Apprenticeships in Humberside
There are currently over 2,500 young people in Humberside undertaking an Apprenticeship or Advanced Apprenticeship with 33 Apprenticeship Providers delivering that training in the sub-region. The provision is varied and includes most occupational areas from accountancy to warehousing, delivered by a vast array of Work Based Learning providers including employers, charities, employer based Group Training Associations (GTAs) as well as private training companies, colleges, national providers and local authorities.

Apprenticeship skill areas reflect the changing economy of the sub-region with a large percentage training in business administration (16%) but with the traditional trades, such as engineering still well represented (11%). The high concentration of chemical companies in the areas around Hull and Immingham are reflected in the significant number of apprentices in engineering construction, polymer processing and chemical/pharmaceutical industries.

CFL (Consortium for Learning) is the organisation that represents the training providers in the Humberside. A full list of providers delivering Apprenticeships can be found at www.cflhumber.com.

NB You will need to click on the Apprenticeships logo to access the information. You should also visit one of the three local on-line 14-19 prospectuses:

North and North East Lincolnshire

East Riding

Hull

As you will discover in the main part of this website, an Apprenticeship can open up doors to higher level qualifications on a full-time, part-time or flexible basis at University, Higher Education College or through your Apprenticeship Provider.

Useful links
LSC Site

Connexions

Lifelong Learning Network

Aimhigher Humber Resource Portal

Aimhigher
“My Apprenticeship gave me such a good start, I feel very lucky because I have got more than six years work experience, no student debt and if all goes well, I’ll have my degree in a few weeks time”

Gareth - Apprenticeship in Electrical Installations

Higher level learning does not just mean degrees, there are a range of higher level qualifications available from NVQs at levels 4 and 5, Foundation Degrees or a Diploma of HE. Universities and Higher Education Colleges recognise Advanced Apprenticeships as part of their entry requirements.

Higher Level learning Myths explained

1. You’ve got to be brainy to go into higher level learning and I’m not!
In Higher Education Institutions, they don’t just look at your grades and qualifications achieved, but also your outside interests, work experience and how you do in the interview. To progress to an NVQ at level 4 or 5, it is your competency in carrying out activities within your job role that is required to achieve the qualification.

2. You’ve got to have at least 3 A Levels to get into University!
This will depend on each college or University and the course you choose, however an Advanced Apprenticeship provides you with the level you need to progress into many courses in HE. Colleges and Universities are changing their prospectuses to include Advanced Apprenticeships as an entry requirement, however this may take time. It is worth investigating further the entry requirements for the course you are interested in.

3. Higher level learning involves lectures and essays.
This will depend on the Higher Level qualification you choose to undertake. If you progress onto an NVQ at level 4 or 5, the way in which you complete your qualification will be similar to that of your Apprenticeship, as it is completed whilst you are at work on the job. Higher level qualifications in college or university will require a different set of skills and there are many modules that can support you in obtaining these skills prior to commencing the qualification. Contact the higher education institution or your Apprenticeship Provider for further information.

4. In HE, you spend 3 years just studying for a degree!
This is up to you and the choices you make. Some courses can be taken part-time over a longer period, many can be completed over a shorter period, and some consist of modules which you can decide as you progress what you want to achieve and how long it will take you.

5. If I go onto higher level learning, I’ll be skint all the time and have massive debts!
If you progress onto a higher level NVQ you will already be working, therefore your employer may contribute to the training costs. A number of courses in higher education institutions are part time or modular, so you can continue working whilst studying. However if you wish to complete a full time course you may get help with fees through grants or student loans. A student loan is not repayable until you are earning £15,000, at which point you start to repay your loan bit by bit. For further information on help towards fees visit the support websites listed.

6. I’m already sorted with a job, so I don’t need to get higher level qualifications!
Achieving higher level qualifications will enable you to progress in your career, as it will show motivation and commitment to the company and may even provide an increase in pay! Gaining higher level qualifications opens doors for many opportunities including other occupations and higher level positions.

Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs)
“Doing a Higher Apprenticeship is hard work but it’s a fantastic way to learn”
Stephen Gardner, Director of Apprenticeships, Learning and Skills Council.

In the Humber sub-region, through Aimhigher funding, Higher Level Apprenticeships are being developed. These will deliver both an Apprenticeship and higher-level qualification, such as a Foundation Degree.

One such project, funded by Aimhigher, involved the development of a new Foundation Degree in Automotive Technologies. Jackie McAndrew and Angela Shaw, working at the University of Hull, conducted some research into the development of a HLA at level 4 in Automotive Technologies, which was launched in September 2006. The HLA contained professional qualifications and 120 Level 4 credits towards the University of Hull validated FD in Automotive Technologies. Successful HLA completers were able to have advanced standing entry to Level 5 of the FD and subsequently to Honours level if they chose. They also acquired both their Automotive Trades Accreditation (ATA) Diagnostic Technician Status and their ATA Master Technician Status.