in a nursery when she was younger, wanted to take the opportunity to be professionally qualified. Lynn is now working towards completing a Level 2 apprenticeship.

Of course, it’s not just older workers who benefit from apprenticeships. Robert, who has learning difficulties, is undertaking an apprenticeship at a global healthcare company. To help support Robert, the company has teamed up with a local college to design a two-year, bespoke apprenticeship that meets the needs of both Robert and his employer. At the end of Robert’s apprenticeship, there will be the opportunity for permanent employment.

We continue to see more and more employers benefiting from hiring apprentices across a range of ages, circumstances and backgrounds. At the same time, we are also hearing from employees who have benefitted from the opportunities, experience and new skills they have gained from an apprenticeship. And that’s the most rewarding bit; knowing that an apprenticeship has allowed someone to embark on a brand new career.

Read more on apprenticeshipsnews.co.uk

May encourages an open mind to uni alternatives School leavers primarily hear about university in conversations surrounding their future careers. In fact, 98 per cent stated that university was the most talked-about option in schools as the route to follow after finishing their studies1. Yet there are a host of alternatives available to students that perhaps feel that university is not the right route for them.

In her recent speech in Derby, Theresa May said the notion that, “going to university is really the only desirable route,” is, “outdated.” She encouraged the government to think outside the box and plough energy into making clear the value of the alternative routes available to every young person in the UK, irrelevant of their background or previous education.

May, keen to break the stigma surrounding apprenticeships, stated that apprenticeship schemes should not be seen as options only for ‘other people’s children’. The fact is that perceptions are already changing.

Milkround research revealed that in the last year, the perception of apprenticeships improved amongst 42 per cent of school leavers questioned. The ability to earn money while working towards a recognised qualification is both hugely attractive and practical for a lot of school leavers.

With one of the most expensive university educations in the world, higher education at university is not a reality for a lot of families in the UK. The average cost of sending a child to university is £51,0002.

Parents who save their child benefit every year for 18 years could still be almost £40,000 short of the money needed to supplement tuition, books,

Elizabeth Hunt Marketing Manager, Milkround

“The average cost of sending a child to university is £51,0002.” travel and overall cost of living for their children.

But why should futures have to be impacted by finance? Attempts are now being made to encourage businesses to recruit more apprentices, starting with the Apprenticeship Levy that came into being in April 2017. This could potentially close the skills gap and give young people greater power to choose the path that is right for them, without having to compromise on the type of career they dream of.

Milkround has identified the five most sought-after industries to move into for school leavers: medical and pharmaceutical, science and research, education and training,

media and publishing and legal.

Traditionally, apprenticeships were geared towards manual work.

Because of this, many people still assume this career route is only viable for electricians, plumbers, or similar. Although these more “traditional” apprenticeships still exist, the government’s most recent Apprenticeship Briefing Paper shows the multitude of sectors out there now. The most popular apprenticeships are health, public services and care; business, administration and law; retail and commercial enterprise; engineering and manufacturing. As a whole, modern apprenticeships offer a range of relevant and exciting options for those looking for a route other than university, shining a light on multiple career pathways.

Elizabeth Hunt, Marketing Manager for Milkround, said: “We need to continue to raise awareness of all routes available following school, and make sure apprenticeships are seen as an equally viable option for students working towards a successful future career.”

“Ensuring young people understand all of the options available enables them to make choices that are right for them, rather than following the route they perhaps feel they ‘should’ be going down.

“On top of this, the invigorated push for apprenticeships of a high standard means those that had previously felt higher education was inaccessible to them are able to think again.”

1. According to recent research conducted

by Milkround 2. Institute for Fiscal Studies Report 2017

Read more on apprenticeshipsnews. co.uk

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What makes ‘good employment’ in the 21st-century?

With so many options after school, making a decision on your career at the age of 16 can be overwhelming. Breaking it down into key criteria, and hearing from someone who has been there and done it, can really get you on the right track.

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By Alex Van den Broek

Erin Henderson, Assistant Project Engineer at Network Rail, looks back at her apprenticeship and talks about the key features that are important for a healthy, enjoyable and longterm career.

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“I expected to see 16- to 18-year-olds when I started, and was worried that I’d be the only girl there, but the nce andindustry is changing; apprentices raining,were from 17- to 30-years-old, from gal.

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APPRENTICESHIPSNEWS.CO.UK 9

“At first, I worried it would be work-work-work. But they really consider your welfare; I never brought my work home with me.

Although we had big assignments, we were given the time and support to complete them. There’s always plenty of time to forget about work and do your own thing.

Since I graduated, there’s a now a purpose-built training centre for apprentices, which has plenty of space to unwind, be that relaxing in the evening at the bar or having a dip in the pool. Knowing your employer values this time as much as you do is absolutely invaluable.”

Equality of opportunity “Being treated and assessed purely on merit is reassuring. If you’re the best person for the role, you’ll be selected.

Erin Henderson Assistant Project Engineer, Infrastructure Projects, Network Rail

“No one is held back by their age.”

Power your future...

We at SSE are looking for our next generation of IT and Engineering apprentices Find out more by visiting sse.com/careers

#poweryourfuture

Knowing an organisation is committed to equality inspires me to do the best I can, as I know, the better I get, the further I can go.”

create a really solid professional network and gain insight as to where my career could go.

Training, personal and professional development

“Progression is ultimately what both parties are after, which makes the process seem more natural. When you have finished your apprenticeship, you can apply anywhere in the country, and you can move discipline or move across to projects, like I did.

They will even fund university fees if it’s appropriate! No one is held back by age; if you know what you’re talking about and have the right attitude, that’s enough.”

Network Rail’s award-winning apprenticeship scheme is open for applications.

“You’re always kept on your toes with a mixture of college-based learning and on-site practicals.

You can choose your career path from a variety of disciplines which is vital for making the most of your apprenticeship. Managers take a genuine interest in your development, discussing your progress, what you’re struggling with and your goals at one-to-one sessions.

It was extremely supportive.”

Opportunities for travel “Naturally, working in transport, there is a lot of opportunity to travel.

I love meeting new people and travelling the country gave me real opportunity to develop my social skills,

Career progression

Read more on networkrail.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships/

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Is a degree apprenticeship right for me?

Neil Carberry Director of People and Infrastructure, Confederation of British Industry (CBI)

Apprentices are back in business, but does the system need review?

Both government and businesses are looking to grow apprenticeships – but reform is needed to realise our potential.

The Apprenticeship Levy requires all employers with an annual wage bill of £3m or more to pay 0.5 per cent of their staff costs into a fund, which is then topped up by the government. Carberry calls for greater flexibility in its application if it will boost apprenticeship rates, deliver quality skills training and create the ‘multiplier effect’ as hoped.

“For a while, it was all about higher education, but the past few years has seen a real return to apprenticeships as a route to skilled employment,” says Carberry. “They service one of the areas of the labour market where shortages are most tight; where we have very high employment rates and where apprenticeships can create a great route for young people to access a skilled career.”

With higher-apprentices now earning £150,000 more over their lifetime and over 90 percent of all apprentices going into further work or training, there are clear benefits at all levels. Yet, despite growing appetite and new opportunities to upskill the workforce, skills gaps have been found to be the single most prominent worry facing firms, with nearly four in five highlighting this as a concern1.

“What business want is a stable system that gives flexibility to work with colleges and other providers to deliver real, local leadership,” says Carberry.

“The ability to work together and pool their Levy either by sector or local area will help get more companies involved – in particular, smaller firms. You will achieve a much more sustainable reform.”

With businesses’ concern for the future skillset of the UK labour force on the rise, the need for accessible, high-quality apprenticeships is increasing.

Just as these businesses are looking to develop the right skillsets to match the market, calls are growing for the government to find the right sytem too.

According to the CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey 2017

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UCAS and NAS, now in the second year of their partnership to support apprenticeship opportunities, share their advice on deciding whether a degree apprenticeship is right for you.

What does it take to be a successful degree apprentice?

Willingness to work hard as you’ll be studying and doing a full-time job. You’ll also need to be confident and mature in order to handle the responsibilities of the workplace, as well as being bright and able to learn independently.

Apprenticeships are still sometimes seen as ‘secondbest’ to a traditional degree.

Is that true?

A degree apprenticeship is academically just as challenging as a traditional degree, but with the added pressure of full-time work at the same time! Apprentices need to be as bright as undergraduates, but more disciplined, too. Degree apprentices may soon outstrip traditional graduates because of the deep experience in a work context in addition to theoretical knowledge. Once more young people realise the advantages, competition for places will become extremely fierce.

What are the top three things you look for in an application?

A genuine enthusiasm for the subject considerably improves your chances of success. Secondly, the academic

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such as finding out as much as you can about the company and the role, so you can ask intelligent questions.

Tristan Luton Early Careers Senior Consultant, UCAS

“Apprentices need to be as bright as undergraduates, but more disciplined.” ability to succeed; not just grades, but numerical and reasoning skills.

Finally, an applicant’s character is really important – they need to be mature enough to enter the workplace, and dedicated to working and studying at the same time. Doing paid or voluntary work can’t hurt, too!

What tips would you give applicants for getting the most out of interviews?

Remember you’re being interviewed to be an employee, as well as a student.

You need to present yourself as someone who can contribute in a real job.

Then do all of the things you would normally in preparing for a job role,

What advice would you give to students who think they want to do a degree apprenticeship, but are not sure if it’s for them?

Start planning early, and try to get some work experience in the sector you’re interested in. Go to university open days and talk to the people delivering the programmes to find out more. There are many different study options, so think about what would suit your learning style.

What’s your top tip for young people thinking about applying for an apprenticeship?

Go for it! It’s an extremely exciting time in the world of apprenticeships, and is a fantastic opportunity that has the potential to set you up well for the rest of your life. Start investigating the opportunities available, find out as much as can, and see if there’s a degree apprenticeship that’s right for you. If you’re reading this, you’re probably already doing the right kind of things!

NAS will be at 31 UCAS exhibitions in England, giving up to 100,000 young people the opportunity to find out about apprenticeships and meet employers eager to find new talent for their programmes.

Find out more and view NAS’ apprenticeship listings on careerfinder.ucas.com

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Degree apprenticeships: a win-win for students and businesses As concerns grow that students are not getting value-for-money in education or gaining employability skills, degree apprenticeships offer a win-win alternative to students and businesses.

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s many as 59 higher education institutions have implemented degree apprenticeship programmes and have seen enormous success in doing so, widening participation and increasing social mobility. This year could see a proliferation of degree apprenticeships as an

The university

Terry Hodgetts Director, the Centre for Executive Development, Aston University

alternative route for businesses and students.

As the average student leaves university with debts of £50,000, it is little wonder degree apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to the traditional degree route. Students are now experiencing university education while earning a living through these collaborative ‘earn-as-you-learn’ schemes.

What are the benefits of degree apprenticeships to prospective students?

“The obvious one is there is no debt.

They are earning money, building their experience and their CV as they go. To my mind, this makes a very attractive proposition for a thinking young person.

But we’re also seeing a strong relationship developing between the employee and their employer.

Degree apprenticeships last for up to five years, offering a wealth of quality work experience in their industry which sets them apart from the competition.”

Do employers like taking on

The employer

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Ben Rubery Apprentice Programme Manager, Capgemini

The apprentice

James Gee Degree Apprentice Graduate, Capgemini

Businesses can attract new talent while students benefit from a salaried, blended-learning environment – a revolution in higher education possibilities.

Aston University and Capgemini were trailblazers with the introduction of the country’s first Digital and Technological Solutions degree apprenticeship in 2015. Here, Terry Hodgetts,

degree apprentices?

“Employers are waking up to this now; the opportunity to get these people young, get them integrated into the culture and get them used to the working environment. The beauty of the degree apprenticeship approach is that these new employees learn the rhythm of a professional working environment as they study. So not only are they able to get first class undergraduate tuition, they are gaining critical employability skills on the ground.”

What opportunities do degree apprenticeships present for those already in work?

What impact have degree apprenticeships had on your business?

“It’s gone beyond our initial expectations. We’re able to essentially grow our own innovative, highly-qualified technologists for the future. The programmes give our apprentices everything they need to deliver in their day-to-day job and also deliver for our clients, which is vital.

Sixty-four per cent of our degree apprentice graduates were awarded a first class degree. That’s more than double what regular on-campus students are achieving, which

goes to show how well the blended learning model works.”

What made you decide to take the degree apprenticeship route rather than a traditional, academic degree?

“I learn better through doing so apprenticeships were ideal. My brother did a similar scheme and I saw him ‘earn-and-learn’ and it made me jealous! It’s a real positive about apprenticeships, and I definitely feel like I’m leaps and bounds ahead of where I would have been if I’d taken the traditional route.”

How has doing a degree apprenticeship benefited you professionally and personally?

“The professional experience is invaluable; you gain ‘battle wounds’ through practical learning and that becomes knowledge. I’ve gained an extensive professional network, which is great for further business and understanding. Personally, I became more confident and I have money coming in, which is good.

Plus, no student debt!”

Why did you decide to introduce degree apprenticeships?

“We wanted to differentiate and recognised a need to grow skills in key areas. Introducing an apprenticeship programme enabled us to grow our own people, technology and capability across the sector.

What advice would you give for making the most out of degree apprenticeships?

“Firstly, it’s easy to look at the

Director of the Centre for Executive Development at Aston University, Ben Rubery, Apprentice Programme Manager at Capgemini and James Gee, Capgemini degree apprenticeship graduate share their insight into the win-win potential for students and businesses.

“The government talks a lot about the social mobility agenda in relation to degree apprenticeships and I think this is potentially one of the most powerful opportunities.

Those people who have a few years of experience under their belt who – because of their life circumstances, chances or the decisions they made – didn’t go to university when they might have done can still benefit from and value that education.”

What are the short-, medium- and long-term benefits to companies?

“In the short-term, degree apprenticeships are a relatively low-risk, low-cost route to bring scheme and think, ‘Let’s get loads of apprentices in!’ But for us, it’s all about the quality of the programme rather the quantity of people on it. Providing those who have gone down the apprenticeship route with the best opportunity to learn and develop is mutually beneficial.

It’s important to diversify your apprenticeship programmes and explore areas of the business that have not exploited apprenticeship programmes yet. We have plans to roll this out across HR and Finance and diversify its application. It’s also a great way to re-skill your current employees.”

How much do you feel valued as an employee as a result of your pathway into the company?

“Very much so. The team recognise your work through the pay you are given and no matter what ‘level’ you are at, your opinion is valued. You are part of a community and all opinions are welcomed. Some of our best ideas have come from our apprentices.”

people onboard and develop them internally. Internal development is an important one to think about.

In the medium-term, businesses gain a rapidly developing resource with the latest learning, research, tools, models, techniques and approaches that are being taught in universities.

In the long-term, businesses are building a talent pipeline that is more aware of the softer skills of the workplace, more able to make sense of and apply technical/theoretical learnings from their degree to the benefit of the business and, on a personal level, is more committed to that organisation.”

What are your plans for degree apprenticeships in the future?

“We are starting to work on developing the master’s level apprenticeship for Digital and Technology Solutions, which is really exciting for us. We also had our first cohort of Cyber Security apprentices towards the end of last year, and now we are pushing on with them into degree apprenticeships. It’s lots of work, but it’s a fantastic opportunity.”

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