Leading the way in Professional Apprenticeships

Strong employer partnerships and sector leading training place Teesside at the forefront of UK apprenticeships

As we start National Apprenticeship Week 2026, Teesside University is celebrating the powerful partnership between employers and apprentices, and highlighting the significant impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.

Teesside University continues to expand opportunities for people to pursue education with a clear career pathway. The University is recognised as one of the UK’s leading providers of professional apprenticeships, with more than 2,500 apprentices enrolled across over 40 programmes.

Following an Ofsted inspection last year, Teesside’s professional apprenticeships were rated Outstanding in every category. Inspectors praised the transformative impact of the programmes, noting how they meet industry skills needs while enabling more people to access higher education.

Working in close collaboration with organisations across a wide range of sectors, the University delivers tailored apprenticeship solutions that drive meaningful results. This partnership-led approach ensures apprentices succeed academically while making a measurable contribution in the workplace.

Many Teesside apprentices go on to build successful and rewarding careers. Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice and Teesside graduate Lily Fairless said: “The apprenticeship has been hugely beneficial to my role and development. I’ve been able to integrate new knowledge directly into my day-to-day tasks, which has boosted my confidence and skills.”

Christopher Hirlam, who completed the FdSc Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship, added: “I like the variety that comes with it, dipping my toes into all four fields of nursing and the experience that comes with them.”

Jo Burgess, Director of Professional Apprenticeships at Teesside University, said: “Teesside University is now one of the largest higher education providers of apprenticeships in the country, and to consistently deliver outstanding apprenticeships across so many different standards relies on forging extremely strong partnerships between the University, the employer and the apprentice. The fantastic Ofsted result is testament to the hard work of everybody involved in creating those partnerships.”

Teesside University remains committed to delivering long-term impact through high-quality professional apprenticeships that support individuals, employers, and the region.

---