Embedding Apprenticeships into Oxford University Press
Lucy Goodman, OUP Apprenticeship Lead, and Jennie Price, Executive Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary, share their experience into why Corndel Apprenticeships have become a permanent part of the organisation.
"There was a gap we needed to address, and at the same time, there were whispers amongst our organisation that people would really love to get some sort of Project Management Qualification. We started with nothing in terms of apprenticeships, and we wanted to bring this incredible opportunity to the forefront of people's minds. Our first apprenticeship cohort launched in 2020, and since then, we've had 240 learners take up a programme."
Addressing a skills gap through knowledge empowerment
Lucy's strategy was to launch an apprenticeship programme with Corndel to maximise OUP's Apprenticeship Levy, which needed to be used to its full potential. Lucy explains that the answer to this skills gap was strategically using OUP's levy funding and working closely with Corndel to establish a learning academy focused on Corndel's Data and Project Management Programmes.
Corndel's Project Management programmes are designed to develop the technical skills and professional behaviours needed to manage projects effectively in different delivery environments. The Data-focused programmes cover various foundational and specialist disciplines associated with a data-driven, modern world.
"Those disciplines have now changed from one cohort to 12 different disciplines. Being able to do that clearly shows a huge increase in interest for Apprenticeships, and the positive impact they have on the business".
This positive business impact isn't just demonstrating itself in the significant development OUP learners see in themselves. Lucy explains that teams are now becoming subject matter experts.
"People are so much more confident in their roles, and they're becoming subject matter experts. They're bleeding this knowledge back into the wider team. It's not just a learned skill. It's a skill that, as a wider division, we're now learning," says Lucy.
Lucy confirms the results from Corndel's programmes are currently being measured qualitatively. The feedback that Lucy has received highlights that people are experiencing a significant personal development, not just in skills, but also in their overall well-being. However, as more employees complete Corndel apprenticeships, quantitative KPIs will emphasise the impact of the programmes.
"People are completing their apprenticeship lifecycles, so we can start to measure more quantitatively. We've got some fantastic grades coming through."
Lucy also explains that people are becoming increasingly interested in the apprenticeships, leading to encouragement and nominations from senior stakeholders.
"These apprenticeships are working, and we've seen positive support and reinforcement from senior leaders, who are also nominating people. More and more people are enquiring about the apprenticeships instead of me encouraging attendance," says Lucy.
Spearheading data transformation
"When I look back at our mission, particularly digital transformation and becoming a lot more data-focused, we're seeing that these programmes are helping people become much more knowledgeable. The impact is two-fold. It's the skill development and the personal development, which is boosting confidence".
Lucy refers to two data-driven programmes that Corndel delivers. Each programme offers something different, focusing on various learning units like data literacy, practical skills to handle data responsibly, how to analyse large volumes of data to inform and enhance business decisions, and developing advanced skills in multiple data tools. Lucy specifically commends the Imperial College and Corndel Data-Driven Professional Programme, which saw a huge intake of learners.
"It's one of the apprenticeships that really supports our mission of data transformation. It filled a skills gap that we identified at that entry-level data role," says Lucy.
Responding to unique development needs
"Corndel is one of our strongest providers. We've enjoyed every minute working with them. We've got a positive working relationship, and feedback from both line managers and learners has been great."
Lucy says it's been fantastic to witness the evidence, not just in terms of grades obtained but also the confidence and calibre of colleagues. She explains that conversations with Corndel are productive and recur monthly, with more frequent meetings scheduled closer to a programme launch. These are carried out to understand OUP's wants and needs, ensuring Corndel delivers courses that cater to OUP's unique challenges.
"It's been a fantastic experience, and I really look forward to continuing our partnership and continuing to progress."
"Just go for it, because it's so worth it. There's so much support, so you'll be able to solve any problems you run into. If it ends up not being the right fit, at least you tried it. In terms of the workload, just be honest with yourself about what you can actually put in. You won't maximise your learning experience if you can't put 100% into it."
Jennie's learning journey with Corndel
Jennie works as an Executive Editor for the Oxford English Dictionary, and had previously done a project management secondment and thoroughly enjoyed it. When she saw an opportunity to do a Level 4 Diploma in Project Management with Corndel, she didn't think twice.
"It's been great to be learning stuff again. It's really enjoyable to get involved and meet all the people on the apprenticeship," says Jennie.
When asked if the new skills Jennie learned apply to her role, she explains that the programme has undoubtedly helped her do more tasks related to project management, and she's been able to contribute to her organisation in more ways. She says this has motivated her and given her the confidence to teach others.
"I've been involved in projects, and I've been able to continuously improve things that I've been thinking about. I'm bringing the knowledge of project management to people who have never experienced it before. It's really useful, because it gets initiatives going that have saved a lot of time and effort," she adds.
Jennie adds that her learning experience was positive, commending her PDE, "You have a lot of support and guidance from your tutor and your fellow apprentices. My PDE was brilliant. We had such a good relationship, and she was so helpful and supportive".
"Apart from learning the theory, it really boosted my confidence. Once you've got that knowledge, it gives you a lot more confidence and motivation to put your ideas forward and to follow through with them."
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