OTnews December 2023 | Page 45

Apprentice learners

Apprentice learners

Feature
Institution
University of East Anglia
University of
Northampton
Length of course
30 months ; split across level 5 and 6 .
36 months ; split across level 4 , 5 and 6 .
University of Huddersfield
36 months ; split across level 4 , 5 and 6 .
Left : Key features of the different programmes
Length of academic year
Intake spring : 15 months . Intake autumn : 11 months .
Intake autumn : 12 months .
Cohort approach
Apprentices are taught as a stand-alone programme .
Apprentices are taught integrated with fulltime and part-time routes .
Apprentices are taught as a stand-alone programme .
Delivery model
University – one day a week ( occasionally two days ) when not on placement ; learners study two to three modules at a time .
University – one day per week when not on placement ; learners study two modules at a time .
University – one day a week when not on placement ; learners study one module at a time .
Approach to learning
Use a blended learning approach involving a combination of face-toface and distance online learning ; a hard copy or electronic portfolio is used for placement .
One module is taught face to face at university and one module via work-based learning activities , which mentors and teaching staff give formative feedback on ; an electronic portfolio is used for placement with a separate portfolio to show development against the Knowledge , Skills , and Behaviours .
Use a blended learning approach involving a combination of faceto-face and distance online learning ; an electronic portfolio is used for placement with a separate portfolio to show development against the Knowledge , Skills , and Behaviours .
Placement
Three full time placements in total covering 22 weeks ; as placement one is achieved through accreditation of prior learning .
Three full-time placements in total covering 27 weeks ; part time is an option if required .
Five full-time placements in total covering 29 weeks ; part time is an option if required .
Importantly , the model of delivery is essential to facilitate the unique learning journey of the apprentice learner ( Carter and Tubbs 2019 ; QAA 2022 ).
The universities worked closely with employers to establish their workforce needs and ensure the apprenticeships addressed these , as employer collaboration and engagement are key to the success of the apprenticeship programmes ( Lilis and Bravenboer 2020 ; QAA 2022 ).
Benefits and challenges
There are benefits and challenges to each programme to be considered :
University of Northampton : The programme has been running for four years and is working well ; the extended year allows learners to work alongside other cohorts to experience a rich learning environment .
Apprentices achieve highly in both academic and placement modules . The apprenticeship attracts a significant number of males , which is
December 2023 OTnews 45