DMU's Degree Apprenticeships in the spotlight for National Apprenticeship Week

Businesses have been finding more about the Government’s new apprenticeship programmes from experts at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) this week.

This week is National Apprenticeship Week, which aims to highlight to employers and school leavers the benefits of apprenticeships.

Alison Bragg of DMU’s Business School spoke to companies at a breakfast event organised in partnership with Leicester City Council.

The event showcased Government’s new higher and degree-level apprenticeships, where training costs can be covered by up to 90% Government funding.

Alison is the programme leader of the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, which has been accredited by the Chartered Management Institute. The course develops business skills, with leadership and management qualifications.

Alison said: "Apprenticeships are great for employers, because the employees have been shown to be more loyal to the organisation and can better apply theory to practice.  There is a massive benefit to the apprentices as they gain a debt free degree whilst earning and getting excellent work experience along the way’."

Leicestershire accountancy firm Mattoli Woods and fast-food giant KFC – just named one of Britain’s top employers – have just joined the apprenticeship scheme.

Assistant City Mayor for jobs and skills, Councillor Sue Waddington, said: “Apprenticeships offer great opportunities to young people and adults. Now we’re seeing even better prospects for those wanting to progress, thanks to foundation and degree-level apprenticeships.

“These are set to become far easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to access for their employees, with the introduction of the apprenticeship levy. We know that employers really value apprenticeships, so we’re pleased to support them through events like these.”

Research from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills indicated that businesses are facing a huge skills gap across all sectors at higher levels in professional and technical roles. Apprenticeships aim to bridge that gap.