Apprenticeships are as beneficial to employers as they are to employees, and open doors to new knowledge, opportunities and approaches. Within STEM industries, giving employees an invaluable mixture of on- and off-the-job training is one of the best ways to fill skills gaps and stay up-to-date with current developments.
Opportunities to learn
By interacting with both academics and co-workers, STEM apprentices can learn from people of different backgrounds and expertise, and knowledge can be passed on to other employees. This allows fresh perspectives to enter your company, which should lead to new developments and approaches to tasks.
Tailored programmes
Like other higher and degree apprenticeships, STEM apprenticeships are developed with, and for, employers. This means that the programme links the knowledge provided to work-based learning and apprentice employment wherever possible. Furthermore, each apprenticeship programme is specifically tailored to your business, providing knowledge which will serve you best. Students are therefore educated in the theoretical and practical aspects of your industry, and can relate this knowledge to their role within your business.
Upskill existing employees
Apprenticeships are not only accessible for new hires, but are a great way to upskill existing employees. This gives staff the opportunity to progress within the business as they can further their knowledge, or perhaps specialise in a specific area of the business. Using higher and degree apprenticeships as a way of upskilling is also a fantastic way to increase staff retention, as the opportunity for progression is a great incentive.
The University of Kent has worked in partnership with leading employers to deliver apprenticeships since 2011. Working with us, you can draw on our experience working with leading employers such as GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and AstraZeneca.
If you are interested in one of our STEM apprenticeships, find out more here or contact us by emailing apprenticeships@kent.ac.uk.