As National Apprenticeship Week 2020 kicks off, the University of Leeds is celebrating the success of its partnerships and those studying on its programmes.
Higher Apprenticeships and Degree Apprenticeships at Leeds are developed alongside businesses and organisations to meet their needs, while ensuring the University’s rigorous standards of research-based teaching are maintained.
Working with partners including NHS and PwC, the courses are delivered part-time at the University, and students receive a University of Leeds qualification upon successful completion of their studies.
Professor Tom Ward, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education, said: “We are committed at Leeds to attracting students from all sorts of backgrounds to study at the level that best meets their needs.
“Through our apprenticeship offer we work with adult learners – through our Lifelong Learning Centre, our Schools of Computing and Healthcare, and through our Business School.
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, I'd like to congratulate our apprenticeship students on their many successes.
“We are very keen to build on our fantastic existing partnerships – locally, nationally and internationally – that are helping so many different learners to achieve success.
“As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, I’d like to congratulate our apprenticeship students on their many successes.”
Working with the NHS
The University has for many years had a successful track record in providing high quality education and training in the area of healthcare, for a wide spectrum of learners and roles.
Since 2017 the Lifelong Learning Centre has been delivering the Healthcare for Assistant Practitioners Foundation Degree apprenticeship, developed with NHS trusts across Yorkshire.
Ollie Tindall, an apprentice on the course, works in the community team at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust as a trainee assistant practitioner, attending teaching sessions at the University for one week out of six.
I wasn't sure what to expect but the tutors at Leeds are amazing. I feel very supported.
Having left school after GCSEs and worked in a variety of jobs around the world – including as a musician – Ollie started working for the NHS and has been encouraged to develop his role by his manager.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect but the tutors at Leeds are amazing. I feel very supported,” he says.
His place on the course is fully funded by the Trust through their apprenticeship levy and lasts for two years.
Apprenticeships combine work, training and study and gives students the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for their specific occupation while earning a salary.
Assessments include essays, projects, case studies, group presentations and exams, this wide range gives students the opportunity to work to their strengths and to gain skills in different forms of expression and use their learning gained within the workplace environment.
“We all look out for each other in the group,” says Ollie. “It’s very cohesive and a fantastic environment to learn in. I would recommend it one hundred per cent.”
Building business skills
Shaunty Mudd is studying for an MSc in Senior Leadership while working as Head of Specialist Rehabilitation for Leeds Teaching Hospitals.
“In 2018, the NHS trust I work for offered this course as a development opportunity. I had recently started a new role so this was an excellent opportunity for me.
“The elements of the course that have inspired me so far are change management, finance and positive leadership modules. This is because I am responsible for a large budget within my role, and change is constant within the NHS.
I would definitely recommend Leeds University Business School.
“It is also invaluable to receive feedback about your own leadership style. I will take this learning forward in my role and this course should allow me to have the confidence to apply for more senior roles, not only within the NHS but potentially in the private sector too.
“By supporting me to take the MSc Senior Leadership apprenticeship, the Trust has supported my professional development as a leader. As a new Head of Department, having the opportunity to study leadership in depth will enable me to function better within my role.
“I would definitely recommend Leeds University Business School. The tutors are friendly and supportive, my knowledge has improved and this has translated into being more confident within my role at work.”
The other higher and degree-level apprenticeships offered by Leeds are:
- Nursing Associate Foundation Degree Apprenticeship
- BSc Chartered Manager (Degree) Apprenticeship
- BSc Computer Science (Digital and Technology solutions)
- BSc Nursing (Adult) Apprenticeship
More information
Read more about apprenticeships at the University of Leeds
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