The new apprentices from Servelec, alongside other cohorts which began their studies in this academic year, have pushed the number of degree apprentices at Sheffield Hallam to more than 1,300.
The Victoria Quays-based firm welcomed 12 junior software developers as part of the Servelec Digital Academy scheme, that will see the apprentices work in a full-time role at the firm, alongside attending lectures and seminars at Sheffield Hallam.
This will culminate in the apprentices receiving a Digital and Technology Solutions Professional degree qualification.
The perfect mix of working on real projects and learning through teaching
Yannick Loembet, one of the junior developers at the Servelec Digital Academy, and the 1000th degree apprentice to join Sheffield Hallam, said: “It’s exciting to think that I am one in such a long line of apprentices.
“My degree apprenticeship provides the perfect mix of being able to work on real projects as well as the opportunity to learn and develop through the teaching I receive from Sheffield Hallam.”
Garry McCord, Chief Strategy Officer at Servelec added: “Servelec is incredibly proud to welcome the first students to the Servelec Digital Academy. These 12 junior developers represent the first of the next generation of our team and the whole business is excited to support them as they start their careers with us.”
The University is celebrating the milestone of 1,000 degree apprenticeships as part of National Apprenticeship Week, an annual campaign by the Education and Skills Funding Agency to raise awareness of apprenticeships as a world class career option.
As one of the UK’s earliest adopters of degree apprenticeships in 2015, followed by the opening of the National Centre of Excellence for Degree Apprenticeships (NCEDA), Sheffield Hallam has been recognised as a pioneering hub for the innovation, design and delivery of degree apprenticeships.
Conor Moss, Director of NCEDA, said: “The fact that we’ve welcomed our 1,000th degree apprentice to Sheffield Hallam is a real moment to celebrate.
“That’s 1,000 people who have had an impact on their area of industry – bringing skills and knowledge they have learnt at Sheffield Hallam and applying this directly to their area of work.
“It’s a chance to reaffirm our commitment to driving future economies regionally and nationally.”
One of the widest ranging selection of degree apprenticeships
Sheffield Hallam University delivers one of the widest ranging selection of degree apprenticeships, working with over 270 employers and deliver courses in sectors including construction, engineering, health and social care and cross sector in digital/IT, leadership and management.
Degree apprenticeships are designed in partnership with employers to meet the skills gap and foster a spirit of close co-operation between universities and employers, developing stronger work-related skills in graduates.
Hannah Forster began her Food Industry Technical Professional degree apprenticeship in 2018 after deciding that she wanted to turn her passion for food into a career.
She joined the Serious Sweet Company, based in Harrogate, as a development technologist creating new sweet products such as fudge, marshmallow and honeycomb, sold across the UK, the EU, America and Canada.
She said: “I’ve always loved experimenting in the kitchen and trying new ideas, so this role was a perfect fit for me.
“The apprenticeship has helped me develop a wide knowledge of the food industry and has really boosted my confidence. It has shown me that product development is the career I want to pursue.”
Gaynor Barrett, new product development manager at the Serious Sweet Company said: “Her thirst to learn was apparent from the ‘get go’ and she grasped the key skills of a product development role quickly. This is complemented by her Food Industry Technical Professional degree.
“Every few months, Hannah comes back from University with lots of relevant questions and suggestions, showing that she can adapt what she learns on a broader food industry level and apply it to a functioning confectionery manufacturer.
“For Hannah, the apprenticeship is a perfect way to ease into the Food Industry. She has a real-life, hands-on role within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and is simultaneously getting university level learning and development to support her work.
