Tesco, Unilever, Direct Line, IBM and WPP’s Ogilvy working together

Pearson Business School is partnering with a group of world-leading companies to launch the UK’s first rotational degree apprenticeship in Business Management, combining first-class work experience in 3 companies with a degree.

The innovative 3-year Rotational Degree Apprenticeship is designed around student-apprentices rotating through 3 different blue-chip companies, while studying for an Honours Degree at the same time.

The consortium of FTSE 100 companies and IBM are collaborating to provide a unique learning experience for up to 12 ambitious students with a passion for business.

It is crucial to have an appreciation of many different business environments. By spending time in 3 different companies, participants will gain a deeper understanding of business issues and a greater ability to collaborate and adapt. 

Roxanne Stockwell, Principal

The most recent CBI Education and Skills Survey found that 46% of employers are not satisfied with graduate’s levels of business and customer awareness. The new degree apprenticeship is designed to meet the needs of employers looking to recruit more business-savvy graduates.
Student-apprentices will be paid at least £15,000 per annum, with time off for study and will graduate debt-free.

Participants graduate with an honours degree, a network of professional contacts, prestigious Chartered Manager Status and most importantly three years of professional work experience in world leading companies.

Competition is likely to be fierce, but unsuccessful applicants may be eligible for a place on Pearson Business School’s Business Management degree with a guaranteed internship and a reduction in fees.

The launch fits within the government’s plans to place apprenticeships on the same footing as traditional degrees and, if rolled out more widely, could help employers meet the target to create three million apprenticeships by 2020.

Applicants can apply from 1 July on the Pearson College London website. 

Pearson Business School is part of Pearson College London – the UK’s first higher education institution founded by a FTSE 100 company.

Roxanne Stockwell, Principal of Pearson Business School’s parent institution Pearson College London, said:
“We have launched this degree because more and more employers are telling us that their graduates are lacking in the skills needed to succeed in the world of work."
89% of employers surveyed said that they value graduate hires with the right attitudes and aptitude for work, this innovative course hopes to address the balance between traditional academia and the needs of 21st century employers.

Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO WPP, said:
“We believe that business can play a positive role in education. By investing in young people we can help build the skills our industry needs and help young people into employment. The Rotational Business Degree with Pearson Business School is a valuable new opportunity for young people from all backgrounds to develop skills and gain a degree while working, which we believe is an important innovation for education in the UK.”

Annette King, CEO, Ogilvy & Mather UK, said:
“At Ogilvy we are constantly looking for new ways to bring diverse talent into our business, from as many different walks of life and backgrounds as possible. We are delighted to be taking part in helping make this degree happen in such a modern, business relevant way.” 


Placid Jover, VP Human Resources, Unilever UK & Ireland, said:
“At Unilever we have a passion for investing in people and are always looking to bring fresh ideas and perspectives into our business. Our graduate and apprenticeship programmes are already much sought-after and we are delighted to add this new rotational degree program to our offering. We believe this unique opportunity will help accelerate and enhance the development of highly adaptable and talented individuals who can thrive in this fast and ever-changing world."

Alison Horner, Tesco Group Personnel Director, said:
“Tesco are thrilled to be part of the rotation degree trial with Pearson Business School starting in September 2016. This is a unique opportunity for young people to combine studying for a degree whilst gaining invaluable work experience across a number of different organisations. This new approach to learning will support young people to enter the world of work with well-developed professional skills. Shaping future leaders is key to the success of our business and this trial gives us the opportunity to work with young people and develop their talent.”

Andy Moss, Senior Vice President Pearson, said:
"Pearson is delighted to be partnering with some of the world's leading businesses to deliver our new Rotational Degree Apprenticeships. These courses give students an unrivalled business education, backed by first-class work experience with 3 different blue-chip companies - what better way for learners to gain the skills and knowledge needed to progress in their lives?
That's what Pearson Business School is all about - ensuring students can move seamlessly from education to employment with some of the world's most innovative organisations."

Mark Pettican, Pearson UK HR Director, said:
"The world is changing, and the workforce of tomorrow needs to have ready skills that ensure success in the jobs of the future. The rotational degree apprenticeship is a unique opportunity for students to set the trajectory of their career path right from the start of their degree study. We are proud to be a part of this initiative, which demonstrates our commitment to providing opportunities for learners at every stage of their journey."

Mark Evans, Marketing Director Direct Line Group, said:
“Our intent is to revolutionise insurance again. In a fast-changing world that increasingly means that developing our capability is in itself the strategy - the "how?" is becoming pre-eminent because the "what?" is incredibly hard to define precisely and will continually evolve.

As a result of this we need to be able to attract and retain great talent. Therefore we are absolutely delighted to be involved in the launch of Rotational Degrees with Pearson Business School since it promises to produce exceptional graduates with a genuine edge that can make a difference in an organisation from the moment that they graduate.”

Jenny Taylor, IBM UK Foundation Manager, said:
“Apprenticeship schemes have a vital role to play in closing Britain’s digital skills gap and growing the economy, and IBM is delighted to be adding this new cross-industry Degree Apprenticeship to our award-winning portfolio of graduate and apprenticeship programmes.”