Published on 09 February 2022
National Apprenticeship Week 2022 gives our University a chance to celebrate this year’s theme, Build The Future, through the inspirational work of its apprentices, partners and staff.
While more than 100 employers across the region are currently reaping the benefits of our Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, this year the University looks at its own investment in the programme since 2017, providing opportunities to build new knowledge, skills and experience through staff development apprenticeships.
Currently there are 29 employees undertaking an apprenticeship on campus, with 15 already having completed their apprenticeship in areas such as leadership and management, business administration and customer service. There is also a range of role specific apprenticeships that staff have accessed.
Some staff have achieved promotions or moved to a new role internally since completing their apprenticeship. The University has also created apprentice roles, bringing new staff into the organisation to help plug skills gaps or fulfil the requirements of newly created roles. Such apprenticeships have supported young people to gain employment as well as some individuals with employment experience, taking the opportunity to transition to a new career.
Natalie Stouph, Head of Organisation and Staff Development Human Resources (HROS) at the University of Sunderland, said: “Apprenticeships are valuable as they provide opportunities to learn on and off the job, building a holistic set of skills, and they offer opportunities for career progression particularly in areas where individuals can work their way through different levels of apprenticeships as they progress their career.
“The opportunity to network with other apprentices has brought some good ideas into the workplace, particularly in terms of improving processes and ways of working. The availability of the apprenticeship levy has opened up more staff development opportunities where funding for some qualifications was less available previously.”
Security Manager Andy Mulligan, is one of those staff members to benefit from the programme as he completes his MBA Senior Leader Masters Degree Apprenticeship in the summer.
The Senior Leader Apprenticeship programme explores leadership and leader identity and what that means to each individual in the context of their organisation. The programme incorporates a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
“I've certainly benefited from the apprenticeship, understanding my own leadership styles, which is what the first module on the programme is all about. It involves an insights profile, and I think I probably found that the greatest benefit, understanding myself more,” says Andy, 44, originally from Teesside.
Andy began working at the University 10 years ago, starting out as a security duty manager, before taking on various iterations of the role over the years. He had been interested in a postgraduate learning programme and explored a number of avenues. Following an apprenticeship route, he says, was an ideal opportunity for him, with support from the leadership team within the University's Estates and Facilities.
“It was a great opportunity for me to develop my role. The programme involved a lot of the strategic thinking which I was able to embed into our practice within the wider directory,” he added.
As Security Manager, Andy has overall responsible for security at the University, which includes overseeing security policy, providing their strategic direction, overall management of security systems, and personnel. He also works in an advisory capacity for security on new buildings and developments on campus.
Andy’s advice to anyone taking up an apprenticeship is to consider this route as an option and research the benefits and what an apprenticeship involves. He adds: “Broaden your research and develop your knowledge, above all, be proactive!”
The University of Sunderland launched its Degree Apprenticeship programme in 2017 and has established a proven record among a range of clientele.
Starting with just a handful of employers, the University scheme has grown year on year, now partnering with more than 100 organisations. This last academic year the University has enrolled more than 340 apprentices in 15 degree-level apprenticeship programmes, across a range of sectors and job roles.
Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said: “Providing high-quality apprenticeships is a vital part of our role as an anchor institution in the north east of England. We are delighted that our programmes have grown across the region and nationally, and we continue to work in partnership with so many different employers to provide them with the skilled people they need to thrive in the future.
“For the individuals involved, an apprenticeship is a terrific way to enhance their career prospects and job opportunities.”
This is the 15th annual National Apprenticeship Week, a week-long celebration that takes place across England, showcasing the impact apprenticeships can have on communities, local businesses and regional economies and how they all benefit from the impact of apprenticeships.