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Author Archives: HM Government

News story: Graduation ceremony takes place for UK’s first Degree apprentices

Eleven Capgemini Degree apprentices were awarded Bachelors of Science (BSc’s) in Digital and Technology Solutions, following 3 years of working at Capgemini combined with study.

64% of apprentices from Capgemini achieved a 1st class honours degree and all others received 2nd class honours degrees.

Skills and Apprenticeships Minister Anne Milton said:

I am delighted to offer my own personal congratulations to the UK’s first ever degree apprentice graduates. The hard work and commitment involved is truly admirable and highlights the opportunities apprenticeships can bring.

I hope this will encourage more people to consider a degree apprenticeship. It is a great way to earn while you learn at some of the UK’s top Universities and to go on to secure a rewarding job. Well done to all the students and also congratulations to both Aston University and Capgemini for breaking new ground.

Also being recognised today at the Aston University School of Engineering & Applied Science graduation ceremony was Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service who collected an honorary Doctorate in Science (Dsc), conferred by Vice Chancellor, Professor Alec Cameron.

Sue Husband said:

I am absolutely delighted to attend the graduation of the first cohort of Degree apprentices in the country, for what is a momentous occasion.

Degree apprenticeships are a significant step forward, providing the opportunity to develop and nurture talented individuals, and are a key part of our apprenticeships reform programme – with the ambition of creating 3 million quality apprenticeships by 2020 – and includes apprenticeships at higher levels, in more occupations and sectors.

The 11 Degree apprentices receiving their degrees today highlight the significance of higher level apprenticeships and the benefits to apprentices and their employer. Capgemini must be extremely proud of their successes.

As someone who has worked in the education and skills sector for many years, it is also a real privilege for me to receive an honorary DSc. I am a huge advocate of the transformative power that gaining skills and qualifications has on a person’s life and I am thrilled to have been recognised by Aston University.

Degree apprenticeships give people the opportunity to attain a Degree from some of the country’s best universities and higher education institutions whilst training in a top flight career. They and are already available in sectors such as Automotive, Banking, Digital Industries, Chartered Surveying, Aerospace and the Nuclear industry. Many universities and colleges are offering higher and degree apprenticeships across the country.

Higher and Degree apprenticeships are available at levels 4 to 7 and combine work with study and may include a work-based, academic or combined qualification or a professional qualification relevant to the industry. Level 6 is equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree and level 7 is equivalent to a Master’s Degree. Typically, higher apprentices study part-time at college, university or with a training provider.

Currently, over 240,000 workplaces employ an apprentice including Capgemini, Ford, ITV, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Barclays and the BBC, alongside many small and medium sized enterprises. There are between 12,000 and 20,000 apprenticeship vacancies across all levels on the find an apprenticeship site at any one time.

Find out more about apprenticeships on GOV.UK.

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HM Government

Press release: Bicentenaire de la disparition de Jane Austen

Véritable icône de la littérature britannique, l’écrivain Jane Austen est disparue le 18 juillet 1817. Avec ses livres et ses personnages, aussi adulés au Royaume-Uni qu’en France, le bicentenaire de sa disparition est symbolique des liens historiques et culturels qui unissent nos deux pays. Pour célébrer son œuvre, l’Ambassade de Grande-Bretagne en France et le British Council ont préparé une saison culturelle dédiée à Jane Austen avec un bal, un cinéma en plein air, des conférences et une compétition pour visiter sa ville fétiche.

Le Bal Jane Austen: Une discothèque du début du 19ème siècle

La saison culturelle a démarré le 30 juin à la Résidence de l’Ambassadeur avec l’association Carnet de Bals qui a effectué une démonstration d’un bal de l’époque de Jane Austen devant des jeunes Français étudiant l’anglais et des associations de fans de Jane Austen. Accompagnés par des musiciens et habillés en robe et costume d’époque, les membres de l’association ont fait valser la Salle de Bal de la Résidence, elle-même construite au début du 19ème siècle. Suite à la démonstration, les étudiants et autres invités ont rejoint la piste de danse pour un cours de danse à la Austen avant de danser aux rythmes plus contemporains d’un DJ électro. Résultat : une discothèque qui a chevauché les 19ème et 21ème siècles en plein cœur de Paris.

Le Cinéma Jane Austen: Raison et Sentiments et Orgueil et Préjugés au clair de lune

Les soirs du 10, 11 et 12 juillet, trois adaptations cinématographiques des œuvres de Jane Austen ont été projetées sur grand écran dans les jardins de la Résidence de l’Ambassadeur. Malgré la menace de pluie, plus de 500 fans de Jane Austen, dont des gagnants d’une compétition organisée par Livre de Poche, se sont installés sur des plaids et dans des transats prêtés par La Villette, pour savourer le drame, la romance et l’humour de Raison et Sentiments, Orgueil et Préjugés, ainsi que Bridget Jones inspiré par ce dernier. Les invités ont pu apprécier une courte intervention dédiée à chaque film par Marie-Laure Massei-Chamayou, maître de conférences en anglais à l’université Panthéon-Sorbonne et expert en Jane Austen. Avec en bonus l’option de déguster un Pimms – cocktail estival so British – ainsi qu’un fish’n’chips du food-truck installé au fond du jardin.

Les Conférences Jane Austen

Deux conférences (en anglais) organisées par le British Council. La première à la Sorbonne, le 18 juillet, et la deuxième au British Council le 21 juillet avec Nicolas Watson, spécialiste de la littérature romantique du 19eme siècle, qui explore l’influence de ‘L’Austenmania’ sur la culture britannique et européenne.

Compétition pour visiter la ville de Jane Austen

Compétition en ligne organisée par Visit Britain pour un weekend à deux au festival de Jane Austen en septembre à Bath, ville régence classée au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO et où l’écrivain a vécu. La compétition ferme le dimanche 23 juillet.

Si vous ou des membres de votre rédaction souhaitez couvrir ces événements ou avoir plus d’informations, merci de contacter Tess Mendibe, Tel : 01 44 51 33 39.

Le programme bicentenaire de Jane Austen s’inscrit dans notre programme ‘Les Voisins’, lancé en mars 2017 par Leurs Altesses Royales le Duc et la Duchesse de Cambridge lors de leur première visite officielle à Paris. ‘Les Voisins’ célèbre les liens culturels, historiques et humains entre la France et le Royaume-Uni, vécus au quotidien par les centaines de milliers de Français et Britanniques qui habitent, travaillent ou voyagent de part et d’autre de la Manche.

Pour en savoir plus sur notre campagne ‘Les Voisins’.

Ambassade de Grande-Bretagne
35 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré
75383 Paris Cedex 08
Tél. 01 44 51 33 39

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HM Government

Press release: Welsh Secretary tells business leaders ‘capitalise on Region deal’

The Secretary of State for Wales will today (Friday 14th July) tell Swansea business leaders that now is the time to capitalise on the Swansea Bay Region City Deal.

Delivering his first key note address in West Wales since the General Election at Swansea Business Club, Alun Cairns will commend businesses for their role in creating record low unemployment rates in the region and challenge them to use the City Region deal as the springboard to generating increased economic growth.

Mr Cairns will say:

The UK Government has a responsibility to create the right conditions for a thriving and prosperous economy but it is the private sector who are the risk takers, driving that success. The Swansea Bay Region City Deal provides a fantastic opportunity for business leaders to capitalise and reap the long term benefits that it will bring. The deal is a great example of the UK Government coming together with local authorities, Welsh Government and the private sector to deliver a local plan that will have wide felt impact.

The Welsh economy grew 2.8% in 2015, second only to the North West for the UK’s countries and regions, and since 2010 only growth in London has exceeded Wales.

Mr Cairns will go on to reassure business leaders in the room that the UK Government will help ensure certainty and stability as we leave the EU, through the EU Withdrawal Bill.

Mr Cairns will say:

We are under no illusion about the scale of the challenge we currently face as we prepare for negotiations to leave the EU. I am here to affirm that the Repeal Bill, introduced yesterday is about delivering certainty and continuity for businesses across Wales and giving assurance that the UK will not face unexpected changes on the day we leave the EU.

This is a Government that has been listening to businesses and hears their need for certainty. I want to reassure them it is their interest that we have at heart and that we will continue to sell Wales across the globe.

Notes to editors:

  • The Government yesterday (Thursday 13 July) introduced the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, known as the Repeal Bill, to Parliament. The Bill prepares the statute book for the exit from the European Union and delivers on the promise to end the authority of EU law in the UK. It provides maximum legal and administrative certainty for business, the public sector and everyone across the UK.
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HM Government