Apprenticeships helping career growth across the University

The University’s IT & Digital Services (ITDS) department has been leading the way in workforce development by successfully recruiting apprentices at various levels as part of its long-term planning.

This approach not only strengthened the department’s capabilities but also inspired other areas of the University to follow suit.

At the heart of this success is ITDS Business Support manager Lisa Jeffries, who played a key role in shaping the apprenticeship model that ITDS introduced.

Working closely with training providers, Lisa tailored courses to meet the department’s needs and created a streamlined process that is now being adapted across the University.

The ITDS apprenticeship scheme has already delivered tangible benefits, helping staff develop new skills and opening pathways for career progression. Lisa herself is currently undertaking a Level 7 apprenticeship to strengthen her leadership skills.

Lisa said: “For me personally, it’s great to have seen the skills being picked up and implemented in the workforce and taken forward. It’s expanding career opportunities for everyone involved.

“I saw it as an opportunity to develop my leadership skills. It’s been a fantastic experience, and I’d encourage others to explore what apprenticeships can offer.”

Several other ITDS colleagues have also got involved in apprenticeship opportunities. These include Andrew Gill and Alex Littlewood, who are completing an MBA, Cyber Security Apprentices Lewis McIntyre and Stephen Anderson, AV Apprentice Bobby Reay-Halliday, Cloud Computing Apprentice Adam Wakenshaw, and Asset Management Apprenticeship Mathew Bryan.

Mathew Bryan, IT Technician, said: “Having the opportunity to study the asset management apprenticeship at Teesside University has empowered me with new skills and a deeper understanding of the principles of asset management that I can bring to the benefit of the ITDS department as part of Team Teesside.”

Adam Wakenshaw, Cloud Computing Apprentice, said: “My apprenticeship has been amazing opportunity, not only has it increased my skill set but also allowed me to experience my chosen field of work providing me with the ability to complete tasks with confidence.”

AV Apprentice Bobby Reay-Halliday added: “Being an apprentice has allowed me to gain valuable experience and knowledge within my industry whilst also earning a good salary to allow me the opportunity to progress in life further.”

The model developed for ITDS has now been incorporated by HR into the learning and development suite of support for staff across university, making it easier for departments across the University to introduce apprenticeships and invest in people.

Mike Gettings, Director of ITDS, said: “Apprenticeships have been a fantastic way to strengthen our department’s capabilities while opening clear pathways for career progression. They allow us to develop new skills internally, build resilience, and future-proof our workforce.”

If you’d like to explore apprenticeship opportunities, contact the Apprenticeship team on apprenticeships@tees.ac.uk.

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