Apprenticeships offer progression for all

Success story: Buckinghamshire County Council

Summary:

  • Partner: Buckinghamshire County Council
  • Sector: Public sector, county council
  • Challenges: Employees lacking in qualifications and required skills for career progression
  • Solution: Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship through The Open University (OU)
  • Outcome: Increased career prospects within the organisation

Background: Realising a life-long ambition

Buckinghamshire County Council employee Bill Awan had experience working within an IT role and had completed some relevant qualifications, however had always wanted to obtain a degree-level qualification. This was something not previously an option for Bill, having left school at the age of 16.

Through the council’s partnership with The Open University, he was able to realise this ambition by studying for a Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship.

It will impact on my career going forward, 100%. I already had the experience and the live certifications and now I have the academic qualification as well.

Bill Awan,
IT Analyst, Buckinghamshire County Council

Support when its needed

A key aspect of the OU’s degree apprenticeships is the flexibility of them, combined with the professional support and help that’s available.

For Bill this worked well, when he needed to take a short break part-way through his apprenticeship, due to work and family commitments. When ready again, his manager and OU tutor helped him to restart his studies and complete his apprenticeship.

One of the things we often hear from people who don’t know the OU is that they think it’s too hands off. But everything is there, and the forums and tutors are there if people need additional help.

Dr Chris Thomson,
Senior Lecturer and Staff Tutor, The Open University

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Conclusion: Opportunities for all

Apprenticeships typically attract people from a diverse range of backgrounds, who have the common aim of progressing their careers and achieving their own goals.

Often, they have been unable to gain qualifications, due to a range of reasons, so the apprenticeship programme can help them do this in a structured, yet flexible way.

In our organisation there are all sorts of people on apprenticeships. It’s great.

Bill Awan
IT Analyst, Buckinghamshire County Council

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