Upon successful completion, the apprentice will have achieved a Certificate of Higher Education in Policy Making.
Available across England, the programme includes high-quality tuition from academics with internationally recognised experience and expertise. It is designed to ensure that apprentices rapidly acquire key skills that can be easily applied in the context of their organisation.
As students at the University of Kent, apprentices benefit from the added value of a higher education experience, which includes being part of a vibrant student and alumni community, both physical and online.
The Policy Officer apprenticeship helps employers to utilise their apprenticeship levy fund, secure their apprenticeship target, and build a diverse and loyal workforce. It is structured to combine work and study, supporting employees to put theory into practice.
Since this apprenticeship exists to both diversify the workforce and up-skill aspiring policy professionals at all stages of their career, a broad range of entry routes can be considered. As a guide, the minimum prior qualifications needed to successfully complete the certificate are five GCSEs (including English and mathematics) at Grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent qualification.
All apprentices must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for the apprenticeship.
The cost of the Policy Officer apprenticeship is £6,000. This can be paid from the Apprenticeship Levy or by Government Co-investment. Other costs to consider that are not covered by the Levy of Co-investment include travel to the intensive teaching sessions (if applicable).
Apprentices receive a salary, have an employment contract, spend a minimum of 20% of their work time on off-the-job learning and pay no tuition fees.
This programme starts in September each year. Please contact us for application cut-off dates.
The duration of this apprenticeship is 24 months, including the end-point assessment.
The programme can be completed entirely online or through a blend of online learning and in-person teaching at three day-long intensive sessions.
Intensive sessions are available in central London and various locations in England, based on demand.
You might be doing research into an area at the start of a project, meeting with stakeholders to discuss policy change or the issues they are facing, meeting with the project team for a workshop to discuss ideas, or – if the project is at a later stage – you might be helping to draft a statement or report for publication.
If you have any questions about Kent programmes, need help selecting the right apprenticeship or require information on funding, timelines and more, please don't hesitate to reach out.
We're always here to help you navigate through the process.
