Delivering Apprenticeships: A Case Study of London South Bank University (LSBU)
The higher education landscape is undergoing a metamorphosis. While academic programmes remain a cornerstone, many universities are embracing a new avenue – apprenticeships. This shift reflects a growing understanding of the need for education to prepare individuals not just with theoretical knowledge, but also for the practical realities of the professional world.
However, delivering apprenticeships is not without challenges. This article delves into this evolving landscape with a particular focus on London South Bank University (LSBU) as a leading example. LSBU offers a variety of degree apprenticeships across diverse fields including Digital Marketer Degree Apprenticeship, Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship and Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship. As the Group Director of Apprenticeships at LSBU, I am excited to share our approach and its transformative impact on individuals, employers, and the wider community.
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships: Raising the Bar
The traditional apprenticeship model has evolved significantly in recent years. Higher and degree apprenticeships represent a new level of sophistication, offering individuals the opportunity to pursue university-level qualifications while gaining valuable industry experience. These programmes typically span three to six years and culminate in a bachelor's degree or a master's degree, depending on the level of the programme. HEIs play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality apprenticeships. They possess the expertise to develop robust academic curricula and the infrastructure to provide a supportive learning environment. Additionally, HEIs have strong relationships with industry partners, allowing them to design apprenticeships that are aligned with current industry needs and provide real-world learning opportunities.
LSBU: A Leader in Apprenticeship Delivery
Our commitment to employer-sponsored education can be traced right back to the University’s origins in 1892, when it was founded with the mission to ‘promote the industrial skill, general knowledge, health and well-being of young men and women’. Our engagement with the built environment industry, which now forms one of the largest pillars of our apprenticeship provision, can be traced back to at least 1945, when around 500 apprentices were studying Ordinary and Higher Diplomas in Building at the Brixton School of Building (part of South Bank Polytechnic). By 2013/14, LSBU had the second largest number of employer-sponsored students in England, with one third of our student body studying on courses paid for by their employers.
The University’s 2015-2020 strategy put a particular focus on our professional and technical educational offer and in 2016, LSBU Vice-Chancellor, Prof David Phoenix, wrote Making a Success of Employer Sponsored Education for the Higher Education Policy Institute, promoting the benefits of companies investing in training.
Our long-standing professional links, coupled with demand from our employer partners and our commitment to social mobility meant that LSBU had a clear incentive to begin providing higher and degree apprenticeships with the introduction of the levy in 2017 and to do so in a way that embedded them strategically into the heart of the university’s course offer.
In addition to creating a dedicated apprenticeships team, in 2018, the University opened an apprenticeship hub, the Passmore Centre, partially funded by a £5 million grant from the London Borough of Southwark as part of a strategic partnership with the council to support local residents to access apprenticeships. This partnership has been further complemented by the university’s hosting of the LSBU Green Skills Hub – part of the Mayor's academy programme – which promotes routes into the green industry (including via apprenticeships) to residents of Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.
LSBU’s 2020-2026 strategy committed us to promote access to opportunity and remove barriers to success by embedding employer our relationships, supporting 10,000 apprentices and enabling all students to have the opportunity for a work-based experience. The potential for apprenticeships to support social mobility – by removing the financial burden of paying tuition fees – aligns to the university’s overarching commitment to diversity and inclusion, which is reflected in the fact that under a third of our apprentices are aged over 25 and 32% identify as BAME compared to 18.4% nationally. We are also helping to improve the diversity of the workforce within certain industries.
The university’s apprenticeship offer is borne directly from the needs of our longstanding employer partners particularly within the built environment and the NHS. Having offered architectural education for over 100 years, we were, for example, the first university to teach the Level 6 Architectural Assistant Apprenticeship standard in response to demand from our existing employers. We were also the first university to offer the Level 7 Chartered Town Planner Apprenticeships Standard as a result of employer demand. Our offer is constantly evolving and developing in response to employer and apprentice feedback – with five new apprenticeship standards currently in development.
The university is ranked 16th in the UK among apprenticeship providers and 4th among universities in Rate My Apprenticeship 2022-23.
Strong Employer Partnerships: Fuelling Success
LSBU's success in delivering impactful apprenticeships stems from its strong collaborations with industry partners. The university actively engages with leading organisations across various sectors to understand their specific needs and challenges. This collaborative approach ensures that LSBU's apprenticeship programmes are not only academically rigorous but also tailored to address real-world industry demands. The dedicated business engagement team within the apprenticeship team ensures that employers have a named relationship manager. The team ensures that employers are informed via 1-2-1 meetings, monthly newsletters and events.
One such example is the partnership with Network Rail, which offers a Higher Apprenticeship in Rail Engineering. These programmes, designed in collaboration with Network Rail, equip apprentices with the technical skills and industry knowledge required to contribute meaningfully to England's vital transport infrastructure. Similarly, LSBU works with a number of London NHS Trusts offering a diverse range of healthcare apprenticeships that address the critical need for skilled healthcare professionals in the region.
Beyond Qualifications: Cultivating Well-Rounded Individuals
LSBU recognises that apprenticeships are about more than just acquiring qualifications. The university fosters a supportive learning environment that encourages personal and professional development alongside academic achievement. This holistic approach includes dedicated career guidance, mentoring programmes, and opportunities for networking and industry visits.
For example, through its corporate membership, the LSBU offers all apprentices free membership of the Association of Apprentices (AoA). AoA is the first dedicated, apprentice-led organisation. It provides additional workshops and training sessions designed to enhance apprentices' soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. These valuable skills complement the technical expertise gained through on-the-job training and academic study, preparing apprentices for success not only in their chosen careers but also in their broader professional lives.
Impact on Individuals: Transforming Lives
The transformative impact of LSBU’s apprenticeship programmes is evident in the stories of its graduates. Mark Jones, a graduate of the Higher Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering (Highways), shares his experience: “The LSBU programme gave me the opportunity to gain real-world experience while earning a qualification. I learned from industry experts and had the chance to work on live projects, which gave me a significant advantage when entering the job market.” Mark now works as a Project Engineer at TfL, contributing to the development of London’s transport infrastructure.
Sarah Williams, who completed a Higher Apprenticeship in Digital and Technology Solutions, highlights the personal development aspect: “The apprenticeship programme not only equipped me with technical skills but also helped me build my confidence and communication skills. This has been invaluable in my career progression, and I am now confidently leading projects within my team.” Sarah’s story exemplifies how LSBU’s apprenticeships empower individuals to not only secure employment but also thrive in their chosen fields.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Apprenticeships at LSBU
London South Bank University’s dedication to apprenticeships extends beyond its current offerings. In a rapidly changing world, LSBU is actively shaping the future of apprenticeships through several key initiatives:
Expanding Programme Portfolio:
Emerging Sectors: Recognising the evolving job market, LSBU is developing programmes in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science, ensuring that apprentices are equipped for the future of work.
Career Pathways: Utilising our unique Group structure with a further education college and two academies we are looking at offering a seamless journey from Level 2 to Level 7 apprenticeships where possible.
Technological Innovation:
Learning Platforms: LSBU is investing in next-generation learning platforms that personalise the learning experience for apprentices. This includes adaptive learning tools, virtual reality simulations, and access to industry-specific software, further enhancing their practical skills and knowledge.
Remote and Blended Learning: Recognising the diverse needs of learners, LSBU is exploring the expansion of remote and blended learning options within apprenticeships. This will allow individuals to access high-quality education regardless of their location or personal circumstances.
Data-driven Insights: Leveraging data analytics, we are continuously improving the tracking and monitoring of learner progress and programme effectiveness. This data-driven approach allows for continuous programme improvement and ensures apprentices are equipped with the most relevant skills.
Strengthening Partnerships:
Industry Collaboration: We are committed to deepening our collaboration with industry partners, not only co-creating new programmes but also involving them in curriculum development, assessment, and skills forecasting. This ensures close alignment with industry needs and prepares apprentices for immediate impact within their chosen fields.
Global Partnerships: Recognising the international demand for skilled professionals, LSBU is working in partnership with international universities and employers to offer globally recognised apprenticeships. This provides opportunities for international collaboration and opens doors for graduates to careers beyond national borders.
Policy Advocacy: LSBU is actively involved in policy discussions and advocacy efforts to shape the future of apprenticeships at national and regional levels. This ensures that the sector’s voice is heard and contributes to positive policy changes that promote high-quality and accessible apprenticeships for all.
A Vision for the Future
The success of our apprenticeship programmes serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of this educational model. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, we empower individuals to gain valuable skills and qualifications while contributing to the economic and social well-being of the community. As more HEIs follow our lead and embrace the apprenticeship model, we can anticipate a future where education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about preparing individuals for meaningful and fulfilling careers, ultimately contributing to a more skilled, adaptable, and inclusive workforce for the future.
