DMU celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week inviting employers to find out how they can develop their workforce – and share opportunities with potential apprentices.    

The theme for National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from February 5 to 11, is Skills for Life, focusing on how apprenticeships can help learners to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop talented teams equipped with future-ready skills.



Last year, DMU received a Good rating from education inspectors Ofsted who praised the inclusive and supportive environment created for learners.

The university works with employers large and small to help them develop and upskill their teams in leadership and management, cyber security, data and healthcare programmes. To date, more than 1,100 learners have studied on DMU’s degree apprenticeship programmes, combining on the job training with academic sessions at DMU plus full access to the university’s student support services.



Mia Churchill graduated from our Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship, and works for Specsavers Audiologists in Peterborough.

She said: “I wouldn't be where I am today without my apprenticeship - having the workplace experience from the beginning really helped me settle into my role as a student, but also developing through to now as a fully qualified clinician. I now spend my days in clinic applying knowledge gained through the course in both theoretical and practical aspects.”

On February 6, DMU is running an online webinar for employers to help them find out more about how the programmes are funded and the support available to companies – as well as hear how others have benefited from bringing in new learners to their teams.  

And DMU staff will be speaking to students at Gateway College in Leicester at a fair on February 7. Students can see the range of courses on offer to apprentices at DMU, meet employers and learn about the opportunities available.
 
Jill Cowley, Pro Vice-Chancellor Skills and Training at DMU, said: “Apprenticeships are an important part of what we do at DMU, because they increase access to higher education and training opportunities. Students learn whilst undertaking their day jobs, earning a wage alongside a degree, and this removes the financial barrier that can be so off-putting to continuing in higher education.

“Employers tell us frequently how valuable they find the DMU apprenticeship programmes because of the combination of practical training and academic learning which apprentices can apply directly into their roles. I’d encourage employers wanting to find out more to attend our webinar and get in touch with our team to see how they can benefit.”