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Hull College Group and TNT leading the way with new Higher Apprenticeships
09 December 2011
Hull College Group has been announced as one of the first providers of new Higher Apprenticeship programmes as part of a Government scheme to restore UK economic growth.
Hull College Group has been announced as one of the first providers of new Higher Apprenticeship programmes as part of a Government scheme to restore UK economic growth.
In its ‘Plan for Growth’, the Government set out its approach to supporting economic recovery and growth, including a £25m investment to help smaller businesses benefit from Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships.
The Government’s aim is to create at least 10,000 additional Higher Apprenticeship places over four years – that will involve partnerships between education and business based on employer demand and support employers to develop the skills they need for sustainable growth. In particular, small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) will benefit most from the funding support. It is also expected that the expansion of Higher Apprenticeships will help to change the perception of apprenticeships for many young people and reduce youth unemployment – now at a 17 year high – by offering new career progression options and a viable alternative to university level qualifications.
Business Secretary Vince Cable revealed the first new Higher Apprenticeships under the £25m fund programme as part of an announcement on Thursday 1st December – which will include Hull College’s new Higher Apprenticeship in Express Logistics.
The College will work in partnership with TNT, the industry giant and European market leader in international courier services, to deliver the Higher Apprenticeship to 60 graduates over 4 years. Vince Cable who made his announcement today (December 1) while touring the South West, visited TNT’s Bodmin depot where he spoke to apprentices who are on level two and three programmes and are aspiring to progress to the higher level apprenticeship courses to become the managers of the future.
Hull College Chief Executive and Principal, Dr Elaine McMahon, CBE comments,
“Higher Apprenticeships have much to offer. They will provide exciting new employment opportunities, progression options and higher earning potential for apprentices, while at the same time supporting employers to develop higher skills within their workforce and increase productivity and innovation that will boost the economy. The Higher Apprenticeship Fund programme will play a key role in restoring economic growth”.
“Hull College Group has a long and successful history of working with TNT and we are proud to launch this qualification in partnership, which will ensure that the framework delivers skills based on employer demand”.
“Strong education and business partnerships will be a key feature of Higher Apprenticeships – this is exemplified in our approach and the decision to launch the first new programmes from TNT’s depot.”
Malcolm Pickup, Head of People Performance and Development, said: “Our people at TNT are our lifeblood and key differentiator in the marketplace. Improving their capability for today and tomorrow will drive business growth, a key factor in ensuring the longevity of the business. Our apprenticeship programmes will form the foundation of our employees’ development journey at every level in every discipline.
“Our Higher Level Apprenticeships will offer school leavers the opportunity to earn while they learn utilising workplace learning effectively and provide an alternative to the traditional university-based approach. On completion of successful pilots it is planned to provide these opportunities throughout the UK.”
Mr Cable said: “Cornwall is home to a diverse range of dynamic businesses that are selling their products and services to countries around the world, supporting growth and jobs for local people.
“Earlier this week, the Government announced how we are supporting companies like the ones I’m visiting today so they can reach their full potential. We’re investing record amounts in apprenticeships, helping more small and medium sized businesses export and making it easier for these companies to get the finance they need.”
