Employ an apprentice

As a business, offering apprenticeships is a unique way to attract high-quality new talent and fill skills gaps in the workforce. Staff who have trained whilst working at a company may have greater loyalty and be more likely to stay for a long period, providing opportunities for businesses to produce their own leaders from within. Birmingham City University offers comprehensive support and advice to businesses who would like to provide an apprenticeship, as well as academic and pastoral support to our apprentices.

Why partner with BCU?

Over 1400 apprentices are undertaking higher and degree level apprenticeships with BCU, while working in a paid full-time job. They are gaining real experience on the job, and their employers pay the tuition fees. Our overall qualification achievement rate is higher than the national average meaning that more apprentices that study with BCU successfully complete and achieve their qualification*.

74.1% Qualification Achievement Rate

 at BCU vs. 60.5% nationally

74.5% Qualification Retention Rate

at BCU vs. 61.9% nationally

99.4% Qualification Pass Rate

at BCU vs. 97.6% nationally

By partnering with us, you and your apprentices will receive ongoing support, including:

  • A dedicated account manager
  • A dedicated skills coach to provide tailored pastoral and academic support to your apprentice
  • Ongoing advice on available funding and financial support from the government
  • Ongoing guidance on incentives for employers who hire new apprentices
  • Access to careers fairs and open days, offering opportunities to showcase your organisation

Each qualification is developed in collaboration with an employer advisory board to ensure our programmes meet the evolving needs of businesses. We invite all partner employers to join our advisory boards.

Apprenticeship Funding

Find out how Birmingham City University can help you grow your business through apprenticeships. Our team will guide you through the funding options available and support you in creating programmes that deliver real impact.

Why Choose BCU?

We work with some of the country’s leading employers, including Jewson, Mitchells and Butlers, Greene King, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, the NHS and local authorities.

Why choose us

Employer FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions for prospective apprenticeship employers looking to work with Birmingham City University to find out more about how apprenticeships work.

Your questions answered

END POINT ASSESSMENT

An End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final part of the apprenticeship Journey. It’s an impartial, final assessment of whether the apprentice can demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standard.

Luke, Dealer Contact ManagerMercedes-Benz Financial Services

The enthusiasm and new perspectives that the apprentices bring to our business is invaluable. I feel that they add an additional layer to the business and bring in new ideas and questions. I’ve seen some wonderful successes come from our apprentice programme.

Ready to get started?

Whether you're looking to become an apprentice or hire for your business, our dedicated team are on hand to answer your questions.

Apprenticeships in development

We are constantly looking for new areas to expand our apprenticeship provision and are currently working on new programmes in the areas listed below. Please keep checking back, or contact us for the latest information.

Cyber Security Level 6

Architecture Level 6

Midwife Level 6

Get in touch with the degree apprenticeships team