Introduction

Southern Regional College has been liaising with the Department for the Economy (DfE) on a new initiative to address the skills gaps at Level 4 and 5 within various industry sectors in Northern Ireland, thereby creating an alternative route to University.

This development work has evolved into a fit for purpose Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) programme with targeted qualifications between Level 4 (HNC equivalent) to Level 8 (PhD equivalent), which meets the needs of business and provides realistic progression routes for the learner. The HLA programmes are targeted at students who have achieved an academic profile to a Level 3 standard e.g A-Levels or BTEC Extended Diploma at Level 3. HLAs enable employers to train staff to the level required as well as ensuring that there are people available with strong technical and good employability skills. As part of the entry criteria onto a HLA programme the apprentice must secure employment therefore adhering to the ‘earn-while-you-learn’ concept. The overall aim of HLAs is to equip young people with both the theoretical knowledge through the qualification and relevant work experience to be effective in any company.