The University – which provides valuable apprenticeship courses to benefit local businesses and organisations in upskilling their workforce – saw its apprenticeship programme rated ‘Good’ in a recent inspection by Ofsted. High-scoring areas included the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, as well as leadership and management of its provision.

University staff teaching on the apprenticeship programme were highlighted in the Ofsted report for their expertise. The report noted: “Apprentices benefit from staff who are subject experts with significant sector experience. Leaders ensure that staff receive a range of meaningful professional development to stay up to date in their specialist fields. Staff use this knowledge highly effectively in curriculum and assessment design, and to exemplify their teaching.”

Running since 2017, Bedfordshire’s apprenticeship programmes are tailored for organisations who would like to offer their employees additional training and personal development. Apprenticeships available Professional Social Worker; Registered Nurse; Nursing Associate; Midwife; Digital and Technology Professional; and Senior Leader Project Management.

Professor Andrew Church, Pro Vice Chancellor at the University, commented: “I am delighted with the outcome of this inspection. We have been offering apprenticeship programmes for many years and are proud of our track record in helping employees develop new skills for the workplace.

“Apprenticeships have many benefits to both the individual and the organisation, ultimately helping local businesses, communities and the economy to thrive.

“I hope that more organisations will consider apprenticeship programmes as a way to develop their existing employees in the higher level skills they need.”

Kayleigh Bell – Future Skills Programme Manager at national energy supplier, SSE plc which works with the University – commented: “Project Management is a fast growing and ever changing landscape for SSE, and we aim to ensure that our staff are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge and behaviours that demonstrate the ability to be successful in the role.

“The University of Bedfordshire’s Project Management apprenticeship plays a pivotal role in creating a skilful future workforce and produces a solid development path for our staff to reach their full potential.”

Sharon Price, a third year Professional Social Worker apprentice with the University’s School of Applied Social Sciences, commented: “I didn’t go to university when I was younger so this is my first experience of higher education which I’m really enjoying. I think being with other students and supporting each other through the apprenticeship programme has been really helpful – it’s really nice to come together.”

Alongside existing programmes, a number of new apprenticeship degrees are due to launch in September 2023. These will include Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Business Analyst, Ambulance Support Worker, Improvement Specialisms, Marketing Executive and Digital Marketer.

Employers who would like further information about current and future Higher and Degree Apprenticeships should visit: www.beds.ac.uk/apprenticeships