The Trust agreed that being able to support these higher-level qualifications would be seen as a positive step forward to ensure that future leaders had the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the roles, which reflected the Trust’s values and behaviours.

Benefiting from degree apprenticeships

The projects undertaken by the apprentices at both level 6 and 7 have contributed to the Trust in a very positive way.

An outcome of one project was to develop a pool of registered nurses to cover agency shifts while being offered the opportunity to work flexibly. This has saved the Trust money and has enabled the apprentice to influence at a higher corporate level.

Other projects have focussed on employee engagement across different staff groups. From working with unregistered staff, giving them the opportunity to mentor new health cadets, to reviewing the appraisal process within larger teams, has led to the development of a team appraisal charter and improved CPD sessions.

Engagement was also a key theme within a business project, exploring how the development of a culture of respect and partnership learning could reduce the perception of negative behaviours within various teams. Subsequent outcomes included staff feeling more confident to raise concerns and the co-creation of specific positive interventions, which were quickly embedded by re-energised staff. This research-based approach is being considered for use among other teams within the organisation.

Working with Manchester Met

We have been impressed with the high level of support given by the Apprenticeship Team at Manchester Met and how they have worked with us throughout the duration of the programmes, providing regular updates as to the progress of each apprentice.

Having spoken to the apprentices themselves, the feedback has been excellent regarding the content of the course and the delivery methods. As an employer, we were asked to be part of the successful AMBA re-accreditation process, which enabled us to contribute with our views and experience to date, all of which have been positive.

The cohorts, especially for the Senior Leader MBA, have included students from a wide variety of organisations - from large multi-national corporations to SMEs. This diverse mix has enhanced the learning experience and has developed productive networking opportunities for all involved, which has been viewed as extremely positive by the apprentices. This is something that should be continued as it gives the learners a well-rounded overview of the leadership and management arena, allowing issues to be shared in a safe environment and solutions to be found collaboratively.

Recommending the programmes

I would definitely recommend degree apprenticeships and Manchester Met to other employers.

We are using Manchester Met to provide Advanced Clinical Practitioner Masters and Chartered Manager Health and Social Care Degree apprenticeships to our staff and will continue to look at other opportunities offered by the University.