Academic Professional

Course overview

The Academic Professional Apprenticeship is aimed at individuals teaching and supporting learners in Higher Education. Participants should be engaged in teaching and supporting students or, have the opportunity to do so. We interpret teaching in a broad sense recognising participants could be involved in varied disciplines and contexts of student learning, including.

• Personalised, small or large group sessions.
• Teaching online or in-person.
• On or off campus (including clinical settings).
• Theory or practical based sessions.

The apprenticeship enables participants to become part of a community of practice, whilst nurturing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to succeed as an Academic Professional.

Apprenticeship components

The programme is delivered through two Postgraduate modules. Each session is supported by guided online learning, set reading and syndicate group tasks.

Examples of indicative modules include.

• Teaching Reflectively in Higher Education.
• Design and Development in Higher Education.

Programme eligibility

To complete an apprenticeship, you must be employed in an organisation with your employer's support. We typically require apprentice applications 8 weeks before programme starts and by undertaking an apprenticeship, you commit to completing the End Point Assessment (EPA).

The Academic Professional Apprenticeship typically requires.

• Participants must be engaged in 50 hours of teaching or supporting learning in UK Higher Education and have a specialist subject mentor.
• Teaching related activity in this context may include preparation, assessment, course material development, attendance at team and programme meetings, course reviews, or any other activity relevant to teaching.
• Classroom related activity will need to consist principally of lectures, seminars and tutorials but may also combine elements of online delivery.
• Typically hold a first degree.
• Fortnightly taught sessions on Teams, typically on Wednesday afternoons and a full block day at the beginning, middle and end of the taught programme which are in-person. 

Supported learning

We will work in partnership with you to ensure you are supported throughout the apprenticeship process.

• Our Business Engagement Manager will provide tailored support and offer guidance on applying for an apprenticeship at Keele University, direction on eligibility and contracting, or any other questions you may have.
• This relationship does not stop once you start an apprenticeship at Keele University. We also have dedicated Work-Based Learning Officers to guide you through the apprenticeship when you are studying on one of our programmes.
• We offer a personalised approach to apprentices, ensuring you have the assistance you need from Keele University as your Training Provider, every step of the way.

Funding

Apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.

• Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can typically use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.
• Any business with a payroll below £3 million is usually eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship course. 

Additional incentives are also available to employers based on differing circumstances. 

Contact us to find out more...

How do I apply?

You make an application to study an apprenticeship through your employer with their support.

Applicants must meet several key criteria:  

• Employment in a relevant role: Applicants must be currently employed in a position relevant to the apprenticeship or be recruited into a new role that aligns with the apprenticeship focus.  
• If you are seeking a new role with apprenticeship training: Employers will typically advertise apprenticeship vacancies through their own recruitment sites and browse apprenticeships before you apply.
• Meet entry requirements: You must satisfy the specific entry requirements for the apprenticeship, including necessary educational qualifications and/or relevant professional experience.  
• Employer support for upskilling: Existing employees are encouraged to discuss with their employers the potential for support in upskilling through the apprenticeship, which can enhance their professional development and benefit the organisation.