Clare joins West Midlands Apprenticeships Ambassador Network

Posted 7 May 2020

Harper Adams University Business Development Manager Clare Keegan has become an ambassador for the West Midlands Apprenticeships Ambassador Network.

The network engages in a range of activities and events that promote and demonstrate how apprenticeships enable progression opportunities to both apprentices and employers.

Clare explained why she decided to apply for the position: “The Marches region (Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire) did not have a good representation of ambassadors.

“My experience of apprenticeships has spanned 25 years. In that time, I’ve seen apprenticeships change and funding mechanisms transform many times but I do feel that since Higher and Degree Apprenticeships have been developed, the improvement has been remarkable.

“I’m keen to help employers learn about the new way that apprenticeships can help them grow their own special type of apprentice, with higher level skills and knowledge. Employers are still learning about the new standards and trying to find the right recruits but the number of enquiries is growing for our specialist sectors.

“I also want to engage employers to ensure standards are written clearly so that providers can interpret the assessment methods and levels for high quality delivery.

“I’m keen to enthuse young people about the opportunity of studying a degree while they work as a seamless part of the career journey, integrated into their working week, with support from employers who truly believe in developing their workforce.

“I want to help people understand that it isn’t easy, but it’s possible, and the benefits are clear. Employers are keen to find the right people, who are committed and want to learn. In return they will pay good salaries, fund a degree apprenticeship, create a career path, with a very structured but manageable step into management or a profession.”

Harper Adams University is the education provider for a number of companies who have recruited apprentices.

Clare joined Harper Adams in February 2017, and since then six Degree and Postgraduate Apprenticeships have been developed and launched at the university, with the support of a whole team of staff and industry contributors to develop each new programme.

The apprenticeships available at the university are:

Geospatial Mapping and Science Degree Apprenticeship
Incorporating BSc/BSc (Hons) Geospatial Sciences

Food and Drink Advanced Engineer Degree Apprenticeship
Incorporating BEng (Hons) Food Engineering

Chartered Surveyor (Rural) Degree Apprenticeship
Incorporating BSc (Hons)Rural Enterprise and Land Management

Food Industry Technical Professional Degree Apprenticeship
Incorporating BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology

Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship
Incorporating MSc Food Industry Management

Postgraduate Engineer Apprenticeship
Incorporating PgD Engineering Business Management

Clare added: “All of these programmes are helping employers to develop new roles, and our customers can see the benefits of improved productivity through work-based projects

“Working with large and small companies means that we have a range of apprentices coming to Harper Adams University from right across England, spanning from Carlisle to Exeter, and as far East as Skegness.”

For more information, email: apprenticeships@harper-adams.ac.uk