Event report - Supporting Learners on to Apprenticeships Forum
On 4th February, Linking London held an event providing an opportunity for attendees to share challenges and what works in helping to support learners looking to obtain an apprenticeship.
The event began with a warm welcome from Andrew Jones, Director of Linking London, and a brief overview of some of the resources and support available at Linking London, these include a publication on Apprenticeship provision across London colleges and universities, HE checklists and a jobs and apprenticeship resource. All our resources can be found on our Partner Area.
Following this we then went into breakout groups to discuss the topic ‘How do you support learners interested in finding and applying for apprenticeships (focusing on higher and degree apprenticeships) and what are the challenges faced?
Delegates then heard from two university partners who gave an overview of their Apprenticeship offer and Outreach Support. We first heard from Alison Delius, Apprenticeship Outreach Officer, University of West London who outlined the university’s efforts to widen participation in degree apprenticeships, particularly by improving diversity and outreach. She highlighted the university’s outreach offer, which includes workshops on sourcing apprenticeships, applications, interview preparation, and assessment processes. To provide hands-on support, the university runs monthly Apprenticeship Cafés, offering guidance on job searching, interview skills, and employer expectations.
Ann-Marie Richardson, Outreach Manager (Degree Apprenticeships) University of Greenwich, followed and provided an overview of the university’s degree apprenticeship programs. To support learners, the university offers well-being services, academic guidance, and financial assistance, ensuring apprentices feel integrated into the university community. Ann-Marie highlighted Employability Cafés and Taster Days, which help students with CV writing, interview preparation, and employer engagement. She also discussed common misconceptions about apprenticeships and the university’s work with charities and community organisations to enhance outreach and improve access to apprenticeship opportunities.
This was followed by Q+A and Group Discussion, delegates had the opportunity to engage with the speakers, asking any questions. Topics included:
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How universities and employers collaborate in setting entry requirements and assessing candidates.
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Question raised on whether apprentices must achieve a minimum degree classification (e.g., a 2:1 or 2:2) to pass the apprenticeship. Universities confirmed that apprentices are assessed based on whether they meet the apprenticeship standard, with an End Point Assessment (EPA) determining final success.
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Difficulty in accessing nursing and healthcare apprenticeships, as many require prior NHS work experience. It was acknowledged that this as a wider issue and are working with organisations to improve access.
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Structure, delivery & duration of Degree apprenticeships.
The event concluded thanking all participants for their valuable contributions throughout the afternoon.
Further Information
Recording
To view the recording and presentation slides from the day please click here. This link will take you to the Linking London SharePoint Partners' Area. You must be a Linking London member to access this section of the website. If you do not have access, please email info@linkinglondon.ac.uk.