Columnist

Invest in your workforce and see the rewards!

The northeast manufacturing and engineering industries have always played a significant role in the UK. With new investments in the Northeast on the horizon it is important to ensure the region is workforce ready with the right skills in place to drive economic growth. Engineering innovation will help secure a sustainable future and create job opportunities. Now is the time to invest in your workforce.

One great way to develop a workforce is through degree apprenticeships and the University of Sunderland offers a BEng (Hons) Engineering Practice degree apprenticeship. This has been designed and developed in collaboration with industry professionals to meet today’s current engineering industry demands and help develop the skills gaps in the sector.

Their programme has grown year on year in popularity with apprentices dealing with some innovative projects that have contributed to significant advances within the workplace. Their programmes have a wide spectrum of industry engagement, from first tier automotive, automotive OEM’s, large engineering organisations, gas and oil, electronic production, to pharmaceutical companies.

The University runs two apprenticeship options, BEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering Practice and BEng Manufacturing Engineering Practice. Both options develop essential skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to be an outstanding engineer. The diverse range of engineering organisations working with the University provide great opportunities for apprentices to share ideas, develop new innovative concepts and think broadly about solutions to challenges.

Peter Usher the Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Leader has highlighted

“the wide spectrum of backgrounds of apprentices and their companies allows for a unique development of innovate ideas and solutions to be investigated and progressed both in the academic realm and the apprentices’ workplace.”

The University of Sunderland Engineering Practice degree apprenticeship is a 3-year programme which is suitable for upskilling existing employees or attracting new talent. It offers employers a cost-effective solution to develop the workforce. For employees with extensive experience or a level 4 or 5 related qualification (e.g. HNC or HND) there is the opportunity to join the second or third year of the programme.

The design of this apprenticeship allows apprentices to specialise in a subject area but uses common modules for cross fertilisation of ideas and approaches through different industry sectors. The programme involves participation in active projects and knowledge exchange which can help to improve business operational effectiveness. The projects undertaken include wider knowledge and exposure to concepts such as Industry 4.0 and Lean methodologies.

Businesses can benefit from funding to support apprenticeships. For levy-paying employers it’s an opportunity to attract talent to your business, train your staff and enjoy the ultimate return on investment from your levy payments. For smaller businesses, the Government will fund up to 95% of apprenticeship tuition fees. Employers can also claim an incentive payment of £3,000 for employing a new apprentice of any age before 30 September 2021.

The BEng (Hons) Engineering Practice degree apprenticeship programme is due to start 24th September 2021. There are a series of information events taking place over the coming weeks which will provide an opportunity to discuss the programme in detail. Register your place here.

To find out further information visit the Engineering Practice apprenticeship programme website or contact apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk

Watch this space as the University is working with engineering organisations to roll out a Post Graduate Engineer Masters degree apprenticeship in 2022!

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by University of Sunderland .