This week, the University of Birmingham welcomes 17 apprentices onto its Edgbaston campus as part of its newly launched apprenticeship scheme.
A new programme for the University, the apprenticeship scheme provides opportunities to gain high-quality skills and experience as they take their first steps into work.
The apprentices have been recruited into a variety of roles across the University’s professional support services, from estates to catering, IT to nursery care, following a recruitment initiative at the start of the year.
Stuart Richards, Director of Hospitality and Accommodation Services at the University of Birmingham said: “We are delighted to be able to offer an apprenticeship programme at the University of Birmingham and create a number of opportunities for people from across the city. Our apprenticeship programme will support the University’s civic responsibility to be a diverse and inclusive employer within the city and help to secure a strong future workforce on campus.”
The apprentices will spend their first week getting to know the University through a variety of workshops and meet and greet sessions, culminating with a tree planting at the end of the week to mark the start of their journey.
The new 12-month scheme allows apprentices to earn while they learn, combining practical training in a job with study for a recognised qualification. Each apprentice will have a manager and a mentor, enabling a personal service to be delivered to every apprentice in the project. As well as the formal course, they will be able to take part in networking and career development activities on campus.
The University will be supporting the apprentices through pastoral care and career development advice to ensure that they reach their career potential. The University’s scheme has been developed in conjunction with Babington Apprenticeships Ltd, with several local training providers supporting the project by delivering on-the job training.
Dzintars Romans, one of the 17 apprentices who is embracing the opportunity to work and develop new skills at the University of Birmingham in IT, said: “so far I am finding the apprenticeship to exceed all my expectations and I was already learning new, useful things on the first day at the workplace.
“The workplace has a great team and everyone is supporting each other, which really gives the feel of being a part of a team. When I started the apprenticeship I felt very welcome and was introduced to the staff straight away. With previous experience of apprenticeships, I can honestly say that the apprenticeship scheme at the University is excellent. So far working here has been an amazing experience and I encourage anyone looking for an apprenticeship to consider The University of Birmingham as an option.”
This week’s launch sees the University take its first steps towards delivering the government’s wider aim of growing apprenticeship opportunities by 2020, which will be funded through the introduction of the apprenticeship levy in 2017.
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