Higher and Degree Apprenticeships has provided the HE sector with an opportunity to grow and expand their offer. For some HEIs however, apprenticeships aren’t always an easy fit with their organisation’s approaches, systems and delivery.
Building on previous research and supported by UVAC, SDN conducted a short snapshot ‘confidence index’ survey to benchmark the current level of confidence among HEIs in their delivery of apprenticeships, and the key factors to their future success
59 HEIs responded. This is what they told us:
- Overall, HEIs are confident about their future in apprenticeships, although degree apprenticeships are expected to provide the most significant opportunities, compared with higher apprenticeships
- Respondents have a greater confidence in the opportunities apprenticeships will bring over a five-year time horizon (particularly degree apprenticeships), compared with the short term. In the majority of cases, respondents have either just started to offer apprenticeships, or are developing plans, systems and processes to do so. This will take time to develop and grow, in response to employer demand – particularly from levy-payers
- In many cases, FE providers are already offering higher apprenticeships and so degree apprenticeship provide HEIs with an obvious place in the market. Those delivering higher apprenticeships often work collaboratively with FE providers
- The top factors underpinning the future success of HEIs in apprenticeships include effective engagement with employers (both levy-paying and SMEs), the effective development and approval of new standards to meet this demand, and understanding / establishing internal systems and processes. In regard to apprenticeships, HEIs are currently less concerned about the delivery of the training and the wider political agenda (e.g. localism, Brexit)
HEIs expect their confidence to accelerate if:
- they are able to establish effective internal systems, processes, funding models and ‘buy-in’ from staff across their organisation
- the current IfA system for standard development / approval was quicker, less fraught, and more flexible – particularly in allowing the use of integrated end-point assessment
- there was greater clarity from the ESFA on the funding system and rules, standard contracting templates, and greater clarity around inspection and the role of Ofsted and HEFCE
Download the full summary of findings here: HEI and apprenticeships confidence index (Oct17) – summary of findings v3-0
Enquiries about the research can be directed to tim@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk
Coming up
SDN and UVAC are delivering a number of workshops and webinars in the coming months to support HEIs to deliver Higher and Degree Apprenticeships – whether that’s developing your delivery models, setting up systems and processes, or making best use of the levy.
Find out more here