education & business 11


Employers urged to support new degree apprenticeship


Southampton Solent University’s School of Business and Law has been chosen as one of just a handful of education establishments nationwide to pioneer a new Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA), writes The Business Magazine’s Alison Dewar


professional body the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), in a combination of blended and virtual learning. Future degree apprenticeships are also planned for construction and healthcare.


With the emphasis on flexibility, employees will be expected to attend a series of four or five weekend lectures and there will be regular assessments of their knowledge and skills.


Thomas concluded: “This is the ideal opportunity for any business to identify ’need to do’ workplace projects in leadership and management and use consultancy available through the apprenticeship to deliver real outcomes.


“This is about real jobs and investing in people, giving them the ability and skills to make a real difference to the future longevity and success of the business.“


The initiative is being supported by a raft of employers, led by Serco, but also including companies such as Virgin Media and Barclays.


Employers talk to staff at a university event


Part of the Government’s Trailblazer programme, the CMDA combines a first-class business education with work-based learning and professional development through to chartered status.


These apprenticeship standards are a two-page definitive list of skills, knowledge and behaviours that employers expect from someone who is a fully-competent professional in a specific occupation; designed by employers and for employers, as Dr Helen Thomas, head of academic partnerships at the University, explains.


“The new degree apprenticeships have been developed with consortia of both large and small employers, and relevant professional bodies,“ she said. “Once they complete the degree apprenticeship the employee will have a recognised degree, will meet the necessary professional standards required by their industry for the specific role, and be officially recognised by their professional body.“


The CMDA is intended to help fill essential skills gaps across a variety of industries, by training professional managers who can take lead responsibility for people, projects, operations or services, and


deliver long-term organisational success.


Requiring approximately four and a half years of work-based study to complete, it reflects the need for the development of the full set of essential professional skills alongside the academic degree; supporting those new to the role.


However, for individuals who already have plenty of relevant and current knowledge and experience, options are available to fast- track achievement of the degree apprenticeship in around two years.


Two-thirds of the cost of training, up to a cap, will be paid by the Government, with employers – who can be of any size – contributing the remaining third.


Solent’s opportunity to be involved in the groundbreaking new scheme comes as a result of its Silver Charter Award, given by the Chartered Association of Business Schools in recognition of its support for small businesses and start-ups across the region.


David Moxon, acting director of the University’s business school, attended the official launch of the CMDA at the House of Commons on November 11, and says he is proud that Solent will start


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – DECEMBER 15/JANUARY 16


taking applications for the new qualification from January, less than 18 months after the programme was first conceived.


With the proviso that applicants must already be in permanent employment, Moxon wants to hear from both employers of all sizes who are keen to enrol their staff, as well as employees aiming to develop their own skills.


“We see there being two groups of candidates,“ he said. “Firstly, there will be 18-19-year-olds who have gone straight into work and are keen to go down the management route; and secondly, those who we call the ’accidental managers’; people who have built up their professional expertise but who didn’t go to university and now need to enhance their management skills.


“Enabling these individuals to study for a business degree while still working, earning money and contributing to the business on a day-to-day level, aligns perfectly with the University’s goals, which focus on employability.“


The CMDA, which is underpinned by a business management degree, will be delivered by the business school, together with


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On January 21, David Moxon and Dr Helen Thomas will be joined by John Barfoot, programme group leader, Design and Built Environment, for a debate and discussion about what the implementation of the Apprentice Levy means for businesses, higher education and professional bodies. For more information and to book a place, email: business.innovation@ solent.ac.uk


Booking is also open for the CMI Level 5 management and leadership qualifications. For more information visit: www.solent.ac.uk/ courses/2016/professional/ cmi-level-5-management- and-leadership/course- details.aspx


Details: 023-8201-6043 academic.partnership@ solent.ac.uk


www.solent.ac.uk/cmda


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