Degree apprenticeships at Sheffield Hallam University see students enter the workforce whilst learning at the University. They are designed alongside employers to ensure they directly address key regional skills gaps.
Our apprentices play an important role in the regional economy, bringing new skills and industry knowledge to the local workforce – 25% of our apprentices are from the Sheffield City Region with 43% from Yorkshire and Humber as a whole. Earlier this year, Sheffield Hallam reached and exceeded its commitment in its Civic University Agreement to recruit 2,500 apprentices by 2024.
Degree apprentices, Ryan Simmons, Elyse Ashton-Sharp and Amber Zain, recently met with Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan MP, to talk about their experiences as degree apprentices at Sheffield Hallam University.
Here, Ryan and Elyse reflect on that meeting.
Ryan Simmons, degree apprentice at GXO, studying professional supply chain leadership
"As a degree apprentice at GXO studying professional supply chain leadership, I've had the incredible opportunity to combine academic learning with hands-on experience in the logistics industry.
"This unique programme has allowed me to pursue a degree while working full-time as a Continuous Improvement Co-Ordinator, gaining practical skills and knowledge that directly apply to my chosen field.
“My time at GXO has been transformative. The company's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth is evident in every aspect of the programme.”
"Recently, I had the honour of meeting the Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP, celebrating the success of the apprenticeship programme. It was an exhilarating experience to discuss the impact of apprenticeships on a personal level, as well as policy on a national scale. Gillian showed a genuine interest in our stories and aspirations, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting vocational education.
"Being in the presence of such an influential figure reinforced the significance of my journey and the value of the degree apprenticeship programme at Sheffield Hallam.
"My time at GXO has been transformative. The company’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth is evident in every aspect of the programme. My degree apprenticeship has provided me with a solid foundation for a successful career, and meeting the Secretary of State for Education only strengthened my conviction in the value and potential of apprenticeships. I am grateful for this remarkable opportunity and excited for my future prospects."
Elyse Ashton-Sharp, Business Executive at Salon Tracker Ltd, completing a Chartered Business Management degree apprenticeship
"My career goals are to develop my knowledge and skills in the sales and marketing industry, and my apprenticeship in Charted Business Management at Sheffield Hallam is taking me closer to achieving that goal. My Degree Apprenticeship gives me the opportunity to progress my academic skills and use this to develop in my role at Salon Tracker Ltd. Through my block release at University, I have learnt the theory around sales and marketing which I can put into practice in my role when looking at sales calls and marketing strategies.
“A degree apprenticeship does not restrict my career goals, it in fact opens new possibilities.”
"During my time as an apprentice and as a Sheffield Hallam Ambassador, I have been given great opportunities, including meeting the Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan. This opportunity meant I could speak to fellow apprentices about their careers and the different skills they have gained in the process.
I also discovered that Gillian Keegan herself completed a Degree Apprenticeship, this helped me see that a Degree Apprenticeship does not restrict my career goals, it in fact opens new possibilities."
