Employer Engagement

It’s clear from the outset that employer expectations sit at the heart of current apprenticeship programme development, with the employer-led ‘Trailblazer’ groups responsible for the design and development of new Apprenticeship Standards.

To see if there is an apprenticeship to match a course at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) you can begin your research at the Institute for Apprenticeships

HDAs, PT study and SHU’s applied agenda from LTA Multimedia on Vimeo.

 

Compliance Badge Do not forget that through the three-way commitment statement, the employer has clear responsibilities to ensure a successful apprenticeship experience too.

During delivery, the provider course team must engage with the Apprentice learner and their employer to conduct the three way review.

The frequency of these reviews is typically set out in each separate Appprenticeship standard (often quarterly, or every 10-12 weeks as often cited by apprenticeship providers). Course teams should consider how these can be conducted through electronic media and make some of these part of well-timed assignment submissions to alleviate the compliance requirements and integrate these with the analytical and reflective activities that can bring the asessment strategy into the realms of work-based learning good practice.  The inclusion of a three way review as an appendix to a reflective blog would meet a number of objectives through a well planned assessment activity. Contact DEEP for on-going developments on a blended approach to work-based learning modules, being brought together through the Apprenticeships Work-Based Learning Group.
Good Practice Badge Whether a Higher and Degree Apprenticeship (HDA) programme exists already or is being developed according to bespoke employer requirements, the employer can be engaged in a range of ways:

  • During course development, tailoring HDA design and content to specific organisational needs
  • During course delivery, engaging the employer in a range of activities including employer-led content delivery, employer hosted development days, feedback and discussion forums and celebration of achievement events
  • Following the academic delivery stage, as the employer supports an apprentice in the workplace towards their End Point Assessment (EPA)

Engaging employers in this way can promote enduring relationships with SHU and give rise to further business development opportunities including consultancy, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) and further educational activity.
Case Study Badge See the case study section for a employer engagement example

 

For further information, please contact the Directorate of Education and Employer Partnerships (DEEP)