National Apprenticeship Week 2024

We have specifically commissioned four videos in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2024. These have been curated to highlight the best of our apprenticeship provision, demonstrating our commitment to encouraging skills for life for apprentices, organisations and the wider communities we serve.

These videos are themed around:

1. How we ensure skills are used for good in our community, in collaboration with our employer partner Douglas Macmillan Hospice.
2. Presenting our dedication to nurturing and developing skills in our own staff through apprenticeships.
3. Prioritising skills for everybody and celebrating alternative routes into Higher Education with our T Level offer.
4. Nurturing new skills in response to sector shortages and employer demand with our Physician Associate Apprenticeship.

We started our apprenticeship provision in 2018 and now have over 600 apprentices, working with over 130 different employers across a diverse programme portfolio. Apprenticeships at Keele University have a 'Good' Ofsted rating from a Full Inspection Visit in June 2023.

You can watch the videos by following the links below...

Are you intrigued about apprenticeships, but not quite sure where to start? As part of our National Apprenticeship Week celebrations join us for a Lunch and Learn about Apprenticeships session at Keele University.

• Hosted by Christopher Midgley (Apprenticeship Lead for Keele Business School) the event is taking place on Wednesday 7th of February 12-2, in the Think Lab situated in our Denise Coates Building.
• Network with like-minded individuals and employers, have the opportunity to hear from our VIP guest speaker apprentice Gill Hayes-Bell (Senior Director of Patient Science at Astra Zeneca) and enjoy lunch on us at the same time...

Apprenticeships allow individuals to earn a recognised qualification or degree alongside working in an organisation. This means that you are able to earn a wage, gaining experience in industry, and also learn at university at the same time. Here are some key advantages:

• Paid and Hands-on Learning: Apprenticeships provide practical, on-the-job training, allowing individuals to acquire real-world skills and experience in a specific industry or job role. 
• Industry-Relevant Skills: Apprenticeships are designed to meet the specific needs of industries and sectors. Participants gain skills and knowledge directly applicable to their chosen field, making them more equipped to excel at work and positively benefit the organisation they are working for. 
• Professional Mentorship and networking: You will work closely with experienced mentors who will guide and support your learning process. This mentorship can provide valuable insights, advice, and networking opportunities. This contributes to your overall professional development and ensures you can implement best practice from the skills and networks you have acquired into your own organisation.
• Career Advancement: Many apprenticeships offer a clear pathway for career progression. After completing the programme, apprentices may have the opportunity to take on more responsibility or advance to higher-level positions. This means businesses are training (and due to their investment in the apprentice) hopefully also retaining their best talent.
• Increased Confidence: Hands-on experience, coupled with mentorship, will challenge and boost your confidence in your abilities. This means you will have more conviction in your role and voice at work, due to understanding the theory behind the practical decisions you make.