The university is one of the first recipients of funding from wave one of the Office for Students (OfS) £40m degree apprenticeships fund, launched in September.
Successful bidders had to demonstrate they could deliver projects that could increase uptake in apprenticeships and improve the diversity of students.
Expanding apprenticeships at Teesside University
Teesside University will use the OfS funding to deliver new professional apprenticeships in science industry process and plant engineering, accounting finance management, creative digital design, social research and therapeutic radiography.
In addition, the university has also been awarded a grant from NHS England to deliver a research project that will enable a wider understanding of the processes and procedures relating to the university’s level 7 arts therapist degree apprenticeship (MSc arts psychotherapist) and support the development of a training resource for future employers. There will also be an open access publication of the findings.
Collaborating with NHS England for arts therapist degree apprenticeship
Art psychotherapy aims to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental health by promoting insight, self-compassion and a sense of self-worth. The collaboration between Teesside University and NHS England supports the NHS long term workforce plan to significantly expand education, training and recruitment, and it also aligns to the university’s expertise, with the level 7 arts therapist degree apprenticeship (MSc arts psychotherapist) already proving successful.
Apprenticeships offer employers the opportunity to train talented staff to a pre-defined standard, ensuring that their skills are relevant to their role and the needs of the business, across all levels and industries.
Just last week, during National Apprenticeship Week, education secretary Gillian Keegan visited Teesside University’s National Horizons Centre (NHC) to discuss the important role of apprenticeships in the advanced therapies industry.
Reflecting on apprenticeship success at Teesside
Reflecting on the success of the recent funding bids, Jo Burgess, director of professional apprenticeships at Teesside University, said: “These successful funding bids are fantastic news for Teesside University and further strengthen our position and reputation as an outstanding apprenticeship provider.
“Taking a strategic approach to workforce development is vital for any business. Professional apprenticeships offer the opportunity for organisations to develop the required skills within their business. At the same time, they provide a pathway for staff to progress within their career and also an alternative route to a university education, enabling them to learn while they earn.
“We would encourage any business looking at developing skills and talent to see professional apprentices as a key solution for growth.”
