National Apprenticeship Week 2021 runs until 14 February. This year the University is joining other providers in celebrating the diverse opportunities and value apprenticeships can bring.
This year’s theme is Build the Future, focusing on how apprenticeships can help workers develop new skills and adapt to the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leeds offers a range of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships which enable learners to improve their academic and vocational skills and achieve a University qualification.
The part-time courses are developed in partnership with businesses and organisations including the NHS and PwC, ensuring the content meets their needs while maintaining the University’s rigorous standards of research-based teaching.
“We welcome students from a diverse range of backgrounds to learn with us in the way that best meets their needs.”
Professor Peter Jimack, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education, said: “Here at the University of Leeds we welcome students from a diverse range of backgrounds to learn with us in the way that best meets their needs.
“Our apprenticeship offer allows adult learners to develop their skills and advance their careers while achieving a University of Leeds qualification.
“Gaining new skills is becoming ever more important in a changing world of work. I’d like to congratulate our apprentices on their many successes, and we look forward to welcoming new learners this year.”
NHS careers
Leeds has decades of success in providing high quality education and training in healthcare for a variety of learners and roles.
The University offers two Higher Apprenticeships: Healthcare for Assistant Practitioners, which is now in its fifth year, and Nursing Associate.
Apprentices will gain a foundation degree from the University – a combined academic and vocational qualification – while continuing to work during the two-year course.
The Healthcare for Assistant Practitioners apprenticeship is designed for adult learners already working within the NHS in a clinical support worker role, with at least one year’s clinical experience in acute, mental health or other clinical support worker roles. It offers the opportunity to develop your clinical and professional skills and to understand the theory underpinning your practice. Half of each year of the course is clinically based, and teaching across modules is designed to help and support you in your learning as reflective practitioners.
The Nursing Associate apprenticeship sees students working alongside existing healthcare support workers and fully-qualified registered nurses to deliver hands-on care for patients. Apprentices will gain the technical knowledge, practical experience and functional skills needed for both the nursing associate role, and a long-term career in healthcare. The course is taught through a mix of academic learning at the University, practice days in the workplace, and placement days in a variety of health and care settings. The programme is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Apprentices who successfully complete it will be able to register with the NMC.
Working with business
Leeds offers five Degree Apprenticeships, enabling apprentices to gain an undergraduate or Masters degree. The courses are developed with employers and include University and workplace-based education and training. Apprentices’ skills are developed to meet business priorities, and they benefit from a sponsored university education while earning a salary.
This year apprentices working for PwC and studying at Leeds will be visiting schools and colleges (virtually) to talk about the benefits of their course in workshops and panels, and taking part in question and answer sessions with parents and teachers. Apprentices will also be encouraging students to apply for PwC's Year 12 Virtual Insight Week programme, which gives young people the chance to explore PwC's business areas and career paths.
Degree Apprenticeships
Leeds offers the following degree apprenticeships:
BSc Chartered Manager (Degree) Apprenticeship
This four-year part-time course helps new and existing managers develop and strengthen leadership and management skills. Learners will develop a sound, critical understanding of both the theory and practice of business management, focusing on the challenges of their specific workplace and gaining a University of Leeds qualification. BSc Chartered Manager course details.
BSc Computer Science (Digital and Technology solutions)
Developed with global professional services firm PwC, this course gives apprentices a head start in their chosen profession, experiencing work experience and skills training alongside university life. University tuition fees are funded by PwC, and as a PwC employee, learners receive a salary each month.
Apprentices develop core skills in information systems, data, cyber security, business organisation, systems development, computer and network infrastructure, IT project management and technical knowledge informed by Leeds’ School of Computing research.
At the end of the degree programme, providing you meet their performance criteria, PwC will offer you a graduate job. BSc Computer Science course details.
Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeship
The degree nurse apprenticeship programme has been designed as a flexible and alternative entry route into nursing, which pays a regular salary. This four-year course provides the apprentice with a BSc (Hons) in a distinct field of Adult nursing leading to Registration on Part 1 of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Register.
MSc Senior Leadership Apprenticeship
Designed by Leeds University Business School for senior managers working in the public and private sectors, this course provides an exciting opportunity for employees to achieve a full Masters degree while developing practical skills in the workplace. Supported by their employer, apprentices will gain a sponsored University education whilst gaining knowledge and skills relevant to the priorities of their role and organisation.
MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Apprenticeship
This programme is for experienced health and social care practitioners currently working in an advanced clinical practice role or who have obtained a trainee advanced clinical practitioner role prior to starting the programme. It is designed to support your development under the four pillars of advanced practice: clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research.
The three-year course is taught by the University’s expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. MSc Advanced Clinical Practice course details.
For businesses - why take part?
Our schemes are created in partnership with businesses to support the needs of employers and employees. The courses align with the apprenticeship standards designed by employers to ensure you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary to your business.
Unlike traditional degrees, apprentices are nominated by employers, who will pay their salary and training fees using the apprenticeship levy, rather than applying as individuals. We have apprenticeship partnerships with numerous private and public sector organisations, including PwC and several local NHS trusts.
As an employer you can use the apprenticeship levy to develop the skills of your workforce through flexible programmes which target business priorities. The University is registered to offer apprenticeships to levy and non-levy paying organisations.
Anyone interested in working with us to set up a new apprenticeship scheme, or seeking more information, should email apprenticeships@leeds.ac.uk
(Image shows students at the University of Leeds in pre-pandemic days.)