University of Kent, Canterbury

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

Apprentices enjoy studying at the University of Kent. They display very positive attitudes to their learning. They attend taught sessions well. They quickly make up learning if they miss a session by reading around the topic. They value the opportunity to learn from teaching staff, who are well-qualified experts in their fields. Teaching staff use their experience skilfully to inspire apprentices and ignite their passion for learning. As a result, apprentices take great pride in their work, which they complete conscientiously. Most apprentices achieve high grades in their final assessments. Several apprentices achieve national recognition through apprenticeship awards.

Apprentices benefit from effective teaching, which helps them to learn new topics and concepts. Teaching staff present information clearly. They use questioning carefully to deepen apprentices' learning and build their critical thinking skills. As a result, apprentices learn new knowledge, skills and behaviours swiftly, which they apply confidently in the workplace. Fundraising apprentices learn to think differently about working in the modern world. For example, introducing card machines to churches, reflecting the move to cashless living. Senior leader apprentices working in the NHS learn to deploy staff carefully to make sure that patient needs are met safely. Apprentices become increasingly competent in their job roles because of their studies. They use their skills well in the organisations they work for.

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

Leaders have a clear vision and purpose for the apprenticeship training they provide. They work closely with employers and groups, such as chambers of commerce to identify local and regional needs. They use this information effectively to develop apprenticeship programmes that meet employer demand for specific jobs. For example, they introduced a level 7 architect apprenticeship, recognising the growing need for construction projects in the South East. They introduced science apprenticeships that meet the needs of businesses in a nearby innovation park.

Leaders design apprenticeships which meet the needs of adults returning to learning effectively. Apprentices benefit from a supportive introduction to academic writing and the study skills they need when learning at a higher level. Staff use the information about apprentices to adjust teaching appropriately, so apprentices do not repeat learning. Most apprentices who enrol stay on their programme and complete the apprenticeship successfully.

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