This month one of staff members is starting a Degree Apprenticeship course and we are BURSTING with pride! Natalie from our Marketing Department is the first person from Essential Recruitment to go down this route, and we're all really excited to see where it will take her.
The Degree Apprenticeship allows employees to gain a qualification whilst still remaining in work, so they get the best of both worlds, and we get an upskilled employee!
If you haven't heard of Degree Apprenticeships, we wanted to talk a bit about them today and why we've decided to go down this route.
What are Degree Apprenticeship Programs?
Degree apprenticeship programs are designed to allow employees to work towards a university degree while simultaneously being employed in a relevant role. They combine study with practical, real world experience, allowing employees to gain a deeper understanding of their industry. These programs can range from undergraduate to postgraduate degrees and are often developed in partnership with universities, professional bodies, and employers to align with industry needs.
Advantages for Employers:
- Skilled Workforce: Degree apprenticeships help businesses develop highly skilled employees by combining academic knowledge with hands-on experience, ensuring they meet industry needs.
- Employee Retention: Supporting apprenticeships shows commitment to employee development, encouraging loyalty and reducing turnover.
- Cost-Effective Training: Apprenticeships are often more affordable than traditional training, with many companies being able to take advantage of the Apprenticeship Levy.
- Customised Skills: Employers can tailor training to their specific needs, ensuring employees gain relevant skills that benefit the company.
- Learning Culture: Apprenticeships encourage continuous learning, boosting morale, innovation, and company growth.
Benefits for Employees:
- Earn While Learning: Employees receive a salary while studying, avoiding student debt and maintaining financial stability.
- Practical Experience: Combines academic study with hands-on training, boosting confidence and job readiness.
- Career Growth: Opens doors to higher positions, better pay, and develops valuable transferable skills.
- Networking & Credentials: Builds industry connections and provides a recognised degree to validate expertise.
How to Successfully Implement Degree Apprenticeships
For companies looking to introduce degree apprenticeship programs, there are a few key steps to ensure success:
- Identify Business Needs: Assess which areas of the business could benefit most from enhanced skills and expertise. Identify potential employees who are well suited for the program and motivated to develop their skills.
- Partner with Reputable Educational Institutions: Choose university partners that have a strong track record in delivering degree apprenticeship programs. We're working with Sheffield Hallam University, who are not only local to us, but are the UK's second largest higher education provider of higher and degree apprenticeships.
- Provide Support and Mentorship: Offer support to employees throughout their apprenticeship journey. Assign mentors or experienced colleagues who can guide them, provide feedback, and help them integrate their academic learning with their day-to-day work.
- Promote a Positive Learning Environment: Encourage a culture that values learning and professional development. Ensure that employees have the time and resources they need to balance their work responsibilities with their academic commitments.
- Evaluate and Adapt: Regularly review the program’s impact on both the employees and the organisation. Collect feedback, measure outcomes, and be prepared to adapt the program as necessary to keep it aligned with changing business needs.
We are really excited to see what positive changes Natalie will bring back to the company, and how we will grow with her as she enhances her career.
Will you look into degree apprenticeships for your staff?
