University’s new degree apprenticeship to develop leadership in the NHS
The University of Cumbria is extending its education and training for health and care professionals in a new partnership with the NHS Leadership Academy and Health Education England.
From April, the University of Cumbria will be one of only two UK universities providing a Project Management Degree Apprenticeship contextualised to Health, supporting the leadership objectives of the overarching NHS Long Term plan to create a health service fit for the future.
Included in the degree apprenticeship are the University of Cumbria’s BSc Project Management degree and the Association for Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ). Uniquely the university will also offer the opportunity for students to undertake the Mary Seacole Programme and achieve the NHS Leadership Academy Award in Healthcare Leadership alongside the apprenticeship.
Delivered in the workplace and through face to face learning online, the programme supports existing professionals whose roles involve managing projects and driving improvement in care quality.
Health Education England and the NHS Leadership Academy join a growing list of major employers and industry partners working with the University of Cumbria to develop higher level leadership skills of staff.
Through its Project Academy the university’s Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership works closely with Sellafield Ltd, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and over 100 other employers to deliver a range of Project Management programmes and courses, including a number accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM).
Degree apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with study towards a higher-level qualification. They enable employees to earn while they learn, working towards a level six or seven university qualification – a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Director (Employer Engagement and Professional Development) at the University of Cumbria, Ian Sinker said: “With a rich tradition of educating future generations of nurses, allied health professionals, teachers, police officers and project managers, we’re delighted to be further strengthening our commitment to supporting public services and investing in people, the greatest asset of any organisation.
“Our collaborative partnerships and the modern, flexible ways of learning we offer through our growing portfolio of accredited programmes recognise the valuable contributions individuals make to their workplaces, making a difference through applying what they learn to improve and innovate.”
NHS Leadership Academy, Senior Programme Lead Corinna Thomas said: “This is a very exciting partnership, which speaks to the People Plan by enabling high quality training to be delivered in an accessible and affordable way whilst ensuring inclusive and compassionate leadership is at the core.
The University of Cumbria educates future and existing healthcare workers. Its respected Institute of Health educates student nurses and many who are training to become allied health professionals such as midwives, occupational therapists, paramedics, counsellors and radiographers.
The Institute of Health also works with health trusts across the North West to provide continued professional development for employees.
During National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February 2021), the University of Cumbria also announced details of its new degree apprenticeship for trainee paramedics – the first in the country – working with seven English ambulance trusts.
Find out more about Project Management options at the University of Cumbria here.
The university is also hosting degree apprenticeship taster sessions on 25 February and 4 March. Find out more and register for free places at www.cumbria.ac.uk/events.
Picture - University of Cumbria, Learning Gateway, Fusehill Street Campus