Apprenticeships for Employers

Apprentices benefit from increased skills and enhanced employability through a programme combining work and study, while employers gain from greater productivity, improved business performance and higher employee retention.

Higher and degree apprenticeships are an alternative to traditional university study, giving your employees the opportunity to obtain a higher qualification, learn professional skills and gain specialist knowledge. 

We work with organisations across Wales and England to develop collaborative, responsive and resilient partnerships - we will work with you closely at every stage, from initial programme development to graduation. We understand the training levy, and the processes involved in developing degree apprenticeship programmes.

The current scope of degree apprenticeships in Wales is limited to priority areas identified by Welsh Government and Regional Skills Partnerships. USW is happy to meet with employers from any sector to explore their needs.

In line with Government strategy USW currently offer the following Degree apprenticeships in Wales:

Click to view degree apprenticeship vacancies

The learning and part-time study element of an apprenticeship fits around the job commitment and will be agreed with the employer. You might attend one day per week (‘day release’), in blocks of a week or more (‘block release’), or study online. Some schemes use a combination of options.

Apprentices complete assessments during and at the end of the programme, which tests both academic learning and occupational competence developed through on-the-job training.  Find details of what you will learn in the standard or framework for each apprenticeship, and how your learning and skills will be assessed in the assessment plan for your particular apprenticeship.  

Click to view degree apprenticeship vacancies

Apprenticeships are funded through the Government in Wales and made available through the training provider, USW.  Whilst the training Is fully funded the employer is responsible for the employment package of their apprentice. 

Many employers advertise roles with a ‘competitive salary’. This could mean the salary and benefits will be in line with similar roles for other organisations, or that it depends on your current skills and experience. 

Our work-based learning opportunities offer many benefits to businesses large and small.

To discuss the range of apprenticeship opportunities at USW, or if you would like a member of our team to evaluate your work-based learning needs, contact us on 01443 482203 or at [email protected]

Apprentices benefit from increased skills and enhanced employability through a programme combining work and study, while employers gain from greater productivity, improved business performance and higher employee retention.

Higher and degree apprenticeships are an alternative to traditional university study, giving your employees the opportunity to obtain a higher qualification, learn professional skills and gain specialist knowledge. 

We work with organisations across Wales and England to develop collaborative, responsive and resilient partnerships - we will work with you closely at every stage, from initial programme development to graduation. We understand the training levy, and the processes involved in developing degree apprenticeship programmes.

The current scope of degree apprenticeships in England is broad and although limited to priority areas these areas cover a variety of sectors.  Informed by Government,  working with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP’s) and Trailblazer groups, the degree apprenticeship offer in England is driven by employer need and demand. 

USW is happy to meet with employers from any sector to explore their needs.

In line with Government strategy USW currently offer the following Degree apprenticeships in England:

Click to view degree apprenticeship vacancies

The learning and part-time study element of an apprenticeship fts around the job commitment and will be agreed with the employer. You might attend one day per week (‘day release’), in blocks of a week or more (‘block release’), or study online. Some schemes use a combination of options.

Apprentices complete assessments during and at the end of the programme, which tests both academic learning and occupational competence developed through on-the-job training.  Find details of what you will learn in the standard or framework for each apprenticeship, and how your learning and skills will be assessed in the assessment plan for your particular apprenticeship.  

Click to view degree apprenticeship vacancies

When an apprentice reaches the end of their training, the employer (supported by the training provider) will make the decision on whether or not the apprentice is ready to take the EPA - the decision process or stage is known as the "gateway".

USW, as a Higher Education Institution with degree awarding powers, will act as the Apprenticeship Provider and the End Point Assessor (EPA) provider. It is recognised that for integrated delivery, the approach does not remove the requirement for an EPA. USW will assume responsibility for the EPA rather than a separate independent end-point assessment organisation.

EPAs are carried out by experienced, occupationally competent Independent End Point Assessors. They are comprehensively trained and standardised and are subject to ongoing quality monitoring.

USW is committed to providing high-quality EPAs which are assessed and awarded consistently, accurately and fairly.

The following policies apply to USW's provision of EPA:

EPA Fair Access Policy

EPA Conflict of Interest Policy

Apprenticeships are funded through the Government and the Apprenticeship Levy in England.  Large employers, who pay into the national Apprenticeship levy, can draw down funding from their levy pot to fund apprenticeships.  Smaller employers can still access apprenticeship provision and are largely subsidised with SME’s making a small contribution.  

Whilst the training Is largely funded the employer is responsible for the employment package of their apprentice.  Many employers advertise roles with a ‘competitive salary’. This could mean the salary and benefits will be in line with similar roles for other organisations, or that it depends on your current skills and experience.

USW recognise that this might be confusing for many employers and have made representatives available to support any employer to get ready to employ through the apprenticeship rout.

Our work-based learning opportunities offer many benefits to businesses large and small.

To discuss the range of apprenticeship opportunities at USW, or if you would like a member of our team to evaluate your work-based learning needs, contact us on 01443 482203 or at [email protected]