UCL joins list of universities offering degree apprenticeships
30 Jul 2019
University College London has joined the growing list of British universities offering degree apprenticeships, saying it was supporting the efforts of industry sectors to tackle the growing skills shortage.
The university will pilot two master’s level degree apprenticeships, one in the Department of Space & Climate Physics and one in the Institute of Ophthalmology, with the first intake of apprentices arriving in September 2019. Following the pilot, UCL is exploring the expansion of degree apprenticeships more broadly across the institution.
UCL’s vice provost for education, Professor Anthony Smith, said: “As a top ten global university based in London, UCL is delighted to be launching our first ever degree apprenticeship programmes this autumn.
“Apprenticeships are a valuable opportunity for students to earn while they learn and for employers to upskill their workforce to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of innovation.”
The university boasts links with business, engaging with over 3,000 UK employers annually – including the NHS, GCHQ, the Bank of England and Transport for London.
Its advanced clinical practitioner degree apprenticeship in ophthalmology is being run in partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital, with 10 apprentices on the pilot.
The systems engineering master’s degree apprenticeship has been developed in partnership with global innovation and transformation consultancy PA Consulting (PA) will start with 25 apprentices.
Graham Cookman, Complex Systems expert at PA Consulting, said: “Our partnership with UCL is a great example of two organisations using ingenious ways to overcome complexity in engineering programmes.
“Working with UCL has enhanced the skills in our teams and enabled us to help new and existing clients adapt and transform to achieve enduring results.”
NEWS: Morrison Utility Services (MUS), the UK’s largest dedicated utility service provider and part of M Group Services, has successfully gained approved apprenticeship status from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for its Level 3 power apprenticeship programme.
The Power network craftsperson substation fitting standard specialism Level 3 programme is now approved for a three-year period up to June 2022.
