Degree-level apprenticeship (DLA) comparative pilot

The issue 

The purpose of this project is to contribute to the mainstream adoption of degree-level apprenticeships within the tertiary education system by developing frameworks to enable wider uptake of a flexible and responsive delivery mechanism for degree-level apprenticeships aligned with industry needs. 

Intended outcomes

• Degree-Level Apprenticeship: Executive Summary 
• Degree-Level Apprenticeship: Full Report

The Steps

Phase 1: System gap analysis

• Degree-Level Apprenticeship: Executive Summary 
• Degree-Level Apprenticeship: Full Report

Phase 2:

Overview and Value Proposition 

We encourage you to share these short and accessible summaries of the programme through your networks

• Overview: Get an overview of what the degree-level apprenticeship programme is trying to achieve here - Overview: Degree level apprenticeships (PDF)
• Value Proposition: A summary of the opportunity that degree-level apprenticeships represents is available here - Value Proposition: Degree level apprenticeships (PDF)

Key background documents:

We have also prepared several background documents that supported the business case agreed by the ConCOVE Board. These provide a wealth of information about the evidence base for degree-level apprenticeships, insights from key informants we interviewed and quantitative analysis to help us understand the market opportunities. 

DLA pilots - Literature scan (PDF)

DLA pilots - Key informants (PDF)

DLA pilots - Quantitative analysis (PDF)

Submission to the University Advisory Group

ConCOVE made a submission to the University Advisory Group encouraging careful consideration of degree-level apprenticeships as an important opportunity for the university sector. Read ConCOVE's submission here: Degree apprenticeships and the role of Universities (PDF)

ConCOVE made a second submission to the University Advisory Group, reiterating how degree-level apprenticeships should be a key part of universities' teaching and learning options. The submission explains how standard setting and capstone assessments could be changed to give industry more influence, the potential of degree-level apprenticeships to extend the reach of universities, and the necessary policy changes. Read ConCOVE's submission here:   University Advisory Group submission 2 (PDF)

Advisory Group 

We are delighted to announce the appointment of an advisory group comprising representatives from workforce development councils, Te Pukenga, the University of Waikato and Universities New Zealand. Their expertise and guidance will be instrumental in supporting the mainstream uptake of degree-level apprenticeships.

The members of the Advisory Group are:

Eve Price, Chair and ConCOVE portfolio manager
Andy Donohue, Quality Manager, BCITO
Rochelle Gribble, Programme Director - Complex Workstreams, Universities New Zealand
James MacKay, Pilot Manager, Otago Polytechnic
Catriona Petrie, General Manager, Qualification Systems, Waihanga Ara Rau WDC
Peter Scanlan, Independent Specialist
Associate Professor Karsten Zegwaard, University of Waikato

Project status and expected delivery date: In progress (full project Nov 2025)

Lead organisation: ConCOVE

Collaborators: Mischewski Consulting

Brenden has over twenty years of experience in policy, operational policy, and investment, focusing on improving public services for underserved populations and bridging traditional agency boundaries. He has held senior leadership, policy, quality assurance, and funding roles in DPMC, MBIE, MoE, MoH, MFAT, MSD, MPP, NZQA, TEC, and WDCs. 
 
His expertise includes tertiary education, research quality, and Pacific health issues. Notable achievements include managing the $300m per annum Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF), reviewing industry training to free up $55m for government reinvestment, completing two major Pacific health workforce forecasts, and establishing Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) to enhance sector governance and operations.