Degree apprenticeships give qualifications without the student loan debts – and can fill skills gaps in IT
And with more and more people, of all ages, signing up to them, apprenticeships could be the answer to closing the skills gaps for businesses across Yorkshire.
According to UK government data, apprenticeship starts were up by 2.5% to 200,550 for the 2023/24 academic year, compared to 195,600 for the same period in the previous year. This is largely due to the increase in degree apprenticeships and is not surprising when considering rising university fees and the cost-of-living crisis.
College tuition fees in the UK cost an average of £9,250 per year. With added living expenses this can rack up over £50k in student debt at the end of three years.
Kate Hawthorn, Director of Consultant Talent at FDMFDM has been powering the people behind tech and innovation for over 30 years. Many of our apprentices wouldn’t be able to fund their university journey in the traditional way. Our Apprenticeship programme gives them a head start in their careers and is a powerful alternative to university that supports diversity, equity, creativity and ongoing success.
Digital Technology degree apprenticeships
The FDM Apprenticeship Programme provides the opportunity to study for a BSc. degree in Digital and Technology Solutions with practical work experience. Apprentices start our three-year programme working on projects across the internal IT estate (ranging from our IT service help desk to web design and info security) before moving to assignments with our clients.
FDM launched the programme in 2020 with four apprentices which grew to 30 in 2023. Now the first cohort have successfully completed the programme, graduating with first and upper second-class honours and securing permanent IT roles.
Kate added: “Driven by the success of our programme, we are now actively partnering with businesses to help them scale up or launch their own apprenticeship programmes. By taking on the logistical heavy-lifting and reducing risks, we can help businesses put a programme in place and provide access to this underutilised talent pool.”
Kate Hawthorn, Director of Consultant Talent at FDMApprenticeships are an excellent way for organisations to build a workforce with net new talent that is custom-made to meet specific business needs. The training and development of this talent can simultaneously fill the digital skills gap, provide opportunities to under-represented sections of society and regulate cost to companies.
According to data from GOV.UK, 86% of employers say that apprenticeship programmes enabled them to develop skills relevant to their organisation.
Kate explained: “47% of FDM apprentices are first in their family to attend university. We pay apprentices a salary and cover their university fees with 20% dedicated study time. They also have access to individual mentors throughout the course of the programme.”
Route to success
Lawrence Bedford joined the FDM Apprenticeship Programme in 2023 and is on assignment with a global healthcare client. He said: “FDM’s degree apprenticeship was a strategic move for my career. I currently work as an AI Integration Specialist with acceSs to cutting-edge technology, that surpasses conventional education.”
Saif Uddin, apprentices currently on assignment as a tech specialist for a UK retailerFDM has played a crucial role in my career growth, providing exposure to industry leaders and the opportunity to showcase my skills on client assignment. I love the strong sense of responsibility and the chance to make a meaningful impact through my work.
Award-winning programme
In October 2023, FDM was awarded Flexi-job apprenticeship status by the Department for Education means it can further develop the programme and partnering with key clients and expand into new locations.
Kate added: “With retention and achievement rates on degree apprenticeships last reported at around 50-60%, we are very proud with our outstanding 100% achievement rate and overall retention rate of 93.75%.”
Having won the best Diversity and Inclusion Programme at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards two years running and been ranked 34th within the top 75 UK organisations dedicated to social mobility, by the Social Mobility Index for 2023, FDM is recognised as one of the leading companies in the UK to identify and develop talent from all backgrounds.
It also partners with schools in areas of low social mobility, encouraging more young people to pursue tech careers.
“We truly believe that access to opportunities should be based on ability and ambition rather than background. A diverse workforce helps organisations close their critical skills gaps and boosts business productivity,” Kate said.
How your company can get involved
Interested to find out how apprentices could make a difference in your organisation? Find out more here, or contact the FDM team by emailing [email protected]