The University offers apprenticeship opportunities to staff at the start of their career or those interested in gaining new skills, qualifying an existing skill or working towards a nationally recognised qualification to support career development. Apprenticeships offer work-based learning, fully funded by the apprenticeship levy.
“From the Apprenticeship, I’ve gained a greater understanding of my strengths and interests, giving me a sense of direction in my career journey. The skills and knowledge acquired have positioned me for future growth, making me more confident in pursuing opportunities in the future.”
Laura Fenner- Admissions Assistant, Business Administration Apprentice
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship enables individuals to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills and knowledge tailored to a specific role. Apprenticeships are available for staff at any stage of their career and at a variety of levels, allowing new and existing staff to gain new skills and qualifications on the job.
“The apprenticeship has helped to strengthen the strategic side of my career and enhanced my learning to ensure that when future career progression opportunities arise, I am ready to apply. This course is building my confidence and resilience, working with various colleagues has helped me form networks and supportive friendships”.
Colin Mckenzie- Head of Campus, Senior Leader Apprentice
How is work and study time allocated?
There is a 20% off the job requirement- a minimum of 6 hours per week study time. It is essential that you have agreed how to manage your time and work responsibilities to facilitate the off the job learning for the full length of the apprenticeship.
Who is eligible to apply?
An applicant’s current job role must support the training and development required for the chosen programme. Your role must provide opportunities for your skills to be practiced and developed on the job. More details of eligibility can be found on: Horizon Learning
Which apprenticeships are available for staff?
Skills England lists all approved standards. The current staff offer includes; Team Leader (level 3) Coaching Professional (Level 5) Chartered Manager (Level 6) Senior Leader (level 7) Business Administrator (Level 3) Associate Project Manager (Level 4) Data Analyst (Level 4) To find out more and how to apply visit Horizon Learning
Hear more from a Current Staff Apprentice
Lesley Morrison, Head of Accommodation and Active Life Services
Why did you decide to pursue an apprenticeship?
I have held a senior role for some years and saw the studying on the course as an opportunity to develop my knowledge further and to attain modern theory-based skills at the same time.
What have you gained from the apprenticeship?
From the start I have gained a better understanding of where my areas for development are. The course has required me to gain a better discipline when it comes to time management, research, reading and academic writing. Working with various colleagues from around the business has allowed me to build my network of friends and to see how different directorates work within the University. Most importantly my own personal growth and confidence has been evident to me and my line manager since starting the course.
What support have you received throughout your apprenticeship journey?
My line manager has been very supportive with my application and with safeguarding my time. I have also found a lot of support in my fellow students on the course. We share our insights, challenges and have become quite a good support group for each other. My skills coach has really helped with making sure I understand what is expected in the end point assessment.
What advice would you give colleagues considering an apprenticeship?
My advice would be to do it; you will grow and be able to demonstrate what you have learnt in real time. Reflect on where you would like to be in a year, 2 or 5 and look at the course content to make sure it will give you push to get there. Do not underestimate the time commitment, so make sure your personal life and work commitments can be realistically balanced at the same time. It will be a challenge but worth it.
Are you a manager looking to hire an apprentice?
Guidance and knowledge articles are available on the Horizon Self Help Desk, where you can also request further support and information from the Talent, Development and Reward team.
Hear more from an Apprentice Manager
Mark Affection, Head of Digital AV Solutions and Ben Sleeman, Senior Digital AV Team Leader - Information and Library Services.
What were your key reasons for hiring an apprentice?
We hired an AV apprentice because the AV industry is rapidly expanding, and there is currently a shortage of well-trained engineers. The AV apprenticeship offered was the first of its kind in the UK and is highly regarded by clients who have already benefited from the programme. This apprenticeship presents an opportunity to develop AV talent in-house while providing hands-on, real-world support experience.
Describe your experience of hiring an apprentice?
As it was our first time, we consulted with our internal apprenticeship specialists, the learning provider, and other universities to gain insights from their experience. This helped us understand the process and the resource implications of supporting an apprentice.
How does the apprentice benefit your team?
We appointed an enthusiastic candidate eager to enter the AV industry and learn through hands-on experience. By staggering the start date for onsite work and the beginning of the AV course, we successfully onboarded the apprentice enabling them to contribute effectively and provide valuable support early in their role.
Describe your experience of supporting the apprentice through the “off the job” element of their apprenticeship?
The 'off-the-job' element of Charlie’s apprenticeship started prior to his AV course starting in January. This was accomplished via training courses provided by the AV hardware manufacturers we use in our AV teaching system designs. Preparations were also made from the outset to ensure he could fully engage with his training. His course day has been planned into his schedule, ensuring he is not included in the rota for onsite work. He has been provided with a laptop and headset for online training, and all the necessary equipment and software required by the learning provider has been made available. Additionally, my colleague, Ben Sleeman, has been appointed as Charlie’s mentor and is actively supporting him through the process.
Any advice for managers considering an apprentice?
It's a worthwhile option and should be seriously considered. The key is to find a candidate with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning and developing new skills.
Not a current staff member?
The University hires apprentices for specific roles and promotes early and mid-career apprenticeship opportunities. All apprenticeship vacancies are promoted on jobs.gre.ac.uk and Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK. If you are currently an apprentice and want to apply for a vacancy at the University, discuss this with the hiring manager to find out if your apprenticeship can be supported in the role.