Hosted by Yorkshire Business Insider editor, Ian Leech, the panel discussed how degree apprenticeships can address skills gaps and bring new learning into the industry.
The panel included:
- Phil Clarke, head of employer partnerships at Sheffield Hallam University
- Jill Coyle, apprentice programme lead at Nestlé
- Jennifer Guy, head of learning and development at Clipper Logistics
- Damian De Luca, digital academy lead at Servelec
- Fay Lane, apprenticeship relationship manager, Health Education England, North East and Yorkshire
- Felix Kumi Ampofo, assistant director policy and assurance at the Sheffield City Region
Phil Clarke, head of employer partnerships at Sheffield Hallam University said: “We were one of the first universities to develop degree apprenticeships, starting in 2016 and we now run over 30 programmes in sectors including health and social care, food and drink, construction, engineering and digital.
“Degree apprentices bring knowledge and skills from academia into the workplace and boost productivity both for large companies and SMEs”.
Nestle run 8 different degree apprenticeships, including the chartered manager and packaging professional programmes with Sheffield Hallam.
Jill Coyle, apprentice programme lead at Nestlé said: “We love degree apprenticeships because you get that raw talent that you can shape and mould into the business right from the start. They are hungry to learn but in a different way.
“They develop an understanding of what your values are as a business.”
Clipper Logistics currently offer two degree apprenticeships in partnership with Sheffield Hallam, the chartered manager and the supply chain leadership programme.
Jennifer Guy, head of learning and development at Clipper Logistics said: “By the time the learners finish their degree apprenticeship, we find that they are already performing at a higher level than university graduates who join us.
“There have already been successful people who have come through the programme into the business and have risen into management roles much quicker than we would have anticipated.”
Felix Kumi-Ampofo, assistant director policy and assurance at the Sheffield City Region said: “Apprentices are a key part of what we are aiming to do and the shape that our labour market needs to take if our economy is to achieve anywhere near it’s potential.
“We are keen to work with companies to build this approach and keep the number of apprentices growing.
“If you like at South Yorkshire’s economy, it was founded on industrial growth and apprentices are absolutely a central part of making sure that there is a pipeline of skilled and ready talent.
“There is a huge opportunity coming out of this pandemic for young people, but we have to work together to make it happen.”
