Hallam launches higher and degree apprenticeships

7th July 2015

Big business such as JCB, Barratt Homes, Balfour Beatty and Nestle helped launch higher and degree apprenticeships at Sheffield Hallam University, a new way for employers to develop their next generation of talent.

  Many of the region's biggest organisations attendedthe launch event at Sheffield Hallam's Careers and Employability Centre to learn more about the posts. They heard about the many benefits of the new variety of apprenticeships from businesses and students themselves. Higher and degree apprenticeships range from Level 4 to 7, which is the equivalent to degree or a post-graduate qualification such as a Master's degree. The new Government backed initiative is aimed at helping organisations address skills gaps through work-based learning opportunities, at a higher level than the traditional apprenticeship. There are currently over 50 apprenticeship standards in development with approximately 40% of them at higher and degree apprenticeship level. Higher apprenticeships offered include engineering, business and management, facilities management and construction, with posts starting from September 2015. Places are available after Sheffield Hallam University successfully bid for funding over 240 higher apprentices (HAs) from the Skills Funding Agency, the highest allocation for any university. Sheffield Hallam is building on extensive expertise in working with business and professional bodies. The University is emerging as a leading player in higher and degree apprenticeships, both within the Sheffield City Region and nationally. Conor Moss, Director of Partnerships and Employer Engagement at Sheffield Hallam, said -Higher and degree apprenticeships are a great new way to attract, develop and retain the best talent. We are delighted to be pioneering them at Sheffield Hallam, giving regional and national employers the chance to take their staff development to the next level. -Whereas a traditional degree route see people fund their courses through state-backed loans, apprenticeships are paid for by the employer and the Government. So employers have a greater degree of input into course and curriculum content, making them a great option for organisations to address specific skill gaps. "We currently offer foundation degrees that are recognised within the existing apprenticeship frameworks, so it is a natural fit for us to expand into this area. Miles Pixley, Technical and Professional Development General Manager at JCB, said "We very much welcome higher and degree apprenticeships and we are delighted to support their development. "Feedback from line mangers on the attitude and ability of apprentices at JCB is overwhelmingly positive and those in post are immersed in real activity from day one. They are a great way to develop staff with the skills required to be successful." Organisations can find out more information on how they could take advantage of higher apprenticeships by visiting www.shu.ac.uk/apprenticeships.