Oxfordshire Advanced Skills
It’s no secret that the UK’s STEM skills gap is slowing the adoption of game-changing emerging technology within the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) is working to change that by creating the next generation of advanced manufacturing talent through its future skills apprenticeships and training programmes that offer exciting opportunities to learners and employers alike. We’re also working to improve inclusive access to apprenticeships, as well as providing additional focus and resources to ensure all our learners are empowered and supported to fulfil their potential.
OAS apprentices learn from proven industry experts in an environment at the forefront of technological advancements. Our programme includes exposure to disruptive technologies and new ways of working, empowering our learners to help accelerate innovation when they return to their employers. An ambitious enrichment programme also supports development of the ‘soft skills’ they’ll need for professional and personal success.
OAS recently launched a new Level 4 programme for businesses to upskill and futureproof their existing workforce through apprenticeships, helping protect jobs and supporting progression. In addition, we provide specialist commercial courses, which now include a broad online offer, to help current engineers to increase their advanced manufacturing expertise and supports career changers looking to move into the new digital growth sectors.
For our employer partners, our apprenticeship programmes provide a cost-effective way to attract and retain enthusiastic, motivated, young talent with the skills their business needs for the future, supporting internal progression and succession planning. For our learners, they’re starting their career with the skills and experience that employers want, gained through an industry recognised qualification alongside hands-on work experience, and of course earning while they learn!
OAS is a partnership between the UK Atomic Energy Authority and the Science & Technology Facilities Council. The two organisations have a history of apprentice training in science and engineering stretching back more than 70 years. Our new centre, opened in September 2019, is managed by our apprentice training partner MTC Apprenticeships.
We have a duty of care to the sector within which we operate, from the health and wellbeing of our students, employees and trainers to the environmental impact of our work.