Ofsted inspectors have praised the University of Leeds for producing high-quality apprentices, with many of them achieving distinction grades.
The University of Leeds provides a range of apprenticeships and at the time of its Ofsted inspection in the summer, there were 362 apprenticeships across geotechnical engineering, health, digital technology and leadership and management.
Inspectors scored the University an 86% overall achievement rate for learning aims, a figure substantially above the national average of 65%, according to the report.
The report also praised the academic staff, saying they expertly designed the curriculum to blend the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed at work with the academic skills needed for effective study.
Additionally, the apprentices at Leeds made extensive progress from their starting points and almost all reached positive destinations, including promotions. 100% of apprenticeships who reached the end of their programme passed.
"We are particularly pleased that inspectors recognised the expertise of our academic staff, our high-quality learning environments and the benefits apprentices gain from cutting-edge research, industry expertise and close collaboration with employers."
Dom Millington, Head of Apprenticeships (Delivery and Compliance) at the University of Leeds, said: "We are pleased that Ofsted has recognised the strong achievements of our apprentices and the quality and ambition of the education they receive at Leeds.
"We are particularly pleased that inspectors recognised the expertise of our academic staff, our high-quality learning environments and the benefits apprentices gain from cutting-edge research, industry expertise and close collaboration with employers."
Success stories
Musa Cham, who graduated this summer with a FdSc Nursing Associate (Foundation degree in Science) was awarded Apprentice of the Year by the University's Partnership Awards.
Musa fitted his studies around shifts at the Leeds and York Partnership Mental Health Trust and supporting his wife Fatoumata to care for their two children.
"It gives you a real sense of achievement to fulfil your goal. It gives you the confidence to support patients and help them get better which is what it is all about," he said.
Earlier this year, one of the University's degree apprentices, Ned Samuels, was awarded 'Emerging Manager of the Year' by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
The CMI gave the award to Ned, Corporate Business Development Manager for Splendid Hospitality Group, for having 'quickly established himself as a tenacious and self-driven professional, contributing to one of the UK's fastest growing privately owned hotel groups.'
Ned said: "I am very glad I chose the University of Leeds as my training provider. Degree apprenticeships give an abundance of personal and professional opportunities, and I have enjoyed the opportunity of getting into the workplace and being student debt free."
Engineering excellence
The inspectors talked about how the geotechnical engineering apprentices wrote highly professional reports, using technical language fluently, and accurately applying formulae to analyse rock and soil samples, which geotechnical engineers do to ensure the safety of construction projects.
Alex Sunderland, the University of Leeds' first engineering degree apprentice, said: "I wanted to get to a higher level in my career and achieve chartership status as well qualified engineers are sought after. I looked at the various options and decided to apply for an MSc apprenticeship because it was fully funded and I could learn at the same time as working.
"I am much better at organising my time and at analysing information and writing reports since I did this course. I am now an in-depth user of Excel which has been useful in my critical analysis of data."
Further development
The University of Leeds reached the expected standard in its curriculum and teaching, and also in the areas of inclusion, leadership and governance.
Ofsted inspectors added that in most instances, leaders and staff identified apprentices' learning, wellbeing and additional support needs early in the apprenticeship, and ensured apprentices received co-ordinated support from a range of university services, personal tutors and external partners.
The University is working on improving participation and development which was identified as an area for improvement, with a few instances of apprentices finding it difficult to manage timescales.
Dom Millington added: "Ofsted found that apprentices develop substantial knowledge and skills that are highly valued by employers, while safeguarding standards are met and apprentices learn in supportive, welcoming and inclusive environments.
"We are committed to providing an outstanding experience for every apprentice. Work is underway to address the areas identified by inspectors for further improvement as we continue to strengthen our apprenticeship provision."
Further Information
The University of Leeds has been delivering levy-funded apprenticeships at levels 5 to 7 since 2018.
The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) inspects the quality of apprenticeships at all levels in the UK.
