Manchester Metropolitan University’s apprentices visit York University in Toronto

In June 2022, a group of eight apprentices on Manchester Met’s Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship course travelled to Toronto for a cultural exchange trip, funded by the Turing Scheme.

The visit saw Lassonde School of Engineering at York University become home to the group from Friday 3 June to Sunday 3 July. They got a taste of student life in Canada by attending classes four days a week, following a week’s orientation.

While Manchester Met apprentices were in Toronto, they scheduled meetings with their employer counterparts at organisations including IBM Canada, Shopify and Pearson.

York University are set to launch their own apprenticeships programme, modelled in a similar manner to Manchester Met’s. As such, apprentices from Manchester Met attended weekly meetings with key stakeholders responsible for the curriculum formation, and shared their experience and insight to help shape the programme.

Apprentice Tasmia Niazi said:

“The trip has been an opportunity to talk about what we do day-to-day as apprentices. Since York University is trying to implement a similar programme, it felt right to help employers understand how degree apprenticeships work and see how they can onboard and support learners.”

Although a key part of the visit, the international trip wasn’t solely university classes and meetings. Apprentices had time to explore and enjoy some of Canada’s tourist attractions. Notably, the group took a trip to Niagara Falls as well as exploring the city of Toronto, and Tasmia viewed this as a good bonding experience for the group. She said:

“Before the trip, we didn’t know each other, as we all studied in different years or on different pathways. It has been great getting to know each other and learn from each other’s experiences.”

Director of Degree Apprenticeships at Manchester Met, Liz Gorb, said:

“We were delighted to be able to use our connections with York University to coordinate this trip for several of our degree apprentices. We are pleased with how beneficial it’s been for all involved as our students have been able to widen their knowledge and engage in a new culture while also offering their personal insight to the people at York University.

“We look forward to continuing the connection between Manchester Met and York University and look forward to the possibility of further international collaborations.”

Find at more about degree apprenticeships at Manchester Met on our website.