- The University of Sheffield is highlighting the importance of apprentices in closing skills gaps across the health and advanced manufacturing sectors, as part of National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February 2026)
- By offering an ‘earn while you learn’ model, the University’s apprenticeships offer an accessible pathway into higher education for those looking to gain in-demand skills while earning money in the process
- Sheffield is also one of only two universities in England to hold Expert Apprenticeship Provider status by the Department of Education (DfE)
- Student Nursing Associate apprentice and mum-of-three Najoua Hassin, from Sheffield, explains how the programme has helped her balance family responsibilities and gain new skills while directly improving patient experiences
The University of Sheffield is celebrating its thousands of apprentices who have made a major contribution to NHS frontline services and closed manufacturing skills gaps across the region and beyond.
To mark National Apprenticeships Week (9 - 15 February), the University is shining a spotlight on those who have taken what is an accessible pathway to rewarding careers.
Since the University’s apprenticeship programme was launched in 2012, almost 4,000 people have started apprenticeships across its School of Allied Health Professions, Pharmacy, Nursing and Midwifery, and at its AMRC Training Centre.
In 2023, the Department for Education (DfE) named Sheffield an Expert Apprenticeship Provider - one of only two UK universities to receive the honour. This status recognises Sheffield’s excellence in industry collaboration and its role in shaping the future of apprenticeships nationwide. During National Apprenticeships Week, the University is hosting a cohort of senior DfE personnel to observe best practice and meet apprentices to learn more about their experiences.
The quality of the apprenticeships on offer at Sheffield was also endorsed by the University’s most recent Ofsted report, which praised the University’s close links with industry and noted that apprentices displayed outstanding behaviour and attitudes.
Sambit Sen, Director of Apprenticeships at the University of Sheffield, said: “Apprenticeships provide a compelling alternative to traditional routes - offering paid, high-quality career development and a direct pathway into skilled, sustainable employment.
“We know that, for some, Higher Education can feel out of reach. Apprenticeships can offer an important pathway for those balancing other commitments and we’re very proud that over a quarter of our apprentices come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Our apprenticeship programme is also very much a two-way street: while our apprentices gain invaluable experience, their on-the-job training develops a workforce ready to fill frontline NHS roles and close critical manufacturing skills gaps across South Yorkshire and the UK.”
Over 1,000 students are currently enrolled in a diverse range of programmes spanning healthcare - including nursing and speech and language therapy - and advanced manufacturing, such as manufacturing, engineering, product design and development, mechatronics, composites and fabrication.
Upskilling frontline NHS workers
For mum-of-three Najoua Hassin, 34, from Sheffield, a Student Nursing Associate apprenticeship has empowered her to take the next step in her career while continuing to work in frontline patient care at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
She said: “Having started my journey as a carer and then progressing to a Clinical Support Worker within the NHS, I knew I wanted to take the next step in my career without stepping away from patient care.
“One of the biggest benefits of the apprenticeship route is the opportunity to earn while you learn. It allows you to gain real-life clinical experience alongside academic study, which helps you immediately apply your learning in practice.
“This pathway also provides strong support and structure, making it an accessible and inclusive route for people from different backgrounds, including those with family responsibilities.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of being an apprentice is seeing the direct impact of my learning on patient care.
“As my knowledge and confidence have grown, I have been able to support patients more effectively and play a more active role within the clinical team. Knowing that I am developing skills that genuinely improve patient experiences is incredibly fulfilling.”
Najoua has the following advice for anyone considering a healthcare apprenticeship:
“I would encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to believe in themselves and go for it. If you are passionate about healthcare and committed to learning and developing, this pathway can truly change your life and open many doors for the future.”
In addition to its existing healthcare apprenticeships offer, Sheffield has launched the first orthoptics apprenticeship in the UK, supported by the The British and Irish Orthoptic Society. The first cohort of students will join the programme in September 2026. The apprenticeship will see the next generation of orthoptists trained to diagnose and manage disorders of eye movements and binocular vision disorders.
Tackling the skills gap in manufacturing
The University’s AMRC Training centre has worked with more than 450 employers since opening its doors in 2013, working with everyone from school leavers and A-Level students to those up-skilling or changing careers further down the line.
Dan Brodie, 20, from Sheffield, followed in the footsteps of a friend after completing an electrical engineering course at Sheffield College.
He said: “An apprenticeship is a way to start a career that's essentially going to last your whole life, and you get paid while you're learning. I think what was special about the AMRC Training Centre is that you’re working on the workshop floor with people who have been in the industry for 30 or 40 years.
“I think it’s just a great atmosphere to learn in. The environment I get to work in is just so comfortable, especially for me, because I didn't really have much experience with hand tools or that sort of thing. When I go there, I feel like I’m in good hands. It’s a space where I can grow, and not be afraid to make mistakes. And I believe that's really important.”
Dan says working with employer Bensons Panels as an Engineering Fitter Apprentice is all about slowly building his skills and confidence.
“My day-to-day at Bensons is focused on learning how to wire panels. It's a difficult job because there's all sorts of information and little things you have to learn to make sure everything is perfect and spot on.
“As time goes, I will be progressing to slightly harder panels and working alongside someone who has years of experience working on more difficult panels. So, it’s something I’m excited about. That's kind of how my day goes, it's all about taking small steps toward a bigger goal.”
For those considering apprenticeships, Dan has the following advice:
“I'd say you have to look at how you like to learn. Everyone learns differently, some are visual learners and others just like hands-on experience. Personally, I knew an apprenticeship was the right direction for me because I like to be hands-on.”
Professor Mary Vincent, Vice President for Education at the University of Sheffield, said: “We are committed to responding to the UK’s skills shortages through our innovative apprenticeships in key areas like nursing and manufacturing, which complement our world-class teaching and traditional degrees.
“We recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education and that apprenticeships play a vital role in developing a modern, agile workforce. It’s about bridging the gap between employer needs and student ambition, while offering an accessible route for anyone to advance their career, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
