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Information for Employers
Introduction
Developing your employees enables you to mould staff in a way that has positive benefits to your company and gives the employee the skills and positive attitude that can only be gained within the workplace. Helping employees to gain qualifications will make a stronger workforce, create a sense of ownership and can give job satisfaction. In turn this can help improve quality of goods and services, ensure cost effective recruitment through higher levels of retention and increase your competitive edge.
What are higher level skills?
“High level skills – the skills associated with higher education – are good for the individuals who acquire them and good for the economy. They help individuals unlock their talent and aspire to change their life for the better. They help businesses and public services innovate and prosper. They help towns and cities thrive by creating jobs, helping businesses become more competitive and driving economic regeneration. High level skills add value for all of us.”
Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education
How will my company benefit from higher level skills?
Many companies and the public sector are all being damaged by skills gaps and skills shortages. Research by the Sector Skills Develop Agency highlights:
- 60% of employers are finding it difficult to employ people who are skills proficient.
- 23% of all UK organisations have employees who are less than fully proficient.
- 40% of employers have taken on in the last year someone who was less skilled than they were looking for.
- 25% of businesses who are recruiting staff are prevented from growing because of skills shortages.
- 37% of employers think that the gap between the skills they actually need and the skills they have in their workforce is getting worse.
How will my company benefit from higher level skills?
Why should I support my Apprentice to progress?
Your Apprentice has shown their commitment to your organisation and you have seen their potential for progression into a higher technical or management role. Through undertaking a Higher Education course your employees will gain skills and knowledge which are immediately transferable into your business to help improve efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. Through equipping your staff with higher level skills your organisation will be in a stronger position for succession planning and your employees will have a stronger commitment to and sense of their progression within your organisation.
What are the higher education options?
Higher education offers a diverse range of courses and qualifications, such as degrees, higher national certificates/diplomas (HNC/D) and foundation degrees. You can use the directories to search for local courses which may suit your business needs. Many courses take place in universities, but plenty are also taught at colleges and specialist training providers. You can also find a college or university local to your business.
There are many different options available that can complement your business needs. The vocational route has never been stronger and there are a large variety of part-time and flexible opportunities available. Many are available to study half day, evening, distance, online and flexible learning which can help reduce the amount of time your employee is away from the workplace. Courses such as Foundation Degrees and NVQs have been designed with the help of employers, which means they provide your employees with the skills and knowledge they need to help your business.
How much will it cost?
Costs for courses do vary, particularly for part-time learners as the cost is set by the institution. Part-time fees are often lower than equivalent full time courses and may not be as expensive as you might think. In addition, financial assistance is often available. Supporting an Apprentice to progress is likely to be a very good investment – whether you support financial or in other ways.
The money matters section provides a wealth of information on fees and finance. You may also wish to contact a provider directly to explore course costs.
Want further information?
You can also get support from a qualified adviser to help you explore what might be the best course/type of study to meet your business needs/commitments and ambitions.
Ask a specialist adviser a question online.
Download the file: Supporting your apprentice to progress
