Why employers should support Advanced Apprenticeships

27 Jan 2011

A new study carried out by CFE focusses on the experiences of of 18 high profile employers who support Advanced Apprentices progressing to higher education, The research suggests that:

• Employers support progression to a wide range of higher education qualifications including Foundation degrees, HNCs/HNDs and Higher Apprenticeships. Several support onward progression to Honours and Master’s degrees.
• The benefits of supporting progression outweigh the costs. A more highly skilled workforce is linked to increased productivity and profitability. Most employers highlighted the benefits of growing and investing in their own employees rather than recruiting externally, particularly as this leads to increased levels of staff motivation and retention.
• It can be a big step from an Advanced Apprenticeship to higher education and the transition to a more self-guided style of learning can be a particular challenge. However, all of the employers we consulted reported that Advanced Apprentices progress equally well once they reach higher education as those that enter HE with more ‘traditional’ academic qualifications.
• A lack of appropriate HE provision can be a major barrier to progression in some sectors. Several engineering employers explained how difficult it can be to source relevant provision that is delivered in a responsive way.
• Many employers reported that Advanced Apprentices tend to be unsure about certain aspects of higher education, particularly the financial support available. In these instances, the provision of high quality information, advice and guidance (IAG) can be a real enabler to progression.

A PDF of the full report, The Road Less Travelled, is available on the CFE website.