Keele University

Keele University delivers a growing portfolio of higher and degree apprenticeships across multiple sectors and specialisms, designed in partnership with employers and aligned to approved Apprenticeship Standards. The university emphasises a personalised approach, tailoring delivery models to suit employed learners so they can develop skills that immediately add value in the workplace. Programmes are structured to ensure that learning can be implemented within the employing organisation, with employer requirements placed at the heart of curriculum design. Keele supports businesses throughout the apprenticeship lifecycle via a dedicated Business Engagement Manager, who advises on utilising the Apprenticeship Levy, contracting, compliance, and embedding apprenticeships into workforce development plans. Apprenticeship places are funded by employers rather than apprentices, with levy-payers able to use their digital accounts and smaller employers typically accessing government co-funding. Apprentices benefit from structured academic study alongside employment, access to university resources such as LinkedIn Learning, and support from Work-Based Learning Officers on many programmes. Keele’s apprenticeship provision has been recognised with a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating for apprenticeships following a full inspection in June 2023, and the university continues to expand its programme offer in response to employer consultation and labour market needs.(keele.ac.uk)(keele.ac.uk)