From September, an initial 60 Tesco colleagues will be developing their skills by undertaking a two year Associate Project Management apprenticeship delivered by the University’s Business School

Natasha Adams, Tesco People Director, said: “Over the last five years our apprenticeships have given 8,250 colleagues of all ages opportunities to get on, continue their education and build skills for their future. This new course is part of an extension to our apprenticeship programme which will give even more colleagues more choice to develop and reach their potential.”

The University is preparing to deliver a range of Higher and Degree level apprenticeships designed to meet employers’ skills gaps from September 2017.

Bill Rammell Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire said: “We are incredibly proud to have been selected by Tesco to deliver these Level 4 apprenticeships. By choosing Bedfordshire, Tesco has recognised we deliver the very best in classroom teaching along with hands on, practice-based learning.”

The University’s ability to attract employers of the calibre of Tesco has been helped by a particularly successful previous 12 months. The latest student satisfaction figures announced by the National Student Survey saw Bedfordshire awarded its highest ever student satisfaction mark while an inspection by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) commended the University for its enhancement of student learning opportunities.

From April 2017 the way in which apprenticeships are funded and delivered has changed with many employers required to contribute to a new apprenticeship levy.

The levy requires all employers operating in the UK, with a pay bill over £3 million each year, to make an investment in apprenticeships. Employers paying the levy can use their payment to fund apprenticeship education and training.

University of Bedfordshire apprenticeships are available at multiple locations and can even be delivered at employers premises. They are available as day release or through block delivery.

The Higher and Degree level apprenticeships developed include Chartered Manager, Digital and Technology Solutions Professional, Project Management Associate, Healthcare Assistant Practitioner.

Other standards in development for 2018 include Leadership and Management (Master’s Level), Operations/Departmental Manager, Aviation Operations Management, Cyber Security Technical Professional, Registered Nurse, Adult Care Leader, and Teacher/Teaching Assistant.

Further information can be found by visiting www.beds.ac.uk/apprenticeships or 0800 328 5334 or email apprenticeships@beds.ac.uk