University of Sunderland, Sunderland

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

Apprentices rapidly develop their knowledge and become highly skilled. Tutors ensure that planned on- and off-the-job training is blended seamlessly so that apprentices routinely reflect on the development of their knowledge, skills and behaviours. Level 6 manufacturing engineer apprentices use their sound technical knowledge to question suppliers when purchasing new or replacement parts. Level 6 registered nurse apprentices build their capacity to manage highly emotive incidents at work through routine post-incident reflection. As a result of their training, a high proportion of apprentices secure permanent employment with their current employer and many gain promotions during their programmes.

Apprentices invest in their training and are motivated to achieve. They make use of the university's extensive facilities to undertake research and wider reading to consolidate and deepen their knowledge. Many take on additional opportunities to share their knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the sectors in which they work by, for example, presenting at national conferences and professional networking events. Consequently, apprentices are very well prepared for success in their current and future job roles and are proud of the progress that they make.

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

Leaders, tutors and mentors are proud advocates of lifelong learning. They have developed a range of apprenticeship pathways to enable apprentices, many of whom have not participated in higher-level study previously, to train and progress into the sectors in which they aspire to work. They collaborate with employers and civic stakeholders to align their curriculum precisely with local and regional skills needs. For example, leaders and managers work with local NHS trusts and the local council to improve the recruitment of nurses and social workers. As a result, they are providing transformative opportunities to develop individuals, local services and the wider regional economy.

Tutors sequence programmes logically and revisit content frequently to build and deepen apprentices' understanding. Level 6 youth worker apprentices first study the values and principles of community work before exploring the impact of such work in a modern-day context. Tutors on healthcare apprenticeships revisit the core knowledge that underpins their clinical practice in the workplace as they learn new content, such as health promotion, culture in practice and care planning.

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