Information for Employers
Find out what to expect, how to access funding and how to partner with Lancaster University below.
What to expect
As an Employer, Degree Apprenticeships will help you to attract, train and retain the best talent. They enable employees to reach their full potential. Our Apprenticeships boost an organisation by building knowledge, enhancing skills and changing behaviours. By offering a flexible programme, with learning tailored to sector needs, we ensure your apprentices are gaining relevant knowledge and experience. We integrate national standards with local needs leading to transformational results.
Tripartite relationship
We work closely in a tripartite relationship with Employer and Apprentice to co-create the curriculum according to the needs of your organisation and your Apprentice, to sequence on- and off-the-job learning for an efficient learner journey, and to make effective progress through regular communication. Tripartite meetings with the Apprentice, your Workplace Mentor, and the Academic Mentor, take place every 12 weeks unless there is an agreed break in learning. For a full breakdown of the Workplace Mentor role please see the FAQs below.
Off-the-job training
Apprentices spend a minimum of 6 hours per week on average in off-the-job training with Lancaster University. Hours vary according to programme. We have a strong track record in designing innovative work-based programmes, and teaching and support staff with a range of specialisms and experience in providing support and knowledge across sectors. Our flexible programmes are logically sequenced, building on prior learning. We work together with you to help the Apprentice achieve agreed learning outcomes. Apprentices can learn in person and through digital platforms.
In the workplace
The majority of an Apprentice's time is spent in the workplace performing work that they are employed to do. During an apprenticeship, this is called on-the-job training. The Employer should be familiar with the learning objectives and milestones, and facilitate work opportunities so apprentices can apply their off-the-job learning in the workplace. A close tripartite relationship allows the on- and off-the-job learning to be sequenced for maximum impact.
Duration and assessment
Our Apprenticeships take between 2-5 years, depending on the programme. Apprentices progressively build Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) needed for the occupation. We tailor individual Apprentice's learning goals considering their existing skills and experience. Once an Apprentice has developed all of the KSBs, they enter the final stage of the Apprenticeship: the End-Point Assessment (EPA). Methods of assessment in the EPA vary.
Ethos
Lancaster University upholds the Government's aim 'to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs'. Together with employers, we put these values into practice through mandatory safeguarding and prevent duty training, prompt response to safeguarding concerns, tailored support for apprentices with specific needs or disabilities, and student support services including wellbeing and counselling, impartial careers advice, students' union advice, and disciplinary, IT, bullying and harassment policies.
Employer support
We support employers throughout the apprenticeships to make the processes simple and effective for your organisation. Your relationship manager will keep you updated and will be available to answer questions. You will have access to regular performance monitoring of your apprentice and opportunities to provide feedback.
How to apply for funding
Your organisation can receive funding from the Government to pay for apprentice training and assessment.
If you pay the levy
If your organisation has a pay bill of over £3 million each year, you already pay 0.5% as the Apprenticeship Levy to the Government. If you pay the levy, you will receive funds from the Government to train and assess your apprentices. This funding can be used with Lancaster University.
If the levy funds are not used, they expire and are returned to the Government. You may be able to transfer some funds to other organisations.
If you do not pay the levy
Smaller businesses do not pay the levy but can still access funds from the Government. You may be eligible for the Government Co-investment fund where the Government pays 95% and you pay only 5% towards the cost of training apprentices.
Extra funding
You may be eligible for extra funding depending on the circumstances of your organisation and your apprentices. Please check the ESFA funding rules for full details.
How to apply for funding
For full details on how to sponsor an apprentice, visit the Government webpages, where you can register for the apprenticeship service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accordion
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What is the role of the Workplace Mentor?
Each apprentice is assigned a Workplace Mentor from their employer. The mentor:
- attends Tripartite meetings with Apprentice and Academic Mentor
- develops a relationship with Apprentice and Academic Mentor
- monitors and supports progression with learning outcomes
- facilitates personal development and connects the Apprentice with opportunities
- offers feedback, advice and guidance
- acts as the apprentice's champion in the company
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How long does a Degree Apprenticeship take?
The Degree Apprenticeships at Lancaster University currently take between 2-5 years depending on the programme.
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What qualification will the Apprentice get?
Upon completion of the End-Point Assessment, apprentices receive an apprenticeship certificate at either pass, merit or distinction.
Apprentices can also gain a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or master's degree, depending on the programme.
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Change in circumstances
The apprenticeships are flexible and employers should contact the programme team if their are any changes in circumstances.
Apprentices can have a break in learning to cover a period of leave from their work due to a change in circumstances, for example, medical treatment, maternity or paternity leave. Their training is paused for the duration of their break. For full details on what is classified as a break in learning, please fee the funding guidance.
In the event of the apprentice leaving their current job, including redundancy, the apprentice has a short period of time to find a new employer and, with the new employer's agreement, the apprenticeship can be transferred to their new role.
We will support apprentices and employers through any change in circumstances.
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Ofsted and ESFA compliance
Apprenticeships are regulated by external bodies including Ofsted and ESFA. Each of these bodies has a responsibility to ensure value for money when spending public funds and to maintain a high quality experience for apprentices and employers. The Department of Education has overall accountability for the national apprenticeship programme.
During your time partnering with Lancaster University, the apprenticeship may be inspected by a body such as Ofsted. Ofsted are entitled to inspect any information that relates to the education or training of the apprenticeship. They may meet with some staff, apprentices and employers. Ofsted maintains confidentiality of the data it receives. You can read their privacy policy in full.
The University must comply with requests from regulatory bodies. Our contracts with employers permit us to share confidential information with Government agencies.
You can read the full details of the regulatory bodies' responsibilities for apprenticeships.
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Useful links
UK Government webpages: