Higher Apprenticeships In Practice 29 January 2015 Name : Keith Walker Title : Operations Manager Organisation : Fairfield Control Systems Limited

Our higher apprenticeship programme Programme Summary We are an SME with 36 employees growing 25%/annum. Typical Apprentice has good GCSEs but disillusioned at A level. 5 year programme HNC & HND 2 year part time Degree Benefits to our Business Produces an experienced, practical and well rounded graduate with realistic expectations. Retention levels are very high and generally progress to more Senior positions very quickly.

Expectations and Arrangements Expect that the HEI courses provide good base level training in the fundamental principles as well as coaching the students to be individual thinkers. Benefits and Wider Opportunities for HEIs To play a more active part in solving the damaging skills shortage. As the workplace becomes more technically advanced we foresee the requirement for advanced apprentice skills becoming even more in demand. How our partnership works

Delivery Realities Delivery Challenges Need to understand the totally different demands of part time students. Work load needs to be spread evenly through academic year. Mid week college days can cause problems. How These Were Resolved Usually by having a good working relationship with the course tutor

The Future What is Planned ? To carry on with more of the same but with a higher proportion of IT training.

Questions How do HEI view part time courses/students. How do you think full time graduates compare with part time graduates. How do you think lecturers would react to being placed in industry for a short period.