Quality that speaks for itself: Teesside University’s latest apprenticeship outcomes
By
Jo Burgess
Director of Apprenticeships
Teesside University’s published Quality and Achievement Rate (QAR) data sends a clear message: quality matters. Behind every data point are the efforts of an extraordinary academic community dedicated to delivering outstanding apprenticeship experiences. Special recognition goes to our Associate Deans for Learning and Teaching, whose leadership and unwavering commitment continue to strengthen the learning journey for every apprentice.
The latest figures show strong and steady improvement across key measures, demonstrating the impact of a sustained focus on high-quality teaching, support, and learner outcomes.
The most recent results highlight a positive trajectory, with year-on-year progress made across three critical indicators:
- Achievement rate: 80.9%
- Retention rate: 82%
- Pass rate: 98.6%
These figures demonstrate that the university is not just expanding – it is doing so while maintaining a strong focus on learner success.
Quality in a competitive market
The apprenticeship landscape is highly competitive. Many employer partners tell us they encounter aggressive or heavy-handed sales approaches from some providers. Increasingly, stories about these practices are appearing in national headlines. That is not who we are.
We believe the headlines should be different. They should be about the impact apprenticeships have on people, organisations and communities – and about the quality of the experience learners receive.
For many providers across the sector who quietly and brilliantly go about their work, the QAR data tells the story that matters most: the learner experience.
At Teesside University, we prefer to let our apprentices and partners speak for us. There are no hard sells and no shortcuts. Instead, there is a passionate and expert community of world-leading academics, tutors, and skills coaches who are committed to helping apprentices succeed in their careers and personal development.
This work is supported by an equally important network beyond the university. Hundreds of workplace mentors and line managers play a vital role in guiding apprentices through their programmes, helping them apply their learning in real professional environments.
Together, this partnership between university, employer and apprentice creates the conditions for meaningful success.
Shared commitment to outcomes
Strong apprenticeship outcomes are the result of consistent focus on teaching excellence, supportive learning environments and strong collaboration with industry partners.
The latest QAR results reflect the dedication of staff across the university who work tirelessly to support apprentices at every stage of their journey – from enrolment to completion and beyond.
Most importantly, they reflect the commitment and ambition of our apprentices themselves.
Looking ahead
As apprenticeship provision continues to evolve nationally, Teesside University remains focused on the principles that matter most:
- delivering high-quality education
- supporting excellent learner outcomes
- building trusted partnerships with employers
- ensuring apprentices have the skills and confidence to succeed.
And that is what this week’s QAR data shows.
If you’re interested in our apprenticeship provision, get in touch with our team.