Progression from advanced and intermediate apprenticeships into higher and degree ones poses a challenge for many learners. To help tackle this, London South Bank University set up the LSBU Group which, in addition to the University, includes South Bank Colleges and South Bank Academies.

By forming a group structure with secondary, further and higher education provision, we are able to deliver progression from Levels 2 to 7 in sectors including creative, construction and health – offering employers a comprehensive offer that responds to their skills needs.

A recent example of such a progression is Kimberley Dobbs who joined South Bank Colleges in September 2021 to study a Level 3 UAL Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology – a course designed to fast-track students with little prior knowledge in skills including camera-operation; sound recording; editing using Adobe Premiere Pro; shooting pieces-to-camera and developing a critical and contextual awareness of different perspective and approaches within the media sector.

These skills enabled Kimberly to successfully apply for a Level 4 Post-Production Technician apprenticeship with the BBC (for which LSBU is the training provider). The recruitment process was national and open to all applicants but the short factual report Kimberley submitted was judged to be the most professional out of all the entries received.

As curriculums are aligned across the Group, Kimberley will be able to matriculate to the University in the autumn knowing that her new course will build directly on the skills she developed at the College.