FEATURE


APPRENTICESHIPS


business, for business. A recent report by Universities UK found all employers that were surveyed and are involved in developing new apprenticeship standards as trailblazers either ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ that degree apprenticeships could improve the equality, diversity and inclusivity of their workforce. New innovations are being developed at lightning speeds


to drive faster growth and efficiency for businesses and society. However, businesses find their workforces have gaps in the specific digital skills needed to support this, meaning organisations are unable to adopt the digital technologies that will make their businesses more effective. De Montfort University (DMU) is working with businesses to close this gap.


‘The university supports organisations with the apprenticeship process, offering advice and guidance’


The university strives to be the digital partner for its


business clients working across all areas of digital growth, expertise and developing staff skills. We currently work with organisations such as IBM, Siemens and BT delivering digital and cyber degree apprenticeships where learning and skills are embedded back into the business from day one, hence adding real value, and bringing fresh and innovate ideas into the business. For employers, apprenticeships provide a way to tailor


their recruitment strategies and develop their existing employees which fosters loyalty and retention in their workforce. The university supports organisations with the apprenticeship process, offering advice and guidance on how to support the apprentice in their role. Investing in higher level professional development can


boost employee morale and staff retention, and through Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, professionals are able to develop the specific skills and knowledge they need to


progress, often at a later time in their career. A recent briefing by the Office for Students found that


degree apprenticeships benefit both school leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds and mature learners already in the workforce, potentially increasing social mobility. This is fundamental to our economy and we need to see apprentices as a new community of professional learners in our society; an opportunity for businesses to embed and retain knowledge and new skills, forging stronger long- lasting partnerships across the region, and learning from each other for mutual benefit.


De Montfort University works with a number of major IT organisations


64 business network February 2020


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