Overview
Built for business
Apprenticeships offer a powerful, cost-effective way to blend academic study with hands-on experience, helping you unlock the full potential of your workforce. They’re not just a training opportunity—they’re a smart investment in the future of your business, fostering loyalty and retaining the best talent. By nurturing apprentices, you’re securing a pipeline of skilled professionals who are not only qualified but connected to your company and its vision for the future of the built environment.
Apprenticeships are a dynamic three-way partnership between the employer, apprentice and university, designed to develop highly skilled professionals. Through hands-on experience and academic learning, apprentices gain the essential knowledge, technical skills and behaviours needed to excel in their chosen field. This structured approach ensures they are fully prepared to pass the end-point assessment (the final stage of an apprenticeship) and achieve a valuable professional qualification, benefiting both the apprentice and the business.
The Apprenticeship Levy
The Apprenticeship Levy is a UK government initiative designed to fund apprenticeship training and support workforce development. It is available for all companies within the UK. Smaller businesses that do not pay the levy can still access government-subsidised apprenticeship training, making it a valuable tool for workforce growth and development.
More information
Levy payer
- Will be paying an apprenticeship levy into a digital apprenticeship account – classed as a ‘levy payer’
- 100% of apprenticeship cost funded from levy funds
Non-levy payer
- Won’t be paying an apprenticeship levy – classed as a ‘non-levy payer’
- 95% of apprenticeship cost funded by government
CITB grants and funding
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) offer helpful grants and funding for eligible organisations working within the construction sector. Employers can receive attendance grants of £2,500 per year and achievement grants of £3,500 for successfully completed apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship eligibility
Anyone in relevant employment can become an apprentice with their employer’s support, but they are required to be 18 years or over at the start of their programme and will need to meet the academic requirements of the programme. The University provides access options for those that don’t meet our entry requirements for the degree level apprenticeships.
Apprentices need to have the right to work in the UK and have been a resident in the UK for three years prior to commencing their studies. During the programme, each apprentice must spend at least 50% of their working hours in England.
Apprentices come in all shapes and sizes. They can be new recruits into the industry with no previous experience or they can be staff already working in industry and ready for the next step in their career.
Why choose University of the Built Environment?
The University offers an end-to-end online model, with fully embedded teaching, workshops and outstanding wrap around pastoral and academic support.
Our apprenticeship offering is constantly growing to keep up with the demands of the sector. We are proud to have gained a reputation with our clients and industry partners for the excellent support we provide employers, and have received the following recognition:
Rated 13th in the top 50 apprenticeship providers, Rate My Apprenticeship
The largest provider of Chartered Surveyor apprenticeships, Gov.uk
Finalist for Best University for Apprenticeships, Apprenticeship Guide Awards
91% of apprentices agreed that the University gave relevant training to help them perform their job better, ESFA
'Good' rating, Ofsted
Online learning
How it works with University of the Built Environment
Employers are required to reserve 20% of the apprentice’s working hours as off-the-job training, allowing the apprentice time to study for the academic side of their apprenticeship.
While studying with the University, apprentices will have access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), a specialised platform hosting all the study content. Here, apprentices will be able to engage with academics, interact with fellow students and take part in quizzes, forums, access our e-library and attend lectures, seminars and drop-in sessions.
Flexible study
Balance your study, work and home commitments, all while working towards your career goals
e-Library access
Full access to a comprehensive and valuable e-library with a wealth of resources to support your studies
Interactive
Study using a diverse range of interactive, modern and dynamic learning resources
Expert-led
Learning activities that have been designed by University tutors and subject matter experts
Stay connected
Learn alongside a diverse community of students from all over the world
Support at University of the Built Environment
Apprentices and employers at the institution have dedicated teams and processes in place to support with anything from academic queries to pastoral care. You can find out more below.
Built Environment Apprenticeship Awards
These awards, which were launched in 2021, are a celebration of the talent, dedication, and achievements of apprentices and employers from across the sector. Entries are opened in October each year with the winners being announced during National Apprenticeship Week. Previous winners have included employer and apprentices from Savills, Salus Approved Inspectors, The Valuation Office Agency, Hollis and Arcadis.
Application process
For employers
If you’re interested in developing your workforce with apprenticeships, please get in touch with our Business Development Team who will be able to guide you through the application process and support with any queries.
Identify your skills gaps
Select employees in need of upskilling or advertise a vacancy
Choose the right apprenticeship programme
Ask for advice if you’re bewildered by all the jargon
For prospective apprentices
If you are considering an apprenticeship but are not currently employed, you will need to search for an apprenticeship before applying.
To find out more about working with us you can email businessdevelopment@ube.ac.uk or call one of our team.
You can also fill out the contact form below and someone will get back to you: