Babington Business College: Future leaders – a higher apprenticeship in employment related services for the welfare to work industry

Abstract

Purpose

Following a number of recent developments in terms of skills in the Employer Related Services (ERS) sector the purpose of this paper is to contextualise the introduction of a higher apprenticeship (HA) for the ERS sector. The paper will showcase how the new HA is helping to formalise a skills framework and professionalize the sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Information presented in the paper is drawn from the organisation's own work in developing an HA. It builds on information incorporated in the original bid and project plan, as well as ongoing evaluation of how the programme is progressing.

Findings

The skills landscape of the ERS sector is evolving and there is a strong desire amongst employers to professionalize the sector. An HA has recently been developed as part of the qualification framework for the sector. Rolling out the HA, a consortium of specialist providers is hoping to provide much needed skills and knowledge for future and existing employees. In examining these developments and current progress, the impact of the programme on professionalizing the sector is noted.

Originality/value

The paper is based on the author's own experience and presents a case study of an apprenticeship programme specific to the author's organisation.

Citation

Carson, C. (2012), "Babington Business College: Future leaders – a higher apprenticeship in employment related services for the welfare to work industry", Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 317-321. https://doi.org/10.1108/20423891211271719