The rules came into effect from April 1st 2024 and will be rolled out over the coming months. Degree apprenticeships no longer just have to be for big businesses with the new rules, as the programme fees will now be covered in full by the government if you’re an eligible non-levy paying employer taking on apprentices aged between 16 - 21.

The new rules offer you a cost-effective way to invest in early careers talent and the skills to help future-proof your workforce. Your apprentices will also be developing alongside and building networks with employees from other regional, national and global businesses. Did you know that more than a quarter of apprentices who joined an apprenticeship at the University of Nottingham last year are employed by SMEs?

The university understands that SMEs face unique challenges, especially when it comes to upskilling and retaining their people, because of the limited resources available. A degree apprenticeship can help to solve that problem because it offers you the chance to develop your people and grow your business for the future without the financial cost. In a national study by the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency), 93% of employers state that degree apprenticeships play a pivotal role in fostering the future growth of their organisations.

Moreover, apprentices can help to fill the skills gap often found within SMEs because it combines academic learning with on-the-job training resulting in a tailored solution for your business. They work on projects that will directly benefit your organisation whether that’s solving the issue of big data or looking at the digitalisation of engineering. It’s time to get ahead of the curve and choose the degree apprenticeship that best suits your business.

Discover how SMEs can benefit from degree apprenticeships in this video. 

Get in touch with us now to find out more about how degree apprenticeships can benefit your SME: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/workingwithbusiness/contact-us/contact.aspx