1. Rebecca Strachan, Associate Dean (Business and Engagement), Faculty of Engineering and Environment Sue Graham, Business and Engagement Team, Research and Business Services Higher Apprenticeships – Developing and Embedding a University- wide Approach

2. * Background to Project * What we did * What we found * What does this mean for: * The University? * The Higher Apprentice/Learner experience? * The Employer? * Over to you – questions and issues

3. * What? * Who? * Why? * What next?

4. * Barriers and Issues * Enablers

5.  Earn while you learn  Minimum pay (£80) may be an issue though many get paid more  Where sizeable group, can provide good peer support  Supports those who prefer a more practical/applied learning experience  Apprentices may be immature/unmotivated  Apprentices may need support on academic skills  The word ‘apprenticeship’ may not naturally be associated with Level 4 education and above

6.  Can recruit to fit organisational needs  Can tailor learning to organisation requirements (within limits of the HA framework)  Can draw down funding to help with costs  Can be a ‘long’ job interview  Can be seen as preferential option to placement provision and graduate recruitment  Where large groups, can have economy of scale  Funding and rules can be complex and difficult to navigate particularly for SMEs

7.  Level 4 framework, 2 x 20 intakes per year, large employer  Deliver 200 days of learning over three year - 1 day a week during term time  Joint delivery 50:50 between employer and education provider  Preference to deliver HE aspects at the university not the employer  Needs to be a partnership between employer, apprentice and provider  Funding and process can seem complex and difficult to navigate