Degree apprenticeships available to SMEs
Leeds Beckett University is spearheading a drive to provide small and medium businesses with a new wave of skilled staff.
Changes to the way degree apprenticeships are funded mean that firms with a wage bill of less than £3m can access higher education for their workers at a small fraction of the cost.
Leeds Beckett has been successful in its application to deliver degree apprenticeships across the Leeds City Region, which includes Bradford, York, Kirklees, Barnsley and Calderdale.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will be able to access the “non-levy” degree apprenticeship scheme from March. Next week, the university hold an information session which SMEs can register to attend. This will take place on 6March, 7.45am-9.15am, in Lecture Theatre A, Rose Bowl, City Campus, LS1 3HJ.
Professor Chris Prince, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Business Engagement at Leeds Beckett said: “Awarding Leeds Beckett University the ability to offer degree apprenticeships to non-levy paying organisations, reflects our growing reputation for the quality and breadth of our provision, and cements our role as the leading provider of degree apprenticeships in the region.”
Leeds Beckett already works closely with a number of UK employers to design industry-relevant degree apprenticeships which allow staff to boost their skills and earn a qualification which is directly relevant to their job, while in work.
In partnership with national pub and hotel chain JD Wetherspoon, the University has created a bespoke business management degree apprenticeship programme for their regional, area and pub managers. Each year, about 100 of Wetherspoon’s staff study alongside their employment.
Degree apprenticeships are also suitable for school leavers who have just entered the workplace, with their tuition fees paid by employers and the government.
Leeds Beckett currently offers degree apprenticeships in Business Management Practice Chartered Manager, Adult and Mental Health Nursing, Building Services Engineering, Civil Engineering, Digital & Technology Solutions, Quantity Surveying and Building Services Engineering.
Plans are underway to offer apprenticeship degrees in Social Work, Healthcare Science Practitioner, Construction Site Management, Chartered Legal Executive, Solicitor and Teaching.
Prof Prince added: “Leeds Beckett University is able to offer SME’s up to 90% funding of degree apprenticeship course fees. This presents companies with a fantastic opportunity to build their staff skills base a fraction of the true cost.”
Bachelors and masters degree apprenticeships were launched by the government in September 2015. Levy-paying organisations divert 0.5 per cent of their wage bill over £3m into the apprenticeship fund. Employers benefit from having more highly-skilled staff who can increase productivity and achieve further career progression.
To Register: Click here.
