University of Bristol
The University of Bristol has offered an Apprenticeship programme since 1996. In total places have been offered to 140 apprentices in three main areas: Business Administration, Crafts (Carpentry, Electrical Engineering, Heating and Ventilation/Plumbing, Mechanical Engineering and Painting and Decorating) and Information Technology. In addition the University has also offered a small number of Apprenticeships in other areas, such as Catering and Accountancy, and is considering future opportunities in Customer Service.
Christian Carter, the University’s HR manager considers that the Apprenticeship programme is important in filling areas of specialist skill where there are recruitment difficulties and ensuring flexibility to respond recruitment difficulties:
‘There is a big advantage in recruiting apprentices in particular to address highly specialised skill requirements…we treat them well and get paid back many times over in terms of getting a highly specialised skilled person in who will remain with us for many years’.
Apprenticeships are also seen as important in raising the morale of the existing workforce:
‘The University has a low level of staff turnover and bringing new young people into the organisation can have a very positive impact on staff morale and motivation. Trainees work alongside existing members of staff and gain skills in mentoring which links with the positive working environment agenda and important part of our Human Resources Strategy.’
Christian believes the support offered by the training partner (Brunel 7 Gordano Training), as well high quality internal apprentice support from Mark Lees and Lucy Howe based in Personnel Services is key to the success of the programme:
‘Our training partner helps the University with recruitment and offers ongoing support and help in dealing with any problems’
Peter Burton manages IT services within the University’s Department of Mathematics which provides IT support for the Department. IT services employs four people including Dennis, their IT Apprentice. Before they got involved in the Apprenticeship programme they would normally recruit someone with a degree and over three years IT experience. Peter considers that the key benefit of recruiting an apprentice is in enabling them to teach someone to think through problems:
‘I have interviewed a lot of people who lack the skills to work their way through new situations when they don’t know what the solution is...by recruiting a young apprentice we are able to provide them with the skills required to problem solve’
He views one of the key benefits of Apprenticeships is in recruiting someone with enthusiasm and keenness: ‘you are taking on someone who wants to learn and is not just coming in to do a job...someone who is coming in at that level really wants to do it’
Dennis Marimo is 19 and is working towards a Level 3 Apprenticeship in IT. Dennis has worked in IT Services in the University since August 2007 and is due to complete his Apprenticeship in August 2010. He has always wanted to work in IT but was first attracted to an Apprenticeship following advice from his family.
Dennis considers that the Apprenticeships was the right choice for him: ‘I am doing what I want to do…you get the experience whilst you are studying. The Apprenticeship is good because I get a certificate and recognition for what I learn which will benefit me in the future’.
In the future Dennis is considering undertaking more training in Computer Networking whilst continuing to work in the University. He feels that completing the Apprenticeship has made him more loyal to his employer: ‘my Apprenticeship was originally going to be one year but they extended my contract...because they decided to keep me on it has made me feel I have been doing something good for them’.
Last Updated: 23/05/2012