Whether you’re upskilling a current member of staff or considering hiring an apprentice, a higher apprenticeship is worth considering. Here, we outline what they are and how they fit into different apprenticeship levels.
What is a higher apprenticeship?
Simply put, when someone is talking about a higher apprenticeship, they are referring to a level 4 or 5 apprenticeship.
- Intermediate apprenticeships: Level 2
- Advanced apprenticeships: Level 3
- Higher apprenticeships: Level 4 to 5
- Degree-level apprenticeships: Level 6 to 7
Understanding the higher apprenticeship levels
Higher apprenticeships are rigorous programmes that are designed to mirror the standards of university-level study, but with a practical and work-based approach. They can be a much more cost-effective alternative to the traditional university route.
- Level 4 is equivalent to a Higher National Certificate (HNC), the first year of a bachelor’s degree, or a Certificate of Higher Education
- Level 5 is equivalent to a foundation degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND).
What roles use a higher apprenticeship?
Higher apprenticeships are suited to advanced, technical and professional roles.
Here at Damar, we focus on delivering qualifications that drive real value in your organisation. Some of our higher apprenticeship standards include:
- Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician
- Level 4 Data Protection and Information Governance Practitioner.
There are common misconceptions that apprenticeships are only designed for school leavers, only start at entry levels, and don’t lead to high-level careers. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Because these programmes focus on specialist and leadership progression, they’re providing individuals with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to advance in the apprentice’s chosen career.
The benefits of a higher apprenticeship
Integrating higher apprenticeships into your organisation is a great way to strengthen every aspect of your workforce:
- Build a future-ready pipeline: Whether you’re upskilling current employees or recruiting new talent, you can ensure you’re building a team of people who align with your organisation’s values and practices
- Demonstrate real investment in your team: Employees are looking for organisations that invest in their goals and future – offering higher apprenticeships shows that you value your team’s long-term ambitions
- Boost employee retention: A higher apprenticeship provides a structured pathway for progression within your company, rather than them seeking employment or training support elsewhere
- Maximise government funding: Most organisations will be able to access government funding to cover a significant portion of training costs through the Apprenticeship Levy or co-investment schemes.
How do they work in practice?
At Damar, we make the process smooth, efficient and supportive for everyone involved.
Step 1: Recruitment and selection
If you are recruiting for a new role (as opposed to upskilling an existing employee) we can manage the talent search for you. This includes initial screening and eligibility checks to ensure you meet with candidates who are perfectly fit for your culture and chosen apprenticeship standard.
Step 2: Onboarding
Once you’ve chosen your candidate, we’ll conduct a thorough onboarding and enrolment process to ensure they understand what is required of their role and help complete all required paperwork.
Step 3: Delivery and progress tracking
We conduct ongoing reviews and progress tracking alongside one-to-one coaching sessions and group learning to ensure the apprentice is hitting their milestones, applying their new skills effectively and feeling confident as they approach the gateway.
Step 4: The assessment
Assessments may take place during, or after, the on-programme learning phase. Assessment methods vary by apprenticeship standard but can include tests and exams, professional discussions, presentations and observations.
Step 5: Gateway to completion
The apprentice, employer and coach agree that all the required elements have been completed and that the apprenticeship certificate can be issued.
Damar Training for your next higher apprenticeship
Choosing your provider is a critical step in your apprenticeship journey. At Damar, we have over 45 years of experience, and with a specialism in business and professional apprenticeships, we can be the expert partner to support your apprentices and organisation.
Or if you’re interested in a higher apprenticeship for yourself, take a look at this guidance from UCAS.