Careermag Lifelong learning 04 21 digital v3a | Page 31

The Open University , as the largest degree apprenticeship provider in England , is seeing the incredible impact of apprenticeships on a daily basis . apprenticeship provider in England , is seeing the incredible impact of apprenticeships on a daily basis .
ADULT APPRENTICESHIPS
The Open University , as the largest degree apprenticeship provider in England , is seeing the incredible impact of apprenticeships on a daily basis . apprenticeship provider in England , is seeing the incredible impact of apprenticeships on a daily basis .
Take for example , Fiaz . Fiaz was a manager in a bar and he wanted a change in his career . He applied to be a Police Constable Degree Apprentice at North Yorkshire Police , as he wanted to make a positive contribution to his local community . He ’ s now retraining in a completely new sector , is learning and earning and will gain a degree with invaluable experience in the police force .
I ’ ve also met the inspiring Anthony . Anthony worked as a healthcare assistant in the NHS and his colleagues noticed his potential and encouraged him to apply for the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship . He ’ s now on his way to becoming a qualified nurse , with the costs of his degree covered by his employer via the Apprenticeship Levy . Anthony has a family so is able to fit his study and apprenticeship around his commitments .
OU apprenticeships are ideal for older learners because many have caring or parental responsibilities . This makes apprenticeships an attractive option because it ’ s not possible for many to give up work or relocate and do a traditional degree at a brick university .
The OU ’ s apprenticeships help address skills gaps in key areas , including digital , management , leadership , social work , policing and healthcare . Our teaching model is a blended one , with world-renowned online teaching combined with specialist face to face tutor support .
For more information visit www . open . ac . uk / business or if you would like to view national apprenticeship vacancies , visit www . gov . uk / apply-apprenticeship
About the author
Laura Burley heads up The Open University ’ s external affairs function for apprenticeships , working with governments , parliamentarians , employers and apprentices .
The OU is the largest provider of degree apprenticeships in England ( based on 19 / 20 starts ), with over 2,700 apprentices on programme . Laura has been at the OU since 2012 and is passionate about how education can transform life chances , at any age or stage .
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