1. ascl.org.uk Higher Apprenticeships As An Alternative to Higher Education Karleen Dowden Apprenticeship, Employability & IAG Specialist

2. ascl.org.uk The Skills Gaps and Mismatch 1.09m young people NEET yet at the same time 51% of businesses are not confident they will find sufficient recruits Between 2001 and 2011 the proportion of young adults NEET educated at degree standard increased by 53% (from 29% to 39%) 47% of recent graduates are working in jobs that do not require a degree 46% of ‘hard to fill’ vacancies are caused by the low number of applicants with the right skills

3. ascl.org.uk The skills gaps and mismatch

4. ascl.org.uk The Story So Far 2009 - Higher Apprenticeships introduced in engineering and IT 2011 - Government 'Plan for Growth‘ & launch of £25m Higher Apprenticeship Fund 2013 – Over 40 Higher Apprenticeship frameworks available 2014 - Launch of apprenticeships in space engineering and nursing 2014 - 20,000 apprenticeships pledged by employers in National Apprenticeship Week

5. ascl.org.uk What are Higher Apprenticeships? A nationally accredited work-based programme for 18+ year olds that leads to recognised qualifications at level 4 or above HA frameworks can include FE, HE and professional qualifications or a combination of both Combines on and off-the-job training in a real life work environment Designed to meet employers needs at higher skill levels with many being endorsed by professional industry bodies. A practical and paid alternative to gaining a degree-level education

6. ascl.org.uk Apprenticeship Levels Apprenticeship LevelEducation Level Equivalent Intermediate25 GCSE’s (A*-C) Advanced32 A Levels Higher4Certificate of higher education 5Diploma of higher education 6Bachelors degree 7Post graduate/Master degree

7. ascl.org.uk How does HA compare to HE? Higher ApprenticeshipsHigher Education Gain a professional qualificationOpportunity to study a chosen subject in detail Earn a competitive salaryProvides students with more time to consider their career options Some companies offer a chance to try different areas of the business An extensive number of subjects to choose from Get first hand experience working with professionals in the field Students can do work placements as part of their degree No student debtMore opportunity for socialising Extensive training by leading professionalsHE societies and clubs help students continue/develop extra curricular interests Possibility of part time HE studyLong holidays

8. ascl.org.uk Challenges Surrounding HA Poor perception and reputation Short supply HE being perceived as the ‘norm’ Lack of IAG Parental pressure

9. ascl.org.uk Airbus Programme Details 3 year programme that combines college and university study with practical training Professional Qualifications Gained NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations Essential Skills Level 3 NVQ Level 3 in Logistics Management Operations Level 5 Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply Entry Requirements 5 GCSE at B grade or above including E&M 2 A Levels at B grade or above in Business or a BTEC National Diploma in Business (Distinction) and a related subject such as economics Recruitment process involves an online application, online tests, telephone interview and an assessment centre

10. ascl.org.uk Mars Programme Details Two year apprenticeship which provides an opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience in R&D including food science and chemistry. An on-site programme with access to work-based learning at university level Professional Qualifications Gained Level 4 Diploma in Research & Development Entry Requirements One of or a combination of the below; A Levels at grade C or above preferably in STEM subjects BTEC diploma Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship Experience in the R&D industry Degree in a STEM subject

11. ascl.org.uk Gordons Programme Details Four to five year programme consisting of a mixture of work based learning and education. Four years part time study attending one day or evening class per week to study for CILEx Examinations (Chartered Institute of Legal Executive Lawyers) Professional Qualifications Gained Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice Entry Requirements 2 or more A Levels at grade B or above 5 GCSEs including English and Maths

12. ascl.org.uk Applying for a Higher Apprenticeship Support Employer Research Personal statement Timescales Perseverance and resilience Emphasise skills in addition to qualifications

13. ascl.org.uk

15. Sources of information National Apprenticeship Service http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk Unifrog www.uniforg.org Inspiring the Future www.inspiringthefuture.org.uk Not Going to Uni www.notgoingtouni.co.uk Pure Potential www.purepotential.org