Sign in or register to add page to my resources
Higher Apprenticeships
Higher Apprenticeships were introduced in 2009 in just the Engineering and IT sectors. Last year, the Government announced it intend to increase the scope of Higher Apprenticeships by developing new courses in different sectors. This means there are now Higher Apprenticeships in the fields of Business and Administration, Accounting, Engineering Technology, IT, Software, Web & Telecoms, Contact Centres, Food and Drink, Financial Advice and Leadership and Management at varying levels. With the range of sectors expected to grow in future years, creating career pathways right through to higher level roles and on-going opportunities to maximise the benefits of a highly skilled workforce.
What is a Higher Apprenticeship?
Higher Apprenticeships are designed to meet employers' need for higher level skills and are an excellent way of developing and motivating employees to maximise efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation.
Like Intermediate and Advanced Level Apprenticeships, they combine a range of on and off the job training and can vary in the length of time they take to complete. Higher apprentices study for work-based learning qualifications like a Level 4 NVQ. In some instances you can work towards an academic qualification like Foundation degree.
Some of the UK's most established and respected companies offer these types of courses. Rolls Royce is just one of those employers, offering: "aspiring engineers who are keen to start building up practical work experience while progressing academically to graduate level."
For example, the Engineering Technology Higher course gives apprentices the chance to study for a Foundation Degree, HNC or HND that can even lead to an honours degree and professional qualification as an incorporated engineer. It takes three years to complete the course and could lead on to a career as an aerospace engineering technician or an electrical engineering technician, starting on a salary of around £19,000.
Developing new Higher Apprenticeships
Further information about these and all Apprenticeship frameworks, including those in development, can be found on the Apprenticeship Frameworks Online (AFO) website. If you wish to become involed in the development of new Higher Apprenticeships, please follow the link below.
