Employers
Degree Apprenticeships add value and return on investment for employers as learners implement their learning and skills within the organisation. In addition, apprenticeships allow your organisation to:
- Address high-level skills gaps and specific business needs
- Develop future leaders for your business
- Increase motivation, productivity and performance of existing employees
- Recruit, support and retain high-calibre talent
What are degree apprenticeships?
Degree apprenticeships combine work with higher level learning . Apprentices spend most of their time at work, employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week while also attending University. You have to allow them to spend a minimum of 6 hours per week ‘off-the-job’ study or training.
At the University of Huddersfield, Higher and Degree Apprenticeships include qualifications from Level 5 (equivalent to a Foundation Degree) through to Level 7 (equivalent to a Master’s degree).
How does it work?
The course content will be similar to that of full-time study and apprentices will be part of a cohort group that benefit from each other’s experience and support. Apprenticess gain the knowledge and skills you would expect from a high quality degree while work based learning methods will help the apprentice maximise the impact on your organisation. Assessments may include reports, presentations and company projects to ensure academic study is integrated with on-the-job training. Off-the-job training will be agreed with the apprentice, the employer and the University and how to plan and support development during and after study.
When does an apprentice attend University?
Apprenticeships are primarily work based qualifications so training and assessment is in partnership with the employer. Any off-the-job training such as attending University must be undertaken in the apprentice’s paid employment hours. Attendance at University will be required for the academic award and will usually take place through day release or in some cases attendance blocks. This will vary according to specific courses.
How are apprenticeships assessed?
At the end of the apprenticeship, apprentices will complete an end point assessment (EPA). For some degree apprenticeships this will be part of the degree (integrated EPA) and others it will be a separate assessment following completion of the degree (non-integrated EPA). The assessment will be agreed between the University and the employer.
How long will it take?
The minimum length of an apprenticeship is one year but higher and degree level apprenticeships typically take between two and five years to complete.
What support is available?
All apprentices have access to the range of support services at University of Huddersfield. This includes areas such as academic skills support, Students’ Union, Computing and Library Services and Wellbeing and Disability Services.
Hiring an apprentice
An apprentice must work with experienced staff, must learn job specific skills and must study during their working week. There are several steps to taking on an apprentice.
Get in touch
We have specialist staff who can provide advice and guidance to employers about all aspects of the apprenticeship process.
For more information please email:
Human and Health Sciences
Business School
Education
If you would be interested in working with us to set up a new apprenticeship, please email the Director of Apprenticeships, Brian Culleton.