Northumbria University is aiming to bolster its degree apprenticeship programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels
Higher and degree apprenticeships are a key strand in the government’s skills strategy and are open to newly recruited and existing staff from organisations of all sizes. They combine university study and workplace learning to enable employees to gain new knowledge, new skills and new thinking, while completing an undergraduate or master’s degree.
In the current climate, organisations need to be sure that they are developing their people in line with current and future demands. The specific needs of your business or organisation can be met with teaching based on real workplace activities and live projects to complement day-to-day operations.
At Northumbria University, the higher and degree apprenticeships are more than a learning programme; they are a partnership. The university works with you to create courses that meet the demands of your organisation. It will provide your employees with the skills and knowledge required so they can take on tomorrow’s challenges.
Kevin Corredin, who is currently doing a chartered manager degree apprenticeship at Vertu Motors, explains: “Being involved in the running and management of a dealership is an amazing task to do as I get to discover all of the work that goes behind it. I see this not only as an opportunity to be a manager but also to make a positive change in the motor industry in the UK.”
Northumbria University began running apprenticeship programmes in 2015 and they have gone from strength to strength. The university has many partnerships in place with public and private organisations, including Durham County Council, HM Revenue & Customs, NHS Business Services Authority, North Tyneside Council, Northumberland County Council, Turner and Townsend, Vertu Motors, and many smaller companies and organisations.
Since 2015, Northumbria University has developed its apprenticeship offering and following the success of its current three apprenticeship programmes, in chartered surveying, chartered manager and digital and technology solutions, the university is building on this for 2018/19.
For the next academic year (subject to approval), Northumbria University is aiming to run eight programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Subjects include accountant and taxation professional; architect; chartered surveying; chartered manager; senior leader MBA/MSc; senior compliance risk specialist; solicitor; and teacher.
Northumbria University’s apprenticeships build on the foundation of employees’ existing abilities and experience, leaving your employees empowered through increased skills, knowledge, self-awareness and a greater sense of value and purpose within your organisation.
Kirste Worland, ICT service delivery manager for NHS Business Services Authority, explains “Working in partnership with Northumbria University has enabled us to help shape and influence how our apprentices learn and develop; pushing the boundaries in developing a flexible and innovative approach to apprenticeships.”
“Organisationally, the creativity, ideas, questions, and thinking has stimulated both apprentices and existing staff over the last four months and this synergy has generated some great ideas as well as productive working relationships, and I look forward to seeing this coming into fruition.”
“This is a long-term commitment from both the organisation and the apprentice, and the support I have observed from all quarters has been exceptional and I look forward to building on this over the coming months.”
For more information on how your business could benefit from apprenticeships and Northumbria University’s 2018/19 programmes, visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/degreeapprenticeships or send an email to degree.apprenticeships@northumbria.ac.uk
