Degree Apprenticeships 'go big' at University of Salford
Monday 4 March 2019
EMPLOYERS are flocking to the University of Salford as we get into the fast lane for Degree Apprenticeships.
As National Apprenticeship Week starts (March 4-8), Degree Apprenticeship numbers have mushroomed to 500 as the University expands the qualification to 11 subjects – health, digital, engineering, business, construction and biomedical science – with more options to come in 2019.
And it’s no surprise given Salford’s strong industry links and the attraction of a ‘route to university’ where people can earn a salary and do not need to pay tuition fees.
“As a University,we pride ourselves on our close collaboration with industry and Degree Apprenticeships allow us to do just that,” explains Adele Jones, business development officer at the University.
'Easy' for employers
“The great thing about working with Salford University is it’s very easy,” says John Fenton, Director of HR at HMG Paints. “The quality of communication and professionalism is excellent.”
“It provides a really excellent way to gain practical experience in work and the theoretical side that they learn in university, and marry those two parts together,”explains Barry Roberts, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction.
Currently around 50 employers ‘sponsor’ their people through Salford apprenticeships, with many more seeking to take advantage of the funds they set aside for training via the Apprenticeship Levy. Organisations have until April 2019 to use levy to upskill existing employees. They can also use the Apprenticeships to attract recruit new talent to the business.
Eye-opener
“Doing the course and integrating that with my role at HMG has already opened my eyes to certain things,” says Nicole Regan, an apprentice in Project Management Level 4.
Whatever your workforce development plan, the dedicated team at Salford University are on hand to explain the benefits and the process. “Our team are here to guide employers through every step of the way to understand their obligations and to ensure their employees have the best possible experience,” says Nicola Walker, our Degree Apprenticeship Coordinator.
Deborah Seddon, Haematology Lab Manager at Salford Royal Trust, said: “It makes sense at every level to engage with Salford University. You can nurture the staff you’ve already got and reward them for their hard work. It’s definitely the way forward as far as I can see.”
For information about how you can study or train via a Degree Apprenticeship, visit our dedicated site.
Find out more
Gareth Hollyman, Senior Press & PR Officer (Science)
0161 295 6895 g.b.hollyman@salford.ac.uk
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