City of Bristol College role in engineering higher level apprenticeships 2012

Abstract

Purpose

City of Bristol College has significant experience of developing and delivering Higher Apprenticeships (HAs). The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of delivering HAs in the engineering sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Information presented in the paper is drawn from the organisation's own experience delivering an HA programme and presents key issues and challenges that it has faced.

Findings

Recent studies within the sector have highlighted dissatisfaction amongst employers that the competence and knowledge elements of apprenticeships traditionally offered were separated and that the “hand skills” elements were omitted from frameworks above level 3. Employers and sector‐wide bodies have worked together to develop a new framework containing all of these elements. Gaining recognition as an “undergraduate apprenticeship” this option is proving attractive for companies.

Originality/value

The paper is based on the author's own experience and employer consultation. It presents a case study of an apprenticeship programme specific to their organisation.

Citation

Catton, P. (2012), "City of Bristol College role in engineering higher level apprenticeships 2012", Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 288-292. https://doi.org/10.1108/20423891211271665