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Guidance for Employers

Supporting Degree Apprentices

The University of Wolverhampton works in close partnership with employers to ensure that degree apprentices are safe, supported, included and able to succeed in both their academic study and workplace environments.

To support this partnership, we have developed updated guidance for employers, bringing together clear, practical information about roles, responsibilities and support arrangements across apprenticeship provision.

Access the guidance here: Supporting Apprentices Guidance for Employers (PDF)

We encourage employers to share this guidance with relevant colleagues and to integrate its principles into existing workplace policies and procedures.

If you have questions about the guidance or would like advice on how it applies within your organisation, please contact your usual University apprenticeship contact or Student Life colleagues.

This guidance replaces earlier safeguarding-only materials and reflects current legislation, sector expectations and good practice.

 

Guidance FAQs

If you have further questions about the guidance or would like advice on how it applies within your organisation, please contact your usual University apprenticeship contact or Student Life colleagues.

The employer guidance sets out how the University and employers work together to support apprentices across key areas, including:

  • Safeguarding and learner welfare
  • Preventing and responding to sexual harassment and misconduct
  • Mental health and wellbeing, including access to 24-hour support
  • Accessibility, disability and reasonable adjustments
  • Cause for Concern and Support to Study pathways
  • Prevent Duty and the promotion of British values

It also clarifies employers’ legal responsibilities, including duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, and explains how concerns can be raised and managed proportionately and appropriately.

This guidance is intended for:

  • line managers and workplace supervisors
  • mentors supporting degree apprentices
  • HR and people teams
  • safeguarding or wellbeing leads within organisations

Employers are not expected to be experts in safeguarding, mental health or educational support. The guidance is designed to provide clarity and confidence, not additional burden.

Degree apprentices spend significant time in the workplace, and employers are often best placed to notice early changes in engagement, behaviour or wellbeing. Early communication and partnership working:

  • supports apprentice safety and wellbeing
  • helps prevent escalation of concerns
  • protects apprentices, employers and the University
  • supports retention, progression and success

Raising concerns early is always the right action.

The University of Wolverhampton holds overall responsibility for safeguarding and student support across apprenticeship provision. Employers play a vital role in:

  • creating safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces
  • upholding professional standards and boundaries
  • encouraging apprentices to access support
  • raising concerns promptly when needed

Concerns do not need to be investigated by employers before being shared. The University will assess and coordinate appropriate next steps.