{"id":9538,"date":"2021-12-22T15:49:46","date_gmt":"2021-12-22T15:49:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/?post_type=ht_kb&p=9538"},"modified":"2024-07-17T12:58:44","modified_gmt":"2024-07-17T12:58:44","slug":"university-of-gloucestershire-apprenticeship-delivery-framework-2021-2025","status":"publish","type":"ht_kb","link":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/knowledge-base\/university-of-gloucestershire-apprenticeship-delivery-framework-2021-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"University of Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Delivery Framework, 2021- 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. The University of Gloucestershire is a broad, multidisciplinary, student-focused and research-rich university. Our priority is to provide excellent education and enable our students to achieve their potential.\u00a0 A key pillar of the University\u2019s Knowledge Exchange activity is the development of a significant portfolio of higher and degree apprenticeships.\u00a0
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  2. Apprenticeships align well with the purpose, aspirations and market position of the University.\u00a0 They support our aims in respect of graduate employability, as learners are by definition entering degree level employment on completion of their programmes. Apprenticeships ensure that our academic schools work closely with forward thinking employers, and that our teaching in relevant subject areas is directly aligned to employer needs. Apprenticeships also assist the University\u2019s wider role in economic development by facilitating local skills development and recruitment.
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  3. All indications are that current and future Government policy remains strongly committed to apprenticeships.\u00a0 Apprenticeships are seen as core to the wider agenda around tackling key skills gaps in advanced technical and professional skills.\u00a0 The Government has positioned apprenticeships as being a good alternative to university study for many people, with costs being covered primarily by the employer rather than the learner.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0It is likely that this focus on higher level technical skills will continue to feature in the Government\u2019s Industrial Strategy, and more recently in the Build Back Better initiative, so our commitment to developing higher and degree apprenticeships will ensure our ability to adapt to the changing Government policy agenda for higher education.
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  4. The University has an excellent track record of supporting Widening Participation (WP) students to achieve success in their degree programme. Apprenticeships are an alternative route to Higher Education, often preferred by people who did not enjoy their earlier experiences at school. The university\u2019s strength in helping and supporting students is valuable to these apprentice learners.
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  5. Academic year 2020-21 has been a watershed year for us. We have updated and consolidated many of our policies and processes, refreshed several key programmes and recruited additional staff. This is therefore an ideal time to refresh our Apprenticeship delivery framework.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Apprenticeship Portfolio<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    1. The University has built a substantial portfolio of apprenticeship courses since 2017. Recognising the numerous benefits of developing and delivering apprenticeship programmes, we aim to have programmes in those academic schools where there are relevant professional pathways.
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    2. Some subject areas may not be suitable for apprenticeships, but where we can see a national or local skills need and clear market demand, aligned to an area of academic expertise for the University, we will aim to develop a programme.
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    3. The Business Engagement Team work with new and existing employers to establish whether there is demand for a programme, or feedback the businesses\u2019 requirements following requests for specific standards from employers. Once initial demand and capability is established, course teams within academic schools will work with Business Engagement colleagues to\u00a0 consult with employers and shape the course design to meet their needs. Employer consultation through advisory boards, employer events and regular employer apprenticeship reviews is also part of the ongoing delivery of programmes.
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    4. Apprenticeship programmes are subject to the same robust validation and academic quality standards requirements as our direct entry programmes. Additional specific and rigorous validation criteria are applied specifically to apprenticeship programmes.
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    5. Programmes are usually developed as open programmes, supporting a range of employers and their apprentices. However, we are also able to develop bespoke programmes for individual employers, providing more tailored content and delivery schedules.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Scope<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      1. The University currently delivers programmes in Health and Social Care, Business and Finance, Computing, Engineering and Education. New courses in Architecture and Construction, and Teaching are planned for 2022.
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      2. In line with its expertise in higher education, the University delivers courses at levels 4, 5, 6, and 7. We work closely with our local Further Education providers in respect of progression routes for learners and also signpost employers to collaborative partners for delivery of lower level programmes.
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      3. Programmes are usually delivered face to face with supporting materials available through Moodle, our online learning portal, as we believe this is the most effective and reliable means of delivery. Throughout the pandemic we continued to deliver elements of all courses online. Where online delivery is appropriate for the subject matter and content, some elements of programmes may be able to be delivered online, or learners may be able to access the classroom remotely if necessary. We have developed a Blended Learning Framework to ensure best practice, for programmes where blended learning offered. However unless otherwise stated, our main mode of delivery is face to face.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Cohort Numbers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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        1. Cohort numbers between 12 and 30 provide learners with opportunities to work with a range of different people and easily be able to contribute in the class, and also ensures that the programme is financially viable. New programmes and bespoke employer cohorts may be considered with fewer learners. Where this is the case we will ensure there are opportunities for learners to work with students or apprentices on other programmes to ensure a richer experience.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Academic Regulation and Quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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          1. All credit bearing apprenticeship programmes (i.e. those resulting in the achievement of a knowledge award) are subject to academic and quality standards common to all UoG courses and therefore adhere to recognised national standards.
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          2. Robust use of external input during all stages of course development and review is a key element of the University\u2019s quality assurance and enhancement processes, and is central to the maintenance of standards. Employer requirements are central to the development of new apprenticeship standards, and feedback from employers feeds into course enhancement. External subject specialist academics are included in consultations, and sit on validation panels. Once in delivery,\u00a0 each programme also has an External Examiner.
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          3. Employer engagement, and identifying employer need is key to the development of any new course proposal. Our Client Development Managers liaise with employers to explore their training needs and identify suitable programmes. We consult with employers both before and during the development of new programmes. Regular employer reviews allow us to gather feedback from employers and their learners, which in turn helps us to enhance and develop our courses.
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          4. New programmes are approved by the Academic Affairs Committee. A new system has recently been developed and rolled out by the University to manage new programme proposals. It ensures the required information is collected and that all relevant parties both within the School and Professional Services review and comment on new proposals, enabling transparency and informed decision making.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Apprenticeship Ambitions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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            1. The University has a broad set of ambitions in relation to the growth and development of its apprenticeship programmes. We aim to:
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              1. be a highly regarded provider of choice for employers and their employees
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              2. make a significant contribution to meeting local and national skills needs, ensuring our apprentices \u00a0graduate with the skills and qualifications required by employers
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              3. provide opportunities for people who may not otherwise have accessed higher education, to support all our learners to have a fulfilling apprenticeship and to achieve their full potential
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              4. link academic schools and subject communities to employer organisations through apprenticeship delivery for Knowledge Exchange, course enhancement, and mutual benefit
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              5. continue to grow the number of learners on programmes and the portfolio of apprenticeship courses
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              6. embrace the principles of, and ensure compliance with, the requirements of our regulatory bodies, including OfSTED, ESFA, OFS, QAA, and relevant professional bodies<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Ambition 1: To be a highly regarded provider of choice for employers and their employees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                Action<\/strong> <\/th> Responsible<\/strong> <\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
                Design and develop programmes to meet identifiable skills needs<\/td>BE Team\/ HoS\/ AAC<\/td><\/tr>
                Consider promotional needs at time of validation, provide BE team with details of target audience and key selling points of UoG course design<\/td>ACL\/ VSP<\/td><\/tr>
                Seek regular feedback from external academics, to ensure the quality of our provision and to  develop and enhance our courses<\/td>Quality Team\/ App Team<\/td><\/tr>
                Ensure details of all UoG Apprenticeships and clear advice and guidance, is up to date and shown on the UoG Website<\/td>CMSR<\/td><\/tr>
                Ensure collateral and promotional materials are available for all courses and apprenticeship subject groups<\/td>BE Team<\/td><\/tr>
                Work with closely employers to identify and fulfil skills development needs<\/td>BE Team\/ Client Development<\/td><\/tr>
                Seek to add value for our clients by meeting additional needs, such as line manager mentor training<\/td>BE Team\/ Client Development<\/td><\/tr>
                Survey Learners and Employers regularly and respond to feedback<\/td>BE Team\/ Apps<\/td><\/tr>
                Hold regular Advisory Boards and employer consultations for each subject area<\/td>BE Team\/ HoS<\/td><\/tr>
                Promote UoG Apprenticeships through a range of channels<\/td>BE Team\/ CMSR<\/td><\/tr>
                Hold Employer facing events to promote UoG Apprenticeships, and provide advice and guidance to support apprenticeship uptake<\/td>BE Team\/ Client Development<\/td><\/tr>
                Provide clear, competitive responses to ITT<\/td>BE Team\/ UFO\/ HoS<\/td><\/tr>
                Respond to all apprenticeship enquires within two working days, and provide excellent learner and employer customer care<\/td>All<\/td><\/tr>
                Allocate a dedicated colleague to be the main point of contact and liaise with each employer client<\/td>BE Team\/ Client Development<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Ambition 2: To make a significant contribution to meeting local and national skills needs, ensuring our apprentices  graduate with the skills and qualifications required by employers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                Action<\/strong><\/th>Responsible<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
                Work closely with employers to identify and fulfil skills development needs<\/td>BE Team\/ Client Development<\/td><\/tr>
                Monitor labour market data at local and National level to identify skills gaps and appropriate apprenticeship solutions<\/td>BE Team\/ Planning<\/td><\/tr>
                Work closely with Gfirst LEP, Local Sector groups, GCC and other networking organisations to identify emerging skills needs and build awareness of the UoG Apprenticeship portfolio<\/td>BE Team\/ ACLs<\/td><\/tr>
                Effective liaison with FE providers to identify progression pathways for learners on lower level programmes<\/td>BE Team<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Ambition 3: To provide opportunities for people who may not otherwise have accessed higher education, to support all our learners to have a fulfilling apprenticeship and to achieve their full potential<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                Action<\/strong><\/th>Responsible<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
                Provide comprehensive advice and guidance for learners and their employers, through the website, events and client development to support access to apprenticeship programmes<\/td>BE Team<\/td><\/tr>
                Through the use of interviews, workshops or skill scans, comprehensively review the prior qualifications and experience of applicants to ensure access at an appropriate level for each apprentice<\/td>HoS\/ ACLs<\/td><\/tr>
                Work with local FE providers to signpost lower level courses for those lacking minimum entry requirements<\/td>BE\/ App Team<\/td><\/tr>
                Learners will have 5 meetings per year with their allocated Learner Coach\/ Coaches in Practice (H&SC)<\/td>HoS\/ School App coordinator\/ Coaches<\/td><\/tr>
                Learners\u2019 will be supported academically by their module tutors and their Academic Course Leader<\/td>HoS\/ACLs\/ Module tutors<\/td><\/tr>
                Each Learner will have regular meetings with their allocated personal tutor<\/td>HoS<\/td><\/tr>
                Provide access for apprentices to the various support teams within the University\u2019s Student Services Department, including:
                – Student Centres
                – Disability, Dyslexia & Learning Support
                – Mental Health & Counselling
                – Chaplaincy & Faiths
                – Student Futures (employability support)<\/td>                		Student Registrar<\/td><\/tr>
                Student Centres will include an Apprenticeship specialist<\/td>Student Registrar<\/td><\/tr>
                Apprenticeship, academic and student support resources are available online through ‘Moodle’<\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
                Work with employers to ensure all learners get and record their 20% OTJ<\/td>BE\/ App Team<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Ambition 4: To link academic schools and subject communities to employer organisations through apprenticeship delivery, for Knowledge Exchange, course enhancement, and mutual benefit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                Action<\/strong> <\/th> Responsible<\/strong> <\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
                Research all new and developing higher and degree apprenticeship standards to identify alignment with UoG subject areas<\/td>BE Team<\/td><\/tr>
                Work closely with employers to identify and fulfil skills development needs<\/td>BE Team\/ Client Development<\/td><\/tr>
                Provide comprehensive advice and guidance for academic leaders, employers, learners and coaches on apprenticeship requirements<\/td>BE Team<\/td><\/tr>
                Support course leaders on a 1:1 basis to develop appropriate compliant apprenticeship programmes<\/td>BE Team<\/td><\/tr>
                Hold regular advisory boards and employer consultations for each subject area<\/td>HoS\/ BE Team<\/td><\/tr>
                Hold employer facing events to promote UoG Apprenticeships, and provide advice and guidance to support apprenticeship uptake<\/td>BE Team\/ Client Development<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Ambition 5: To continue to grow the number of learners on programmes and the portfolio of Apprenticeship courses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                Action<\/strong> <\/th> Responsible<\/strong> <\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
                Identify employer needs and skills gaps, review apprenticeship standards to identify opportunities for new programme development<\/td>BE Team<\/td><\/tr>
                Grow the range of apprenticeship programmes and cohort numbers<\/td>HoS<\/td><\/tr>
                Ensure details of all UoG Apprenticeships and clear advice and guidance, is up to date and shown on the UoG website<\/td>CMSR<\/td><\/tr>
                Ensure collateral and promotional materials are available for all courses and apprenticeship subject groups<\/td>BE Team<\/td><\/tr>
                Work with closely employers to identify and fulfil skills development needs<\/td>BE Team\/ Client Development<\/td><\/tr>
                Hold regular advisory boards and employer consultations for each subject area<\/td>BE Team\/ HoS<\/td><\/tr>
                Promote UoG Apprenticeships through a range of channels<\/td>BE Team\/ CMSR<\/td><\/tr>
                Scan for and respond to appropriate tender opportunities<\/td>BE Team\/ UFO\/ HoS<\/td><\/tr>
                Hold employer facing events to promote UoG Apprenticeships, and provide advice and guidance to support apprenticeship uptake<\/td>BE Team\/ Client Development<\/td><\/tr>
                Provide accurate course  information and delivery details at least 6 months prior to the start date<\/td>ACL<\/td><\/tr>
                Keep up to date with developments of new apprenticeship standards, and continue to review employer needs<\/td>BE Team<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Annual Targets 2021- 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                1. The overall aspiration is to attain a university apprenticeship population of 2000 learners by 2025. This this is possible\u00a0 based on continuing growth of our existing programmes, some new UoG programmes, and including our validated programmes with the IoT and other partners such as SERCO. Year on year growth rates 2017 \u2013 2020 has been high in percentage terms. As overall numbers of learners are now higher, expectations are that growth from 2021 \u2013 2025 will be more incremental.
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                2. We now have three years of accumulated data and experience about how programmes can be expected to develop and grow. As the economy and the apprenticeships market continue to evolve over the next few years, we anticipate that additional opportunities will become available.
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                3. Learner numbers at the end of 2020\/21 were just under 600. New entrants for 2021\/22 are budgeted at 321 learners, excluding validated programmes.
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                4. The following projections are based on the 2020\/21 figures as the starting point, and cover the following higher apprenticeship arrangements in respect of UoG registered learners:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n