University of Cambridge, Cambridge

What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices are proud and feel privileged to study at the university. Many apprentices come from backgrounds where they are the first in their family to attend university. Apprentices value highly their training. They rarely miss sessions.

Apprentices benefit from the extensive networking opportunities academics and professional services staff provide. Apprentices relish the opportunity to attend formal dinners in their colleges. They discuss current topics in their field with high-profile guest speakers. Senior leader apprentices build professional networks. Apprentices become members of national bodies in specific areas of interest. These include professional standards, offender management and groups looking at violence against women and girls.

What does the provider do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders, academics and professional services staff have exceptionally high expectations of apprentices. Academics have designed challenging and demanding senior leader and architecture courses. These courses have considerable academic rigour. Courses extend well beyond the apprenticeship standard to develop many additional skills and behaviours that apprentices will need to be successful in their careers. Apprentices from a wide range of backgrounds thrive in this environment.

Academics are experts in their subjects, with most undertaking current research. Academics enhance their courses by bringing in well-known sector experts as visiting speakers. Academics use this expert subject knowledge and experience adeptly when planning and teaching topics to apprentices. Architecture academics give clear explanations to help apprentices understand the importance of considering the lifespan, fire and weather protection properties of cladding and curtain wall systems.

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