This year, marks 10 years of apprenticeship delivery at the University of Salford, coinciding with 100 years of Salford as a city. This milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on our contribution to workforce development and employer growth, while demonstrating the role apprenticeships play within the wider regional skills ecosystem.
Over the past decade, we have established apprenticeships as a core element of employer engagement and skills strategy. Through collaboration with employers, we have developed an apprenticeship provision that responds to labour market demand, addresses skills shortages and supports organisational growth. We deliver apprenticeship programmes across a range of disciplines, including healthcare, construction, engineering and science.
Biomedical Science apprenticesOur employer partnerships include SMEs, large employers, NHS trusts, local authorities and public sector organisations. This work is supported by close collaboration with Greater Manchester stakeholders, helping to strengthen local progression pathways and maximise impact. Apprenticeship programmes are often co-designed with employers to ensure direct workplace relevance, while flexible delivery models enable apprentices to balance employment with academic study.
Apprenticeship employer recruitment eventThroughout this year, we will place apprentices and employers at the centre of our activity. Their contribution will be recognised through an apprentice alumni reunion reflecting on progression and career development over the past decade, employer case studies highlighting business benefits, and apprentice-led communications. An Employer Pledge initiative will encourage organisations to commit to supporting apprentices by reinforcing shared responsibility for future skills development.
Other highlights of the year will include National Apprenticeship Week, celebration events and civic engagement linked to Salford’s centenary. These activities will highlight apprentice, employer and University staff achievement while reinforcing the University’s role as a trusted partner in skills delivery.
National Apprenticeship Week awards ceremonyAcross ten years of delivery, we have supported apprentices across a broad range of sectors, enabling employers to upskill their workforce, improve retention and develop the future workforce. Strong progression outcomes and repeat employer engagement reflect the long-term value of this approach.
Looking ahead, the University will continue to expand apprenticeship provision in priority growth sectors, strengthen progression routes into apprenticeships, and deepen civic and regional collaboration to support inclusive economic growth.
Employers are encouraged to engage with the University of Salford to develop or expand apprenticeship provision, make an Employer Pledge to support an apprentice during 2026, take part in anniversary events and forums, and explore opportunities for future collaboration. Further information and partnership enquiries can be made through the employer engagement team or via the apprenticeship webpages.
For more information on apprenticeships, please visit Apprenticeships | University of Salford or contact the Apprenticeship Service Unit: apprenticeships@salford.ac.uk
