The Devon Education Apprenticeship initiative has been created by Exeter College to serve as a platform to promote Apprenticeship provision for the education sector. We aim to inform such organisations about how Apprenticeships can be effectively utilised within school settings. We have worked collaboratively with stakeholders to influence this project and ensure we can support schools in the most productive way.

Hear more from schools we work with  

Apprenticeships are for people of all ages, 16+

The initiative can be used to employ new staff wanting to kick-start their career, to facilitate the career change of an experienced worker into the education sector, or to help upskill your team and support internal progression.

100s of apprenticeship courses to choose from

There are programmes in a variety of disciplines – from white collar to blue collar workers – including the relevant job roles found in a school setting. Qualifications range from level 2 (GCSE Standard) up to undergraduate and postgraduate degree level.

Cost-effective recruitment and training

There is funding available for all ages of apprentice. Young workers, aged 16-18, would receive full funding, and you only pay 5% of the course price for apprentices aged 19+ – which is as little as £100 per apprenticeship programme!

Motivate your current
team

Offering training and progression shows commitment to you workforce, helping with staff retention and team morale. You’ll be able to develop highly skilled leaders at little or no cost, benefiting you, your employees and the students at your school.

Up-to-date, industry-specific training

Apprenticeship programmes have been shaped by businesses and industry leaders, and delivered by sector experts – ensuring the 20% Of-the-Job Training is a worthwhile investment that benefits your organisation.

Utilise your
levy

Invest the levy pot back into your organisation, with our guidance
and support. We are able to offer a bespoke approach to ensure you not only understand how your levy works but also understand the best ways to maximise it.

We take the hassle out of recruitment

DEA and your selected training provider will take away the stress of administration, offer guidance and advice to get you started, and provide you with ongoing support. You will have a dedicated account manager, as well as one-point-of-contact for training.

Invest in the next generation of workers

With many staff close to retirement age, apprenticeships are an ideal way to recruit young talent, with fresh ideas and enthusiasm into your organisation; with the added support of a third party. It is also an ideal way to fill skills gaps and hire into those stubborn roles.

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“The apprenticeship scheme has been successful for our schools, as it has enabled us to upskill current staff and employ additional staff, which has benefited our children. The administration process is straightforward and Exeter College have been proactive in supporting both the apprentices and school with any queries.”

Head Teacher at All Saints C of E Primary School
The Ark Federation, St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust

About the DEA partnership

We have worked with some key stakeholders in creating the Devon Education Apprenticeships, who have informed and help navigate the way we think about encouraging the use of apprenticeships within education. All partners are happy to share good practice and their own insights to fellow colleagues should you wish to contact them below.

“We are actively planning our staff recruitment for September.  With high quality Early Years provision our focus, we are working closely with the college to recruit into an Early Years Educator Apprenticeship to secure the best possible staff team for our youngest children.”
Headteacher for St Nicholas and Our lady St Patricks

Apprenticeship programmes for schools

Business Support

Catering

Leadership

Maths and Science

Sport

Teaching, Childcare & Development

Important Information and FAQs  
How do you know if you are a levy or non-levy paying school?  
What support does DEA offer?

Account management

If you would like to recruit an apprentice into your school, you will be allocated an account manager who is a specialises in the education sector.

Recruitment

We offer 360 degree apprenticeship recruitment support, including:

  • Creating job descriptions
  • Vacancy advertising
  • Application review
  • Eligibility checks
  • Interview support
  • Apprenticeship induction

Levy support

There is a dedicated Levy co-coordinator in our team, to answers any questions and offer full Apprenticeship Service Account support.

Ongoing support

Your account manager will provide ongoing support during your Apprenticeship journey. Where needed they can attend progress review meetings and provide updates on your apprentice. Your apprentice and their line manager will receive a visit from a Skills Officer every 8- 10 weeks.

Best in South for Employer Satisfaction

Ofsted Outstanding Provider

Success rates 16% above average

950+ employer network

90+ apprentice programme options

Client focused approach

“It’s common knowledge that school budgets are stretched and being able to take on an apprentice has meant that the teachers have been able to spend more of their time on teaching and learning. I would thoroughly recommend any organisation to seriously think about recruiting an apprentice.”

Business Manager
St Leonards School

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