of my decision-making. It is helping me to understand the impact of my actions and pre-empt outcomes.” It is not just senior leaders who are benefitting from apprenticeships at the University of Gloucestershire. Charley Kay is a platform coordinator for Gloucestershire’s Attivo Group, and currently on the university’s Level 4 Financial Adviser Apprenticeship programme. “We are developing capabilities that are crucial to becoming a financial planner, such as preparing financial reports, client fact finding, financial reviews and writing suitability letters,” said Ms Kay. “When we achieve our Diploma in Financial Planning, we will already have two years’ experience in financial services under our belts. “I have been able to apply the knowledge from the study sessions within the workplace which has helped me to consolidate the information and ingrain it in my long-term memory. “Working while studying has also allowed me to learn from employees more experienced than myself and has taught me how to deal with workplace challenges that you can’t learn about in a purely academic environment.” Typically, apprenticeship programmes bring together professionals from a range of industries and both the public and private sectors. However, bespoke ‘closed group’ options are available for larger groups. Dr Polly Pick, the university’s director of business engagement and partnership, said: “We recognise
that organisations each have their own individual requirements and we have a genuine willingness to collaborate with employers so they get the best out of both the learner and the apprenticeship programme. “Many organisations and learners really value the fact that their apprenticeship provides them with the opportunity to network. “Learners work together with others, often from very different industries, in order to tackle complex business problems. This means they are exposed to a variety of views and perspectives, which contributes to a rich learning environment. “However, for some larger employers there is real benefit in bringing together staff - perhaps working in very different departments - onto the same apprenticeship programme. “In these cases, we can deliver teaching on campus to provide an ‘away day’ style environment, or at a location that suits the employer’s needs.” The university is committed to supporting growth and job creation in the county, and its commitment to apprenticeships is very much part of this. It now has more than 300 apprentices on its books and rising. There are currently 10 programmes on offer ranging from level 4 to level 7. New level 6 degree apprenticeships in Project Management and in Digital Marketing are set to begin in 2020 l To find out more visit glos.ac.uk/apprenticeships
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