Making a difference through Transfer to Transform

This initiative is delivered in partnership with Solent Business Growth Service (previously Solent Business and Skills Solutions), which runs the Transfer to Transform programme across the Solent region.

An innovative initiative which allows organisations to support small and medium-sized employers (SMEs) in creating apprenticeship roles, the Transfer to Transform scheme has seen Solent University support Marwell Wildlife through the sharing of funds. These funds have been used to create an apprenticeship position at Marwell, supporting the development of an early‑career professional while meeting the Zoo’s needs.

Solent’s Head of Work Based Learning, Jo McBrearty, says:

“We are passionate about connecting learners to apprenticeships because we see first-hand how transformative these courses are. The Transform to Transfer scheme allows us to go a step further – making a difference in the regional economy, ensuring funds are used to up-skill the workforce, and supporting the needs of businesses locally.

“Apprenticeships are essential for providing employers with the skilled professionals they need, and this scheme is a great way to ensure the organisations that could benefit from apprentices do.”

Solent’s transfer has supported the creation of a Team Leader Level 3 Apprenticeship at Marwell Wildlife, enabled through the University’s collaboration with the Solent Growth Partnership – an alliance between local authorities in Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, working alongside Solent Business Growth Service to strengthen regional opportunity.

Abbie Walder, Human Resources Advisor for Marwell Wildlife said:

“Accessing the Transfer to Transform scheme has been invaluable for Marwell, enabling us to develop our team through apprenticeships. Having this opportunity helps us to strengthen leadership capability across the organisation, ensures our team have the skills and confidence to carry out their roles and importantly, supports progression.”

As a university, Solent plays a key role in boosting the region’s economy: ensuring skilled graduates have what employers need, while investing in schemes such as Transfer to Transform to enhance opportunities regionally. Through degree apprenticeships, the University is delivering learning and teaching rooted in the skills of the future.

Find out more about Solent’s higher and degree apprenticeships at https://www.solent.ac.uk/apprenticeships