Financial Skills Partnership: higher apprenticeships in the finance sector

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the development and uptake of apprenticeships, in particular higher apprenticeships (HAs) in the finance 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 paper presents the major challenges that employers within the sector are facing and the impact that having structured, valued and recognised training provision, such as those offered by apprenticeships, will have in terms of up‐skilling the existing workforce and attracting and retaining new talent in the sector. It also introduces matters of the perceived professionalism of the sector and the widely‐held perceptions about the career opportunities available within the sector concluding that, given the benefits apprenticeships can offer to both businesses and their workforce, it can be anticipated that they will remain a feature of training provision for the future.

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

Bryson, L. (2012), "Financial Skills Partnership: higher apprenticeships in the finance sector", Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 335-339. https://doi.org/10.1108/20423891211271746