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Engineering degree apprenticeships drive business growth

Over 100 employers have signed up to the University of Sunderland’s degree apprenticeship programmes, designed to develop a highly skilled workforce.

One of those employers is Northumberland-based Sterling Pharma Solutions who partnered with the University to offer degree apprenticeships in manufacturing or electrical/electronic.

Sterling employee James Morton has recently completed his apprenticeship, graduating with a BEng first class honours and is one of the first people in the UK to complete and pass an Electrical Electronic Technical Support Degree Apprenticeship.

James shares his work-based learning journey with us.

While studying a degree apprenticeship, James was promoted to Assistant Plant Manager at Sterling, a global pharmaceutical company developing and manufacturing the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) that go into life-saving drugs around the world.

Sterling currently has six members of its Cramlington site’s 650-strong workforce undertaking a degree apprenticeship with the University of Sunderland. Over the last three years, the company has grown significantly, expanding its operations and acquiring three new facilities in the UK and US.

Investment in staff has been key to this growth, and the organisation is committed to continuously upskilling its people.

James Morton, Assistant Plant Manager at Sterling

James, 25, from Cramlington, who began working at Sterling four years ago as a technician, said:

“I have always been someone who wants to continuously develop myself and I believe that knowledge is the best thing you can have, and the more you learn the better you can become.”

After leaving school, obtaining a degree was always in the back of James’ mind.

“When I looked into the degree apprenticeship opportunity that Sterling and the University of Sunderland were providing, I realised how beneficial it would be. It was a no-brainer to work full-time, develop my skills and study, all while getting paid.”

Michael Douglas, Programme Lead and Senior Lecturer in Engineering at the University of Sunderland, said:

“James was a dedicated and motivated apprentice, who consistently achieved a first-class grade profile. He was also a well-respected member of the cohort.”

“The degree apprenticeship programme continues to grow by working with local industry. It helps to develop employees into motivated, qualified, and successful engineers. The University has a good relationship with Sterling Pharma Solutions and values the industrial experience that each apprentice brings with them to the programme.”

Brett Sharkey, Learning and Development Business Partner at Sterling, said:

“In the time we have worked with the University of Sunderland they have provided great support to our apprentices.”

“This degree apprenticeship allows employees an opportunity to step up; it also allows our organisation to carefully consider and address succession planning and skills shortages that are faced industry wide. It enables us to support, train and nurture our managers of the future.”

“We are delighted by James’ progression since he joined us. He’s incredibly motivated, and the work he did as part of his dissertation has helped in our continuous improvement projects.”

So, what advice does James have for others thinking about an apprenticeship?

“I have learnt that I’m a lot more flexible and adaptable than I thought I was. I would certainly recommend others do an apprenticeship,”

This apprenticeship programme offers engineering and manufacturing employers a cost-effective solution to develop the workforce. For employees with extensive experience or a level 4 or 5 related qualification (e.g. HNC or HND) there is the opportunity to fast track and join the second or third year of the programme.

Businesses can benefit from funding to support apprenticeships. For levy-paying employers it’s an opportunity to attract talent to your business, train existing staff and enjoy the ultimate return on investment from your levy payments. For smaller businesses, the Government will fund up to 95% of apprenticeship tuition fees.

The next start date for this apprenticeship is October 2022!

Find more about Engineering Practice degree apprenticeships at the University of Sunderland. here.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by University of Sunderland .