Apprentices key to NHS and closing UK skills gap

Apprenticeships are vital to the NHS and are playing a key role in closing the skills gap in industries such as advanced manufacturing, according to the University of Sheffield.

The Russell Group university is highlighting the importance of apprentices to mark National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February 2024).

Sheffield has long been a provider of apprenticeships, with its schemes now well established and successful. Its training programmes are developed and delivered in collaboration with industry, enabling employers to respond to their current and future specialist skills needs.

The University's commitment to developing excellent apprenticeship provision has led to it being awarded Expert Apprenticeship Provider status by the Department of Education (DfE) - one of only two universities in England to be given the status.

The pilot is a mark of excellence and will see the University work alongside others to inform improvements to apprenticeship provision nationally, to ensure SMEs, training providers and apprentices get the most out of the apprenticeship system.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of apprentices being trained at its AMRC Training Centre. Drawing on the expertise of neighbouring world-leading research and innovation cluster, the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) - a hugely successful R&D facility that has set a new standard for academic and industry collaboration - the AMRC Training Centre is creating a new generation of engineers, skilled in areas such as welding, automation and controls engineering, as well as composites, toolmaking, mechanical manufacture and nuclear manufacturing. These are all skills that are vital to industries in South Yorkshire and across the UK and allow apprentices to make a key difference in closing the skills gap.

The University of Sheffield also trains apprentices for the NHS in its School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery. Its programmes enable apprentices to make a major contribution to frontline NHS services by applying the University's latest pioneering health research to their practice and developing the leadership and problem-solving skills to practice safely and effectively.

Sheffield also recently launched a Speech and Language Therapy degree apprenticeship. The four year programme enables people to combine work and study, experience a wide range of roles in the profession, before qualifying to practise as a Speech and Language Therapist.

Sambit Sen, Director of Apprenticeships at the University of Sheffield, said: "For people considering their next step in life, apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills while also earning money. They help you gain a solid understanding of an industry you are interested in and train with leading experts from the field, both of which put you on a path to a rewarding and successful career.

"At the University of Sheffield, we are committed to delivering apprenticeships that meet the career aspirations of both individuals and industry. We are also determined to make education accessible to all, with a quarter of our apprentices coming from disadvantaged backgrounds and our work in this area continuing. If you are interested in an apprenticeship, explore the opportunities available, it could be the next step you are looking for."

The University of Sheffield has trained more than 2,600 apprentices across its AMRC Training Centre and School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery. Its AMRC Training Centre has worked with more than 400 businesses since opening.

Lucy Hattersley recently completed a degree apprenticeship with the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, qualifying in Manufacturing Engineering and a bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Technology. Throughout her apprenticeship, she worked as a quality engineer at Stanley Black & Decker at their Hellaby site in Rotherham. She now works in product qualification, process control and improvements.