Apprenticeships for university employees
Find out about the apprenticeship training opportunities and processes for existing university employees
Funding
Apprenticeship training is funded by the Growth and Skills Levy and is available to staff of all ages and grades. Please note that the levy pays for the apprenticeship training, not the employee's salary.
Eligibility
To start an apprenticeship, you must meet national government requirements (e.g. citizenship, residency, and minimum contracted hours).
You must be on a Permanent role or fixed term contract that cover the full length of the apprenticeship. Apprenticeships require significant commitment — minimum 8 months or more — so both you and your manager must be willing to commit to successfully complete the programme.
Your apprenticeship should help you gain new skills. You won’t be eligible if you already hold a higher-level qualification or extensive experience in the same field, though you can apply if retraining into a new area. Your current role must align with the programme content and offer opportunities for on-the-job learning.
Our Work Learn Develop apprenticeship programmes provide funded professional training and development opportunities for University staff. The apprenticeship programmes cover a wide range of core administrative skills and specialist technical areas. All are nationally accredited and offer recognised professional qualifications.
Find an Apprenticeship Programme:
1. Explore your training area
Browse the apprenticeship programmes currently available to find one that suits your interests.
If you can’t find a suitable course, visit the Skills England website for more options (programmes must be relevant to your current role). If you are unsure, please contact the Apprenticeship Team and they will connect you with the relevant training provider to discuss whether your chosen programme is suitable for your role.
2. Learn about apprenticeships
Read our Information slides to understand how apprenticeship training works at the University and what’s expected from departments.
If you have questions, contact the Apprenticeship Team
3. Contact the Apprenticeships Team
Complete the Expression of Interest form and submit it along with your JD. (This form must be signed by your manager and an authorised signatory within your department (such as the HR Manager, HAF, or HOD).
They’ll check whether the University already has an approved provider for your chosen course.
4. Speak with training providers
The Apprenticeships Team will arrange a discussion between you, your line manager and potential training providers to ensure the course meets your needs.
You will be asked for your job description to assess suitability and expectations.
5. Make your decision
Discuss your options with your manager and decide if you’re ready to commit.
Contact the Apprenticeships Team to confirm your decision — do not sign any provider contracts without their approval.
6. Eligibility and enrolment
Once you’re ready, please complete and sign the Existing Staff Apprenticeship Agreement and send it to the Apprenticeships Team. The training provider will then send you the enrolment application forms.
FAQs
Apprenticeship programmes are open to all Existing Employee on permanent roles or fixed term contract that covers the full length of their apprenticeship, regardless of age or grade.
The University has contracted with over 50 Training providers, these include, Universities, colleges and private training providers.
Your current role will need to support the training and development required for your chosen apprenticeship programme. This means that your role must provide opportunities to practise and develop your skills 'on the job'. For example, if you want to undertake a management course you will need to have some level of management responsibility in your current duties, and the course will support you as you develop a higher level of management skills. Apprenticeship programmes cannot be funded unless this requirement for on-the-job training is met.
You will need to commit to completing all elements of the agreed training programme. These may include any of the following:
- day release for professional training
- regular assessment and observation visits in the workplace
- completion of assignments
- a portfolio of evidence
- an End Point Assessment
Employees who are on part-time hours can still go onto an apprenticeship course, although it is recommended this is at least 30 hours a week*. Please discuss your hours with the training provider who will be able to work out how much longer your apprenticeship would take.
- Your current job role provides sufficient work-based opportunities to support the course objectives
- You have professional learning needs which are a good fit for the programme
- Your manager supports your application and will release you from work to undertake the required training and assessment
Please follow the step-by-step process above and contact the apprenticeships team with any questions.
Useful Documents
DOWNLOAD EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM
DOWNLOAD EXISTING EMPLOYEE APPRENTICESHIP AGREEMENT
Related content
Contact us
Apprenticeships Team
T: +44 1865 270034
