Leeds College of Building is showcasing its range of higher-level training as its focus for 2023’s National Apprenticeship Week [6-12 February].
In recognition of a rapidly expanding higher education offer, the College is showcasing its range of higher and degree apprenticeships at the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair, kicking off #NAW2023 today [6 February] at 2pm to 8pm.
Individuals and employers can also speak to the apprenticeship team at the next Leeds College of Building Open Night on Thursday, 23 February (5pm – 7pm) at the North Street Campus.
Over the last five years, higher-level courses have grown to represent a significant proportion of the College’s provision. Around 80% of delivery in the new Leeds College of Building University Centre (UC) now covers Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeships, Higher, and Degree Apprenticeships.
The College launched Level 6 courses, including a BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering Site Management Degree Apprenticeship in partnership with Leeds Beckett University. Other programmes include a Degree Apprenticeship in Construction Quantity Surveying thanks to a new partnership with London South Bank University (LSBU).
Chris Tunningley, assistant principal for adult learning and higher education at Leeds College of Building, said: “With Level 6 now added to our provision, we can offer a fantastic progression route for full-time students from foundation skills right through to degree-level training. Our degree apprentices have grown from a cohort of 10 in the 2021/22 academic year to 92 in 2022/2023. This expansion is a testament to our outstanding teaching and assessment team and a significant milestone for the College. We hope this inspires even more students of all levels to realise their potential.”
This academic year, around 35 Level 6 Construction Quantity Surveying Degree Apprentices started training at the College, all recruited from construction and engineering specialists BAM and JN Bentley Ltd. Kate Hickey, early careers manager at BAM, said: “BAM has worked with Leeds College of Building for over five years now, initially on our Level 3 / 4 technical apprenticeship and more recently expanding this to include degree apprenticeships. We chose Leeds College of Building as our main apprenticeship provider, as it is the only college in the UK fully dedicated to construction and the built environment.”
Leeds College of Building has also launched a new Construction and the Built Environment T Level Transitional Programme (commencing September 2023) and a T Level in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction.
This news comes as, for the first time, National Apprenticeship Week will be allocating a specific day to focus on celebrating T Levels. On Thursday, 9 February, the country will use ‘T Level Thursday’ to share the experiences of employers, training providers, parents, and students and their T Level successes so far.
