Transformative Apprenticeships: A catalyst for economic growth, a skilled workforce, and innovation

Apprenticeships are helping businesses to innovate and transform organisational cultures around learning and development. They are also vital to boosting our economy's growth and productivity, says Kim Chambers, Director of Apprenticeships at Luminate Education Group.

For a long time, apprenticeships have been associated with young people looking at entry level-options. And for many people, when we talk about apprenticeships they’re still seen as second tier to a university degree. However, we can all agree that in the last 3-5 years, there has been a shift. There are more discussions about apprenticeships, both locally and nationally, than any other aspect of national skills policy.?

Apprenticeships are now offering a pathway to employment not only for young people but for adults alike, by combining work experience with formal education and includes opportunities for people to gain degree level apprenticeships.?

By investing in apprenticeships, West Yorkshire can potentially reduce youth unemployment and create a more skilled and versatile workforce.

Over the last three years, reforms have fundamentally changed the focus of apprenticeships and the way the system works. Through the ‘Trailblazer Process’, employers are working closely with apprenticeship providers to develop standards for the roles their organisations and sectors need, but we still have a long way to go to ensure apprenticeship options are embedded in work culture.

Apprenticeships are an integral to developing the future workforce

Which is why apprenticeships are an integral part of Luminate Education Group, forming a core provision across its FE colleges; Leeds City, Keighley and Harrogate.?

Our Employer Engagement team aims to increase work opportunities for students and engage with employers across the region in order to shape a curriculum that meets current and future industry needs. The team works closely with employers to create positive, safe learning experiences that are inclusive, supportive and provide apprentices with the skills they need.

Nonetheless, an important question employers, and even providers should be asking meanwhile is - what skills are needed to develop the workforce beyond the current needs? There is an opportunity through employer boards, like ours at Luminate, to get ahead of the curve and offer different programmes that diversify, upskill and strengthen the capabilities of employees in strategic areas. This insight from our perspective can only be gained by talking to employers.

Future leaders, fresh perspectives

Meanwhile, apprentices can become future leaders; by learning the ropes of a business, often at a young age, they are ideally best placed to bring a fresh perspective.

Before embarking on an apprenticeship, Rory Thomas had started a university course when he realised that he wanted to do something that allowed him to be hands-on while also having the opportunity to study.

Rory, who started as a Level 3 digital apprentice at Organico and recently completed his apprenticeship with flying colours, said that an apprenticeship suited him best and that he learns better in ‘live environments’.

“I thought that working alongside getting a qualification would be a better option for me.Instead of having metaphorical situations that you learn from books, you’re dealing with real situations and people – working collaboratively.

“I think actually having tasks to do that mattered made me feel like I had a bit more responsibility and that helped me learn.”

Rory, who was brought in to support marketing the brand in 2020, was given responsibility for the upkeep of the company’s social media platforms and websites. Since then, he has transformed the company’s digital department, and taken ownership of its social media strategy. He has also doubled its Instagram following.

Engineer Alex Johnson meanwhile, has worked her way from a Level 3 apprenticeship programme to a Level 6 Chartered Management degree apprenticeship.

Alex is a quality engineer at Baildon-based Produmax where she worked through an apprenticeship with Keighley College for several years.

She said: “I’d encourage anyone to do an apprenticeship – it’s a fantastic way to start a career in any industry, whilst having the ability to continue studying. There are also no limitations to what you can achieve, it’s down to how much work you’re willing to put in.”??

Examples such as Rory and Alex show that the work that apprenticeship providers do is transformational. We are trying to create employment, increase productivity and make sure that no one is left behind, regardless of what pathway they take. However, what we need to do more of is collaborate with organisations from different sectors who believe in the apprenticeship system, and make sure we are adding value to the delivery of apprenticeship programmes. This is very possible through our employer board at Luminate.

Furthermore, adapting apprenticeship programmes to keep up with rapidly evolving technologies and industry demands is imperative as it will ensure that apprentices are equipped with skills that are directly applicable to the current needs of employers. As such, we welcome partnering and working closely with employers to enhance the overall relevance of the training.

Apprenticeships that incorporate cutting-edge technologies and encourage innovation will create a culture of continuous learning and will foster a culture of innovation within industries.

To find out more about about our apprenticeships and how we can help your business, email [email protected]?

Kim Chambers is the Director of Apprenticeships and Business Engagement at Luminate Education Group