Why degree apprenticeships are perfect for employers

Apprenticeships are a great way for people of all ages and backgrounds to gain vital skills for their chosen career; and provides employers with a valuable working force.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we have spoken to both apprentices and employers on our schemes to find out why they are so rewarding.

Helena Newton is Head of Services (Accommodation Essex and Day Nursery).

For Helena and her team, the accommodation process is becoming increasingly web-based so there is a real need to adapt to new technology in a competitive market.

Helena worked with the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) and the Apprenticeship Hub to get Dragos Pavel's apprenticeship in motion.

She said: “I was really well supported throughout the whole process. The School and the apprenticeship team made it so easy as they were on hand to explain everything, from delivery to compliance when completing forms to how it would benefit the business.”

Helena believes apprenticeships are the best way to expand on knowledge, expertise and keep staff motivated in their roles.

She said: “I believe apprenticeships aid retention as staff members feel more energised in their role and boosts enthusiasm for their work.

"In my experience it has made our system much more efficient and we can now acquire information we need more quickly.”

Helena would recommend apprenticeships for employers looking to expand the skills in their workforce.

She said: “The rewards you get back are two-fold – you have an increase in efficiency and the additional knowledge apprentices gain on their course can be shared in the workplace.

“You need to achieve a balance and think about how you can fully support your apprentice but the commitment is so worth it.”

Apply for our degree apprenticeships

As well as apprenticeships in Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, the University also offers apprenticeships in Health and Social care and an AMBA accredited Master of Business Administration Degree Apprenticeship at Essex Business School.

For more information about apprenticeships at Essex, please email apprenticeships@essex.ac.uk or visit our apprenticeships pages.