Apprenticeship opportunities to be showcased at University of Derby during National Apprenticeship Week

Around 20 employers from across the East Midlands will be showcasing their apprenticeship opportunities at an event at the University of Derby on Wednesday 8 February.

The event, taking place during National Apprenticeship Week (6-12 February), will be attended by young people from more than 300 schools and colleges, and feature leading global and national employers including Rolls-Royce, Alstom, Tarmac and NHS Trusts.

As part of its education provision, which ranges from post-16 to postgraduate, the University works closely with employers across a range of sectors to support apprenticeships and to deliver industry-relevant teaching. These partnerships create opportunities for skills development throughout an individual’s career – a key theme of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week.

On the same day there will also be an opportunity to take part in a webinar about a new BEng (Hons) Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. The interactive session, hosted jointly by the University of Derby and Rolls-Royce, will discuss the new course which will provide cutting-edge skills training in organisations that develop software, particularly where safety is critical, such as aerospace, automotive and robotics. The webinar takes place from 1-1.30pm and is open to employers and schools as well as potential employees and their families.

Dr Louise Richards, Deputy Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Derby, said: “We are excited to be developing this degree apprenticeship in partnership with Rolls-Royce. Working closely with leading employers in the region and drawing on the expertise of our academic team means that we are able to provide the workforce of tomorrow with the skills, knowledge and practical experience they will need to succeed.”

Find out more about the webinar.

In partnership with Buxton and Leek College, the University of Derby offers a range of apprenticeships, combining on-the-job training with academic learning delivered by the University’s industry-experienced teaching team. Apprenticeships are available in a variety of sectors, including nuclear, hospitality, business, engineering, teaching and health care, with many offering degree-level qualifications. The College, which is part of the University, has campuses in both Buxton and Leek, and celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year.

Talking about her experience as an apprentice, Josie Bates, an MSc Nursing (Adult) Apprentice said: “This apprenticeship will have a massive impact on my career. I will be a registered nurse by the end of it, and the career progression from that and the variety of roles available to me will be huge.”

Sarah Howard, who is on the Mineral Products Technician Higher Apprenticeship, added: “I like the idea of earning while learning and getting hands-on industry experience as part of my qualification. I have thoroughly enjoyed the apprenticeship so far. Being site-based has helped develop my learning by working alongside specialists in the industry.”

Among apprenticeships offered by the University are a range of nuclear apprenticeships delivered in collaboration with Rolls-Royce and other industry partners at the Nuclear Skills Academy (NSA), based at the iHub in Derby. The NSA opened its doors to its first apprentices in September 2022 and has funding to provide 200 apprentices with nuclear education each year for the next decade. The first of its kind in the country, it was showcased at an event at the House of Lords on 31 January.

National Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration of apprenticeships, bringing together businesses, apprentices and education providers to showcase the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2023 is Skills for Life, reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career and help businesses to develop a workforce equipped with skills for the future.