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Running since 2017, Bedfordshire’s variety of tailored Apprenticeship programmes are run in partnership with companies looking to offer their employees additional training and personal development.

Covering the Business, Health and STEM sectors, these programmes are funded by the partner businesses involved in the scheme in compliance with the government’s . Through working with the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeship programmes, partner businesses can offer their employees valuable access to practical and professional skills, complemented with high quality teaching and training. Upon completion, apprentices will receive university level qualifications, such as a Degree or Certificate of Higher Education.

To mark the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ has launched a dedicated webpage, featuring case studies and Q&As with staff, to help showcase the benefits of the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s Apprenticeship programme and encourage more companies to get involved:

David Williams, Senior Business Tutor and Apprentice Coordinator, said: "The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is pleased to support National Apprenticeship Week 2021. We have been offering Apprenticeship programmes for many years and are proud of our track record in helping employees develop new skills for the workplace.

"Apprenticeships have many benefits to both the individual and the organisation, and the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic has confirmed the value of apprentice schemes – such as flexibility in terms of the delivery models and relevance in supporting ever-changing work based activities.Ìý The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is happy to continue to support and build apprenticeships as a way of managing and developing talent."

A campaign spearheaded every year by the government’s Department for Education, helps to showcase the opportunities apprenticeships offer to both participants and their employers, as well as the wider economy, such as developing and retaining high calibre staff.

The UK’s Apprenticeships & Skills Minister, Gillian Keegan, said: "National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to shine a light on how apprentices of all ages and backgrounds are helping to transform businesses across the country. As a former apprentice I know what a life changing experience it can be, and I’m looking forward to seeing first-hand the inspiring ways apprentices and their employers continue to deliver."

The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is currently offering a variety of Apprenticeship programmes for employers to consider, including Cybersecurity, Data Analysis, Food Science & Technology, Digital Solutions, Senior Leadership and Project Management – all lasting between 18 and 48 months.

A full list of prospective apprenticeship schemes can also be found in the 2021 edition of the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s CPD and Apprenticeships Brochure.

Businesses and employers interested in finding out how to get involved should email apprenticeships@beds.ac.uk or call 0800 328 5334 for more information.