As the UK’s European university, and as an institution committed to internationalisation across all areas the University of Kent values international opportunities for all members of its community. the University of Kent has long since offered its students the chance to study abroad and now this is an opportunity open to higher and degree apprentices as well. Time spent studying or working abroad helps students develop transferable skills and boost their employability.
There are a range of practical benefits of enabling apprentices to spend some of their time training abroad. For example, apprentices may benefit from specialist training or experiences only available at specialist overseas sites – either within your own company or as part of a rotation-, alternatively you may wish to offer an apprenticeship in a role that is inherently international and requires time to be spent abroad.
Providing training abroad opportunities for apprentices is straightforward. You might have a placement location in mind – either at an overseas branch of your company or perhaps with an employer partner in another country – alternatively, Kent can help identify an overseas partner.
Apprentices are able to spend up to 50% of the duration of their apprenticeship training at an international location but the exact amount of time they spend abroad is up to you as an employer. Kent’s blended learning approach to apprenticeships means that our programmes have the flexibility to seamlessly incorporate training abroad.
Online teaching, remote access to support service and internationally adept staff available to carry out workplace visits, mean apprentices can enjoy the same excellent study experience from whichever location you choose, whilst removing the need for apprentices to regularly return the UK.
As an internationally-minded university, we have an extensive network of overseas partners as well as four European study centres. This means that we are well placed to offer in country support. We will also take care of pre-departure support to ensure apprentices are well prepared and have the knowledge and information they need – including the provision of foreign language tuition where required.
International opportunities like these are ones not to be missed, the benefits they afford apprentices and the support provided by Kent mean they are an excellent way to challenge and develop apprentices, strengthening your organisations international links, whilst importantly bringing new knowledge and approaches to your team.
For more information about international apprenticeships please contact apprenticeships@kent.ac.uk
For more information about international opportunities at Kent more broadly visit www.kent.ac.uk/global