8 reasons you should launch an apprenticeship scheme with UCEM
Posted on: 30 October, 2024
Here are several reasons why you should consider launching your apprenticeship scheme with UCEM as your education provider.
Degree apprenticeships are an increasingly popular model of learning in the England. With the Apprenticeship Levy soon to be replaced with the launch of Skills England and the Growth and Skills Levy, there’s optimism that the take up of apprenticeship schemes in the built environment will continue to rise.
If you’re interested in apprenticeships and are looking to make use of the training funds available to you, now is a great time to get started. Here are several reasons you should consider working with UCEM.
1. Flexibility
As a fully-online education provider, learning at UCEM takes place on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – a centralised platform that provides easy access to everything students need for their studies. This means that your apprentices don’t have to travel to attend a physical campus for their education, and that their studies can more easily be structured around work commitments.
This inherent flexibility works well in tandem with the four-day working, one-day studying apprenticeship model – students can access lectures on demand if they’re unable to attend live sessions, so their devoted study days can be easily changed to support the needs of your business. As Sam Cheesman, Training Co-ordinator at AECOM, told us:
“UCEM’s online learning model offers flexibility, accessibility and is cost effective, both for AECOM and for the apprentice. It allows the apprentice to learn at their own pace, which often works well with work schedules.”
2. Consistency of experience
UCEM has provided education for thousands of students over the years from across the world, delivering the same quality of learning for each student on every programme regardless of their location. For employers, this means you can expect a consistent and uniform standard of education for your apprentices and that they are able to study together, no matter where they are based.
Learn more: Why SMEs should reconsider apprenticeships
3. Apprenticeship Outcome Officers
At UCEM, every apprentice has an appointed Apprenticeship Outcome Officer (AOO) who provides dedicated support throughout their studies. Each AOO is an expert in all things non-academic, and can offer guidance and assistance when it comes to organisation, time management and any other concerns or challenges.
UCEM’s AOOs have a wealth of experience dealing with a variety of situations and are all mental health first aid trained. They also have excellent links throughout the institution, including with UCEM’s academics.
As Sadaqat Hussain, Surveyor at CBRE and former apprentice at UCEM, commented:
“UCEM’s Apprenticeship Outcome Officer (AOO) system was extremely helpful during COVID. I had Jenny Cairns, who is amazing. She was someone who I never actually met until I graduated, but I built such a great relationship with her. When things did get difficult, she was able to break things down and help me understand things better.”
Learn about Sadaqat’s journey >
It’s not just the apprentices who receive support at UCEM. AOOs also connect with the apprentices’ line managers, looping them into communications and adding them to schedule review meetings. This helps ensure that employers are updated on the progress apprentices are making, too.
4. Business Development
UCEM’s Business Development Team are trusted intermediaries between UCEM and the employer. They are integral in ensuring the success of apprenticeships and manage all active accounts, providing a named individual with whom employers can communicate. This ensures that any issues can be dealt with in a timely manner and prevents matters from escalating.
The Business Development Team have a thorough understanding of the complexities of apprenticeships, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) pathways, as well as excellent links into RICS, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and other professional bodies. They also have excellent internal relationships across UCEM with other teams, including academic staff, student support, finance and the apprenticeship delivery team.
5. Quality of academics
UCEM’s academics come from a wealth of backgrounds. Many are former or practising industry professionals with firsthand experience and knowledge of the industries they operate in, giving employers confidence that the content of the course will align with an apprentice’s day-to-day responsibilities.
6. Right apprentice, right programme
When it comes to apprenticeships, one of UCEM’s is principles is right apprentice, right programme. This means that UCEM work closely with businesses to ensure that each apprentice is enrolled on a programme that matches both their interests and the needs of the employer.
UCEM also work with employers to make sure they understand the experience they need to provide for the apprentice to pass their End Point Assessment (EPA).
Learn more: How apprenticeships can help you with succession planning
7. Access to resources
As an online institution, UCEM offers apprentices access to study materials via the eLibrary – a resource home to thousands of documents from the touch of a button. Unlike physical campuses, there’s no need to wait for a hard copy of any study materials to be available or to even purchase any books for students.
8. Monitoring
Engagement via the VLE is monitored to ensure that apprentices are progressing in their studies and allowing us to flag any concerns or issues quickly.
Along with checking in on their learning experience, AOO reviews also cover how apprentices are developing in their own day-to-day work, to ensure they’re developing the right skills and behaviours and that their studies are aligning with their responsibilities.
With experience onboarding and supporting hundreds of apprentices every year across multiple pathways, UCEM has the expertise to guide you through every stage of the journey. If you’re interested in launching an apprenticeship scheme, find out more: Employer Apprenticeships – University College of Estate Management
