Higher Apprenticeships have been designed, with employers, to give companies the opportunity to develop their skills base – whilst building the workforce of the future.
The new Cogent Higher Apprenticeship (HA) for Life Sciences and Chemical Science Professionals is a first for the chemical industry. It is challenging the way that employers recruit their science professionals. The HA:
- Offers a work-based alternative to university
- Means learning can be customised to business needs and contextualised
- Let’s employers tap into new pools of talent – people with an active interest in gaining practical science skills
- Is a cost-effective way to upgrade skills of current employees and help them gain accreditation of their skills
The HA is open to anyone with the aptitude to achieve the qualifications (as long as they are over 16 and not in full-time education). So you may find someone keen to progress from a Laboratory Technician Advanced Apprenticeship (LATA), a BTEC or other relevant vocational qualification, or who may have recently completed A-Levels in science subjects.
Funding
The costs of Higher Apprenticeships vary depending on the level and the provision selected. Apprentices can now apply for a student loan to contribute to their tuition fees. Government grants may be available via a provider. Support for professional registration fees is available through Cogent’s Developing Science Professionals programme up to March 2013.
New £1000 grant for employers seeking to recruit a Higher Apprentice
The Cogent Technical Apprenticeship Service has successfully secured grant funding from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills through the third round of the Employer Investment Fund.
It means that employers seeking to recruit a Higher Apprentice are now eligible for a £1000 no-fuss grant.
Next steps…
For a chat about the HA for Life Sciences and Chemical Science Professionals call the Cogent Technical Apprenticeship Service on 01925 515 217.
