• BT has recruited over 900 apprentices and grads over the past 12 months and will hire a further 700+ for its September 2020 intake. The telco giant has committed to creating many more digital roles in 2020 and is offering a range of apprenticeships that will help develop the cyber security experts, software developers, data analysts and network engineers of the future. BT Group, including Openreach, is one of the UK’s largest private sector apprenticeships employers.
• Logistics firm Gist is launching a new degree management apprenticeship scheme this September, which will welcome five A-Level school leaver recruits looking to develop their career as business leaders. Gist has partnered with Nottingham Trent University to offer the four-year Level 6 Leadership and Management Apprenticeship. The apprentices will be based at Gist’s Head Office in Chineham, Hampshire, and will study as distance learning students, visiting the university every eight weeks for lectures. The apprentices will spend time on placements across the business in years one to three and move into role in year four, before graduating with a BA Hons in Leadership and Management.
• Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is set to provide over 300 apprenticeships across 14 different roles ranging from drivers, engineers and operations to business administration and marketing. The scheme, open to people of all ages and backgrounds, including current GTR employees, will be based across the GTR network, from Brighton in the South to King’s Lynn in the North, with drivers located at main depots including Selhurst and Hornsey. Business and head office apprenticeships will be based across sites in London, as well as Three Bridges in Crawley, West Sussex and Bedford.
• Specialist insurance industry law firm Horwich Farrelly has given its full backing of the Level 7 apprenticeship scheme, recently offered to seven individuals. The six-year initiative sees candidates gain a law degree (LLB) and qualify as a solicitor alongside a paid job within the firm. The scheme offers candidates the opportunity to gain valuable, real-life experience in paid roles, with structured learning and development. As the scheme is entirely funded through the government’s Apprenticeship Levy, candidates will not have any fees to pay on completion of the programme, unlike those completing an LPC, which typically costs around £10k to study. Those taking the Level 3 route with provider BPP will have the option of completing the Level 7 programme in just four years, significantly fast-tracking their legal careers.
• Global technology-forward solutions company Jacobs has announced a third of its planned 1,200 new hires in the UK over the next year will focus in early years careers for apprentices, graduates and interns. These new roles will be based across its UK network, delivering digital and other advanced technical solutions in a bid to support more connected communities, cleaner air and water, cyber defences, strategic deterrent, clean energy and environmental clean-up.
• Electricity distributor UK Power Networks has announced it is stepping up its search for 16 new recruits to join the company in September. The apprentices will learn skills needed for the safe repair, maintenance and connection of overhead power lines (linespeople), underground cables (jointers) and electricity substations (fitters). 

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