How Apprenticeships are supporting Capita colleagues with their professional development

This week sees National Apprenticeship Week, a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.?

Many people still believe the common myth that apprenticeship programmes are just for school leavers, when in fact more and more people are utilising specialist apprenticeship standards to expand existing skills and knowledge.?

At Capita our core focus has been utilising the apprenticeship levy to offer exceptional opportunities to our existing work force. With over 600 apprentices across our organisation studying towards 50 different programmes, apprenticeships are allowing Capita colleagues expand their skills and contribute to their professional growth.?

Two key areas of focus have been the development of our Data and Leadership Apprenticeship Academies.?

We recognised some time ago that the with the right learning provider we could build some exceptional learning journeys for our managers and leaders across all business areas. Partnering with Corndel we have established a 3-tiered programme aimed at developing our colleagues into the very best managers and leaders they can be.?

?And in January this year we launched our very first data academy in partnership with QA Ltd . The aim of the Data Academy is to future proof the skills of our colleagues regardless of their role. We acknowledge that data is the life blood of all that we do and data literacy is a crucial skill in a digital workplace. The data academy will equip colleagues at all levels to have the confidence and expertise to collaborate, deliver and achieve in a data driven environment.?

For some learning to learn again, has its challenges, but professional development apprenticeships aligned to a role you’re passionate about is a far cry from the outdated myth that these are only for school leavers. With an average age of 37 on our apprenticeships, Capita colleagues share some of the benefits they have gained and what it means for them:?

“The course is a delight to be part of and the support I have had from Capita is immense. As part of the budgeting module I was given the opportunity to decide on a Reward and Recognition scheme and manage the whole budget. The constant support of my coach has been a critical factor in my success. Colleagues have recognised my progress within the course and watched me grow as a leader. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who wants to follow a leadership career path.”???

“Data essentials might not be the first thing you think of when you think of Social Value and you might be right but, increasingly the way in which we leverage data is essential to successful transformation and continued growth. I’m looking forward to learning all about Microsoft Power BI, Excel and SQL Azure and gaining workplace skills that enhance my ability to deliver information in an engaging way.”?

Apprenticeships can offer brilliant opportunities for people of all ages to learn new skills and study towards a nationally recognised qualification. We ’re proud of our Apprentices and are looking forward to seeing the benefits that they deliver to us and themselves over the years to come.?

You can find out more about National Apprenticeship Week here: https://naw.appawards.co.uk/?

Claire Bolton

Group Emerging Talent and Professional Development Manager