Eleven Capgemini Degree apprentices were awarded Bachelors of
Science (BSc’s) in Digital and Technology Solutions, following 3
years of working at Capgemini combined with study.
64% of apprentices from Capgemini achieved a 1st class honours
degree and all others received 2nd class honours degrees.
Skills and Apprenticeships Minister said:
I am delighted to offer my own personal congratulations to the
UK’s first ever degree apprentice graduates. The hard work and
commitment involved is truly admirable and highlights the
opportunities apprenticeships can bring.
I hope this will encourage more people to consider a degree
apprenticeship. It is a great way to earn while you learn at
some of the UK’s top Universities and to go on to secure a
rewarding job. Well done to all the students and also
congratulations to both Aston University and Capgemini for
breaking new ground.
Also being recognised today at the Aston University School of
Engineering & Applied Science graduation ceremony was Sue
Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service who
collected an honorary Doctorate in Science (Dsc), conferred by
Vice Chancellor, Professor Alec Cameron.
Sue Husband said:
I am absolutely delighted to attend the graduation of the first
cohort of Degree apprentices in the country, for what is a
momentous occasion.
Degree apprenticeships are a significant step forward,
providing the opportunity to develop and nurture talented
individuals, and are a key part of our apprenticeships reform
programme - with the ambition of creating 3 million quality
apprenticeships by 2020 - and includes apprenticeships at
higher levels, in more occupations and sectors.
The 11 Degree apprentices receiving their degrees today
highlight the significance of higher level apprenticeships and
the benefits to apprentices and their employer. Capgemini must
be extremely proud of their successes.
As someone who has worked in the education and skills sector
for many years, it is also a real privilege for me to receive
an honorary DSc. I am a huge advocate of the transformative
power that gaining skills and qualifications has on a person’s
life and I am thrilled to have been recognised by Aston
University.
Degree apprenticeships give people the opportunity to attain a
Degree from some of the country’s best universities and higher
education institutions whilst training in a top flight career.
They and are already available in sectors such as Automotive,
Banking, Digital Industries, Chartered Surveying, Aerospace and
the Nuclear industry. Many universities and colleges are offering
higher and degree apprenticeships across the country.
Higher and Degree apprenticeships are available at levels 4 to 7
and combine work with study and may include a work-based,
academic or combined qualification or a professional
qualification relevant to the industry. Level 6 is equivalent to
a Bachelor’s Degree and level 7 is equivalent to a Master’s
Degree. Typically, higher apprentices study part-time at college,
university or with a training provider.
Currently, over 240,000 workplaces employ an apprentice including
Capgemini, Ford, ITV, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Barclays and the BBC,
alongside many small and medium sized enterprises. There are
between 12,000 and 20,000 apprenticeship vacancies across all
levels on the find an
apprenticeship site at any one time.
