How Bud makes apprenticeship delivery stress-free for universities

Apprenticeship software may not be something universities typically have, but it’s essential for delivering high-quality degree apprenticeships.

How Bud makes apprenticeship delivery stress-free for universities

The addition of work-based learning and strict compliance rules mean that the reality of delivering Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships alongside full-time degree programmes is more complicated than it seems. 

A training management system like Bud, which is designed specifically for apprenticeship delivery, will take the headache out of the process. Here’s how.

Software designed by specialists

Most universities already have a virtual learning environment and digital achievement record system for ordinary degree programme students. A system that’s designed to support apprenticeship delivery might not seem essential – but the features of these platforms typically aren’t configured to work for apprenticeships. 

As a result, tutors can end up relying on manual workarounds and unreliable processes. This doesn’t just eat up valuable time, but also leaves the door wide open for human error and inaccurate data.

Learning management systems built for apprenticeship providers are equipped to meet all providers’ compliance requirements seamlessly. In Bud, for example, you can download individualised learner records (ILRs) at any time, in a format that meets the government’s specification. 

It’s also easy to log off-the-job training hours, assessment scores and more, and generate reports when required. You can even give Ofsted inspectors their own login, so they can navigate the system easily and see the information for themselves.

Supporting apprenticeship compliance

Universities, particularly those new to apprenticeship delivery, often tell us that they struggle to understand the complex compliance requirements of degree apprenticeships. 

Bud’s commitment to compliance is the backbone of the platform, and every feature of the software is designed by experts to support this.

The platform is also regularly updated as the funding rules change, so you don’t have to be an expert in the sector to understand each year’s change and how it will affect you. Just keep recording your information in Bud as normal, and you’ll be prompted to complete missing information in line with updated rules.

Find out why the University of Liverpool chose Bud as their platform - read the case study.

One central system 

Delivering degree apprenticeships brings extra complexity compared to standard degree qualifications. 

On top of demonstrating that the programme has been delivered, the training provider also has to evidence each learner’s progress towards the knowledge, skills and behaviours agreed in their training plan, and towards their endpoint assessment.

Many universities still rely on multiple systems and APIs to record student data, which is time consuming and labour intensive at best. But with this need for even more comprehensive reporting, as well as the increased number of students, these legacy processes become costly.

An apprenticeship delivery software like Bud acts as a central hub. Learners, employers and academics can all access the system to upload work, results and workplace evidence.

This doesn't just remove the risk of human error when using multiple systems to record and compile data – it also means that a complete and accurate learning record is easily accessible from one source of information.

Improved employer engagement

Degree apprenticeships introduce a third party to the programme delivery: the employer.

The university’s apprenticeship delivery software must enable a good experience for employer partners, to ensure the best learner outcomes and secure an ongoing relationship with that employer.

Bud gives employers access to reports, such as learner engagement and learner progress, and enables them to add their contribution to a learner’s progress review in-platform. This easy access reduces the administrative burden on employer partners and encourages them to be more engaged with apprenticeship delivery. With a platform like Bud, employers can see the impact of their contributions on learners’ progress. 

Seamless learner experience

Bud’s intuitive platform also facilitates degree apprentices’ engagement with their programme. They can self-serve administrative tasks like enrolment and their initial skills assessment, as well as communicate instantly with tutors through the Messaging Hub. 

These interactive tools and the rapid feedback on assignments save time, reduce frustration and help to maintain 100% learner engagement.

Deliver quality degree apprenticeships with Bud

Bud’s end-to-end apprenticeship delivery software is designed to support university training providers every step of the way. Our experts are on hand to support with implementation, ensure a smooth transition and support with any queries once you’re up and running.

Book a discovery call to find out more about implementing Bud.