Leeds College of Building showcases higher-level training at NAW 2023

Higher and degree apprenticeships are the focus for Leeds College of Building as the country marks National Apprenticeship Week 2023 (NAW).

Taking place from 6–12 February, this year’s NAW was the 16th annual event aimed to celebrate apprenticeships. The week brought together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, industry, and the economy.
At the event, Leeds College of Building showcased its higher and degree apprenticeships at the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair.

Over the last five years, higher-level courses have grown to represent a significant proportion of the college’s provision. Around 80% of delivery in the Leeds College of Building University Centre (UC) now covers Level 3 advanced apprenticeships, higher, and degree apprenticeships.

Higher-level apprenticeships offer hands-on learning with exceptional employers, smaller class sizes with experienced tutors, and are a cost-effective alternative route to a degree. Chris Tunningley, Leeds College of Building Assistant Principal for Adult Learning and Higher Education, said: “With Level 6 now added to our provision, we can offer a fantastic progression route for full-time students from foundation skills right through to degree-level training. Our degree apprentices have grown from a cohort of 10 in the 2021/22 academic year to 92 in 2022/2023. This expansion is a testament to our outstanding teaching and assessment team and a significant milestone for the College. We hope this inspires even more students of all levels to realise their potential.”

For the first time, National Apprenticeship Week also allocated a specific day to focus on celebrating T Levels. T Levels are a recently launched national hands-on qualification that follows GCSEs and are broadly equivalent to three A Levels. They are also an excellent route to an apprenticeship.

Leeds College of Building has launched a Construction and the Built Environment T Level Transitional Programme (commencing September 2023) and a T Level in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction.