University of Hull welcomes its first Degree Apprentices

Employers including ABP and Hull City Council are among the first to benefit from a new Degree Apprenticeship programme aimed at building leadership and management within organisations.

The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA), being offered at the University of Hull, is a 40 month intensive programme for aspiring or current managers that includes a full Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management studied at the same rate as a traditional undergraduate course.

The degrees combine academic study with practical ‘real world’ experience offering the chance for employers to build leadership skills within the workforce.

It also offers managers and aspiring managers the chance to nurture their talents whilst remaining in the workplace.

Funded through the Government’s new Apprenticeship levy, apprentices on this programme are among the first in the country to benefit.

As well as Hull City Council and ABP there are members of staff from Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust, as well as the University itself. 

Adam Greenwood, Head of Skills Partnerships at the University of Hull, said: “It is fantastic to be able to offer degree apprenticeships because they help with regional productivity which is a big thing for the Humber. We know there is a skills shortage in areas such as management - it is constantly flagged up by employers that they could really do with upskilling their managers.

“These are the first Degree Apprenticeships offered in the Humber region and it is exciting to be able to deliver this programme. This is a great way for employers to support their existing staff as well as to nurture new talent.”

In total there are 30 apprentices in the first cohort of the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship.

Lucy Renwick, Organisational Development Practitioner at Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Hospitals Trust, said: “The creation of this new programme is a fantastic opportunity for hospital staff to develop their careers whilst still carrying out their busy day-to-day roles in departments.

“This is the perfect opportunity for aspiring managers to increase their knowledge and skills, and then put what they have learned back into practice in the workplace. Our aim, in being involved, is to foster talent and support those individuals who can help us deliver the best possible care for local people.

“Through the CMDA, we’re confident that not only will our employees benefit from the outset, but that our patients will too.”

Shirley Sloan, Deputy City Manager at Hull City Council said: “Hull City Council is delighted to have 20 key council managers on this first chartered management degree apprenticeship supplied by the University of Hull.

“Personally, as an organisation development specialist, I am thrilled that I have been able to access a quality, bespoke apprenticeship degree for the council staff within weeks of the new apprenticeship levy going live.

“Using the new apprenticeship levy to build leadership and management capacity was an opportunity the council wanted to capitalise upon quickly.

“The university responded by working with us to develop an employer led management degree that will ensure the council has effective management and leadership in the changing and challenging local government environment.

“The managers who have started this apprenticeship are already bringing benefits to the organisation via high levels of motivation and motivating their staff in turn via their first assignment.

 “I look forward to seeing the apprentices grow, achieve and perform for the benefit of the Council, themselves and the Hull residents and visitors they serve”

Further cohorts of the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship are planned over the next year along with other apprenticeships including Senior Leader, Healthcare Assistant Practitioner and Supply Chain Professional.