The theme for this year’s campaign (6 – 12^th February) is ‘skills for life’ and aims to reflect on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the abilities and knowledge required for a rewarding career, while helping organisations to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with skills for the future.

Running since 2017, Bedfordshire’s variety of apprenticeship programmes are tailored for companies looking to offer their employees additional training and personal development in a variety of different career areas, including Social Work, Nursing, Cyber Security and Project Management.

"The University of Bedfordshire has been offering apprenticeship programmes for many years and we are proud of our track record in helping employees develop new skills for the workplace,” said Dr Rhidian Lewis, University Apprenticeships Lead.

He continued: "Apprenticeships have many benefits to both the individual and the organisation, ultimately helping local businesses, communities and the economy to thrive."

Sharon Price, a third year Social Work apprentice with the University’s School of Applied Social Sciences, commented: “I didn’t go to university when I was younger so this is my first experience of higher education which I’m really enjoying. I think being with other students and supporting each other through the apprenticeship programme has been really helpful – it’s really nice to come together. And I think the most valuable part of my apprenticeship degree has been the placements.”

The University works with a number of local and regional employers to help shape and develop the Apprenticeship programmes, placing a strong emphasis on combining practical and professional skills with high quality education. These courses can be paid by an organisation through their apprenticeship levy or via dedicated government funding.

Martin Stein, Employability & Skills Programme Manager with Luton Council, said: “The University of Bedfordshire is a key partner in our workforce planning and has been instrumental in helping us to introduce an innovate programme for Social Worker roles. With the University’s support we are able to commit to ten dedicated training posts each year. This talent pipeline forms a solution to tackling a national skills shortage area and will provide existing staff with a clear career progression pathway and continue to attract people into care roles.”

Cathy Lovelock, Early Careers Professional Support Coach at the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), commented: “While working at UKAEA, the apprentices learn about Project Management systems and processes and gain hands-on experience by owning project plans and inputting the progress and changes along the way.  Through on-the-job learning and a programme of training and development provided by the University of Bedfordshire, the apprentices become fully-fledged Project Managers by the end of their apprenticeship.”

Kayleigh Bell – Future Skills Programme Manager at energy supplier, SSE plc – added: “Project Management is a fast growing and ever changing landscape for SSE, and we aim to ensure that our staff are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge and behaviours that demonstrate the ability to be successful in the role. The University of Bedfordshire’s Project Management apprenticeship plays a pivotal role in creating a skilful future workforce and produces a solid development path for our staff to reach their full potential.”

Alongside existing programmes, a number of new apprenticeship degrees are also due to launch in September 2023. These will include Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Business Analyst, Ambulance Support Worker, Marketing Executive and Digital Marketer.

For more information about current and future Higher and Degree Apprenticeships and to apply, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/apprenticeships