University of Sheffield's Apprenticeships: A Model for Future Workforce Readiness

Celebrating Excellence: University of Sheffield’s Apprenticeships Drive Economic Growth

Apprenticeships have become an essential strategy for bridging the national skills gap, particularly in vital sectors such as healthcare and advanced manufacturing. These programs provide accessible and practical pathways to rewarding careers, equipping individuals with the necessary skills and experience to excel in their chosen fields. The University of Sheffield, recognizing the transformative impact of apprenticeships, is proudly celebrating the achievements of its apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February 2025). This celebration underscores the importance of apprenticeships in fostering talent, driving economic growth, and enhancing workforce readiness.

Since its apprenticeship program began in 2012, the University has helped over 3,400 individuals start apprenticeships in fields such as allied health, nursing, midwifery, and advanced manufacturing. In 2023, the University received Expert Apprenticeship Provider status from the Department of Education (DfE), recognizing its strong industry partnerships. Sambit Sen, Director of Apprenticeships at Sheffield, stated that this status reflects the University’s dedication to providing high-quality apprenticeships that align with both career aspirations and industry needs. He highlighted that apprenticeships offer a practical way to gain skills while earning and emphasized the University’s focus on accessibility, with a quarter of apprentices from disadvantaged backgrounds. Sen also noted the value apprenticeships bring to employers by developing a future-ready workforce.

The University’s apprenticeship program was praised in its recent Ofsted report for its industry connections and the outstanding behaviour of apprentices. Currently, over 1,000 apprentices are enrolled in a range of healthcare and manufacturing fields, including speech and language therapy, ophthalmology, mechatronics, and welding. Maria Shemmans, 58, chose to apply for an apprenticeship in Speech and Language Therapy to advance her career while continuing to work. She shared that the apprenticeship has allowed her to apply what she has learned in the workplace, enhancing her skills and gaining exposure to different responsibilities within her team. She emphasized the value of learning from qualified speech and language therapists, which has given her a clearer understanding of the career. Maria now feels confident in her ability to study and achieve her goal of becoming a qualified speech and language therapist.

The NHS recognizes the significant contributions of healthcare apprentices from the University’s School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing, and Midwifery, noting their impact on frontline services and their development of essential leadership and problem-solving skills. Apprentices at the AMRC Training Centre, part of the University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, are tackling real-world engineering challenges and driving growth at over 400 regional companies.

Ian Pengkerego, 36, is pursuing a Mechanical Manufacturing Degree Apprenticeship while working at a Sheffield-based forging manufacturer. He shared that his role at Forged Solutions has given him a comprehensive view of the manufacturing process, which has kept him engaged throughout his career. With 15 years of industry experience, he chose to pursue the apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre, finding it a flexible way to earn a degree and enhance his skills while continuing to work. He noted that the apprenticeship has introduced new skills, which have helped him lead successful capital investment projects and contribute to his company’s success.

Professor Mary Vincent, Vice President for Education at the University of Sheffield, expressed pride in providing both traditional degrees and apprenticeships that address the national skills gap in nursing and manufacturing. She highlighted that apprenticeships, alongside traditional degrees, are essential to meet current and future employer needs and offer accessible career advancement opportunities for people from all backgrounds. The University of Sheffield remains committed to empowering individuals through high-quality apprenticeships, driving progress, and addressing critical skills gaps in essential industries.

Editor's Note:

Apprenticeships are a crucial connecting link between knowledge and skills gap, mainly in critical sectors such as healthcare and advanced manufacturing. The University of Sheffield’s apprenticeship programs are not just educational pathways; they are lifelines, providing individuals with invaluable hands-on experience while addressing the urgent need for skilled professionals in high-demand fields. Apprenticeships have a huge impact by making education more accessible and providing practical paths to rewarding careers, especially for people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The University of Sheffield’s apprenticeship programs show this, highlighted by their Expert Apprenticeship Provider status from the Department of Education and the success of their apprentices. To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, it’s important to recognize how apprenticeships help develop talent, boost economic growth, and improve workforce skills. The University of Sheffield’s commitment to apprenticeships is commendable and should serve as an example for others. 

Skoobuzz strongly believes that we should support apprenticeships as a powerful way to shape the future of industries and strengthen the economy.