EARLIER this year, the UK government introduced an Apprenticeship Levy with the aim of funding apprenticeships. This means that all employers with annual salary costs of more than £3 million will be required to put 0.5 per cent of their payroll into the levy.
The University of Northampton will assist businesses to identify and develop their own apprenticeship programmes to give them the best possible access to local talent and skills. It also provides higher and degree apprenticeships which are created with the employer in mind. These programmes are carefully designed in collaboration with employers to help them not only attract new talent but to also develop their existing workforce, thus enabling them to improve overall performance and productivity of the business, and fill any higher level skill gaps.
The University works with employers to ensure the most suitable apprenticeship standards are selected and that the training and skills offered best meet the needs of both the employer and employee (the apprentice), no matter what experience they may have.
Professor Simon Denny, Executive Dean: Research, Impact and Enterprise at the University of Northampton, said: “The University seeks to offer its potential students an alternative pathway to higher education via degree apprenticeships. Our apprenticeship programmes are aligned with the needs of the employer to be able to offer students the chance to gain an academic qualification whilst being employed full time. We also work very closely with the UK Cadet Forces (Army, Air and Sea) which offers us with a unique opportunity to access this talent pool of individuals, who often show not only enthusiasm, dedication and common sense but have a great wealth of skills and training gained as part of their cadet experience.”
The University is a partner within the Northamptonshire Growth Hub and acts as the gateway to apprenticeship support for Northamptonshire-based businesses. If you are a business wanting support with skills and recruitment issues, contact Northamptonshire Growth Hub by emailing enquiries@northamptonshiregrowthhub.co.uk or calling 01604 212696. You can also visit the website www.northamptonshiregrowthhub.co.uk
