Programme structure
Apprentices attend university one day a week during term time and will continue to have one day per week off-the-job learning out of term.
With support from the employer, apprentices are required to spend 20% of paid working hours on studies and be able to evidence this. This is a statutory requirement for apprenticeships and the funding is conditional on this being met.
Off-the-job learning includes activities which have not previously been a part of the role or furthers apprentices development into new areas.
Our programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Core skills
Upon completion of the programme, apprentices will be equipped to:
- identify, obtain and process information required to manage projects
- source, collect, interpret and synthesise different types of data pertaining to the broader context of projects
- gather and present evidence from a range of primary and secondary sources
- identify the standards required by clients and other stakeholders
- work within the CIOB rules and regulations of Professional Competence and Conduct
- develop a reasoned and critical argument through the integration of primary and secondary materials
- apply the skills of problem analysis
- manage legal and contractual matters relating to the site
- set and review objectives, identify resources and their limitations
- plan activities to ensure project completion on time and within the client approved budget
- manage team members and specialist contractors
- develop methodologies for appraising project requirements and provide technological and construction solutions
- identify and manage risks to health, safety and welfare in line with legislation and develop safe systems of work
- manage construction activities in a way that contributes to sustainable development.
Teaching and assessment
With support from the employer, apprentices are required to spend 20% of paid working hours on studies and be able to evidence this. This is a statutory requirement for apprenticeships and the funding is conditional on this being met. Off-the-job training includes activities which have not previously been a part of the role and will further develop the apprentice in new areas.
The learning approach in the first and second years is for apprentices to be encouraged and supported to achieve their learning potential and develop their confidence through tutor-led and work-based learning. This progressively becomes more learner-centred towards the later stages of the programme, whereby apprentices are able to operate in complex and unpredictable contexts. Apprentices learn through:
- lectures
- tutorials
- seminars
- laboratory and practical classes
- fieldwork
- workshops
- computer modelling/simulation.
This programme provides the opportunity to choose tasks from an appropriate field of different but equivalent assessment tasks at least once during each level of study. Offered in both core modules and optional modules, this measure is designed to increase opportunities where appropriate.
Periodic testing techniques are normally appropriate to check the apprentices’ comprehension of basic principles and their application in specific contexts and include:
- exams (open book, seen and unseen)
- essays
- projects
- reports
- presentations
- debates
- portfolio
- mapping exercises.
Apprentices on all programmes will need to complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) to meet the apprenticeship standard alongside university assessments.
Employer and apprentice commitments
In order to deliver the programme, the employer undertakes to:
- conduct a workplace induction and set out a contract of employment
- provide an appropriately qualified workplace mentor to support the apprentice
- attend apprentice’s progress review (twice a year)
- ensure that an Occupational Health Screening and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check has been undertaken
- release apprentice for scheduled off-the-job learning
- have an Apprenticeship Agreement in place from the start of the programme.
Throughout the programme, apprentices will:
- attend the workplace for the agreed pattern as set out in the employment contract
- record all training sessions and off-the-job learning
- attend scheduled university learning sessions and complete all assessments as required by the university and End Point Assessment Organisation
- behave in a safe and responsible manner at the workplace and university
- engage with regular progress reviews
- complete a professional development portfolio throughout the apprenticeship.
Staff profile
Noel Painting
Noel is a Senior Lecturer in the Built Environment. Before joining the 91¶¶Òõ (and on two sabbaticals since joining), Noel has worked in professional practice (in building and in civil engineering) for local authorities and with a major contractor. He qualified as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor in 1984 and his interest in design led him to study for a graduate diploma in architecture.
Since joining the university, Noel has specialised in the economics, design and management of construction projects in both his teaching and research. He has been on the committee of the Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM). He also acts as a consultant to Festival Republic and Live Nation, with particular reference to occupational and crowd safety in the build and management of large events.
Facilities
The School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering has well-established laboratories in which apprentices are given practical experience supported by our skilled and knowledgeable technicians. These include:
- Hydraulics lab
- Modelling studio
- Dynamics lab
- Heavy structures lab.
Apprentices are provided with many opportunities to engage with the university’s community, including: university induction, access to extensive library facilities, becoming course representatives and a personal tutor for advice and guidance.
Fees and funding information for apprentices
Course fees
As an apprentice, the cost of your learning programme is covered by your employer through their Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.
Student finance
Higher and degree level apprentices are not eligible for any element of student finance. This is because they receive a salary instead of the student loan package. However, if you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642 888.
Learning support
Apprentices studying at Higher and degree level may be able to access funding in relation to additional support but this is available through the university and not Disabled Students Allowance. Apprentices may also be able to apply for funding for work-based equipment and software. Please contact the Disability and Learning Support team on 01273 643 799.
Living costs and benefits
Higher and degree level apprentices must fulfil the standard eligibility criteria in order to apply for means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. If you have any questions about entitlement to benefits, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642 888.
Higher and degree level apprentices who are undertaking a full-time mode of study can be treated as being exempt from paying . Although some programmes require study on a day-release arrangement, this can still be classed as full-time study. You will need to obtain a letter from the Student Support Desk at any campus and send this to your Council Tax department when you enrol on the programme.
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