National Apprenticeship Week: Basingstoke College of Technology urges firms to upskill

Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) is calling on more businesses to consider apprenticeships to upskill their workforce.

One of Hampshire’s largest apprenticeship providers, the college offers courses in administration, marketing, management, business, HR, education and accountancy, as well as the more widely covered fields of construction, early years, health and social care, engineering and hairdressing.

Over the past seven years, more than 1,700 apprentices have entered the workforce after graduating from programmes at BCoT.

However, this National Apprenticeship Week, the college wants more businesses to use higher level apprenticeships as a way of giving new skills to their current employees and encouraging people into professional employment.

Apprenticeships at level 4 and above are often taken up by experienced members of the workforce seeking to achieve qualifications to complement their working practices.

These employees are already doing professional jobs in their organisations and want qualifications to reflect their work.

“It’s time for a different mindset towards apprenticeships and to recognise their immense potential for all ages and career stages,” said Kathryn Howarth, head of apprenticeships and work-based learning at BCoT.

“They’re an excellent choice for school leavers to kick start their careers, but they’re so much more than that.

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for organisations to provide quality training for their employees or fill new roles.

“There’s a clear need to address skills gaps and mismatches in the workforce across many sectors, and apprenticeships are a proven route for current employees to fill these roles while helping these employees to advance their careers or support prospective workers to gain employment.”

Details about the government’s new growth and skills levy, which aims to help employers access a broader range of training offers, are expected later this year.

But BCoT is urging businesses not to delay in investing in higher-level apprenticeships.

“In the past, the start of a new year would’ve been busy with new programmes, but it’s quieter this year,” Kathryn added.

“We believe that businesses are waiting to see what impact the new levy will have.

“But in reality, the changes are unlikely to have a significant impact on the majority of higher-level apprenticeships.

“Currently, Basingstoke’s rate of employment is above the national average, which is excellent for the region.

“We do, however, have more of our population with lower levels of academic qualifications than the national average, and apprenticeships are exceptionally helpful in correcting that imbalance.

“Higher levels of academic qualification result in higher paid employment, which is what we want in the Basingstoke area.” 

BCoT has more than 30 apprenticeships currently available and aims to launch a further 10 later this year.

It can also create bespoke training provisions in line with a company’s needs and skills.

Oliver Greenwood is currently undertaking a Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship with Vitacress Salads.

He joined Vitacress in 2019 before embarking on the company’s graduate placement programme, from which he was promoted to HR officer.

His apprenticeship sees him studying at BCoT’s campus one evening a week alongside his full-time role at Vitacress Salads in St Mary Bourne.

“I’ve been able to progress my career at Vitacress over the years, and the Level 5 apprenticeship was the next step on that journey,” said Oliver.

“It’s broadened my perspectives, and I’ve developed new skills that I can use every day.

“I’ve enjoyed the theory part of the course, which I’m applying in my work – but not only that, it’s helped me elevate my impact within the company and grown my confidence, which in turn has enabled me to broaden my responsibilities.”