Rebecca Scott

Apprenticeship case study

Rebecca Scott

‘Apprenticeships are an excellent tool to address skills gaps’ – University of Bristol encourage employers to consider taking on apprentices

A Russell Group university partnered with City of Bristol College to launch eXcelBristol to support the recruitment of apprentices in the workplace and is now encouraging more employers to consider taking on an apprentice.

The University of Bristol is one of the top-ranking universities in the country but did you know it is very committed to supporting students into the workforce through paid apprenticeships?

The university, based in the city centre, has five apprentices and has been employing them for more than seven years in its Professional Services and Technical areas.

Employability and Opportunity Manager, Rebecca Scott, said: “Other than simply being a great way to contribute positively to the region’s social mobility, apprenticeships are an excellent tool for organisations to be able to address skills gaps and plan succession by creating career entry level points across a wide range of professional disciplines.

“For organisations with roles with more unique skills sets, apprenticeships can be a great way of developing new employees with the required skill sets as part of a longer-term workforce plan.

“Apprenticeships cater for a wide range of learners and a targeted approach to apprenticeships may support an organisation diversity and inclusion plans.”

City of Bristol College worked with the University of Bristol to launch eXcelBristol in September 2019 which aims to recruit apprentices as a tool for workforce planning and diversifying the workforce.

Rebecca added: “Apprenticeships are an excellent way to provide an accessible alternative career pathway for those who may have faced barriers with the more traditional routes into employment. Providing a way for apprentices to be able to learn professional and practical skills from experts, supported with a qualification standard ranging from GCSE to Masters, and all while receiving a salary is brilliant.”

Rebecca encouraged other businesses to follow in their steps and said the university was ‘keen to learn from others’ and they were happy to share their learning with anyone considering it.

The manager also praised the partnership with the college, saying she ‘really enjoyed working’ with the team during the launch of eXcelBristol.

She added: “We have been very pleased with the support and expertise provided as we aspire to increase our trainee roles. Our apprentices also received tuition and support which was greatly appreciated during these unsettling times!”

In support of National Apprenticeship Week 2021, our Apprenticeship team is running a Virtual Employer Event from now until February 12th from 9am-5pm each day where you can get in contact and ask about how to recruit apprentices and take advantage of the Apprenticeship Levy and incentives.

To get in contact with the team, call 0117 312 5250 or email apprentice@cityofbristol.ac.uk or visit the Employer page of our website.

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