Bishop Grosseteste University Students’ Union (BGSU) will be the first students' union in the country to offer their Sabbatical Officers industry recognised apprenticeships.
From September the President and Vice-President of BGSU will undertake Level 2 Apprenticeships in Team Leadership funded by Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) alongside their official duties.
The main responsibility of the Sabbatical Officers is to be a representative for all students, leading a volunteer executive team in enhancing the student experience at BGU.
The apprenticeship programme is designed to upskill and support them, providing training and a professional framework to guide their decisions and leadership. In addition to underpinning their efforts at BGU, the apprenticeships will help set the officers up for life and employment after their terms have ended.
For Abigail Rogers, BGSU Manager, the opportunity to both encourage the success of the hard work being carried out by the Students' Union team and offer an improved professional future for those taking part was not to be missed:
“The projects undertaken by the SU team here at BGU are of immense importance and we wanted to ensure that the individuals leading those efforts have all the skills needed to be successful. We are delighted with the support we’ve received from the university in breaking new ground and allowing us to upskill and enhance our team.”
Ben Kinross, Apprentice Engagement Officer at the National Society of Apprentices, was pleased to see BGSU supporting apprenticeships:
“It is very exciting to be involved with BGSU as they become the first student union in the UK to take this step in supporting the innovative professional development of their team. I look forward to seeing them lead more unions down this new path”.
Apprenticeships offer a range of exciting benefits to potential participants including:
- No course fees
- A salary allowing you to earn while you learn
- An industry recognised qualification, along with valuable experience
If you are interested in becoming an apprentice, either as the first step in a new career or to further your development in your current one, you can contact the Enquiries Team at BGU to discuss how an apprenticeship can change your life.