Why it matters: The new programmes, announced during National Apprenticeship Week, have been developed to help address skills needs in the region while providing pathways for people to access higher education and boost Ipswich as an attractive place to live and work.
The details: All five apprenticeships will be Level 6 (degree-level) programmes covering Project Manager, Design and Construction Manager, Early Years Teacher, Data Scientist, and Environmental Health Practitioner.
Halo is working with the university to identify recruitment opportunities for the Project Management apprenticeship programme, with the technology firm among a number of businesses coming together with the university to deliver programmes focused on the future workforce skills they need.
What they're saying: Professor Jenny Higham, vice-chancellor of the University of Suffolk, said: "The university has the potential to drive opportunities and economic growth by providing access to high quality education and training, and by engaging with key businesses and employers in the region.
"We are excited that our developing partnerships, including Halo, are creating a number of pathways for people to access higher education as well as boosting Ipswich as an attractive place to live and work."
Paul Hamilton, chief executive of Halo, said: "We are committed to establishing Ipswich as our global HQ and with that build a talented and skilled graduate workforce. By partnering with the University of Suffolk, we can maximise opportunities within the region and support our future employees to increase their skills and access higher education."
The big picture: The new additions, subject to validation, will add to the university's existing portfolio of higher and degree apprenticeship provision, which includes standards in Social Work, Mental Health Nursing, Digital and Technology Solutions Professional and Nursing Associate, among others.
Apprenticeships offer learners the opportunity to earn while they learn and can support individuals in their chosen careers, as well as provide upskilling or retraining opportunities for existing workers.
By the numbers: The university's 2024-25 data show a 90.8% overall achievement rate for its apprenticeships, and it was ranked among the top 20 highest-performing universities for small-to-medium apprenticeship providers in 2023-24, according to government data.
What's next: The four-year Design and Construction Management degree apprenticeship will deliver training aligned to the career role in managing and co-ordinating building and infrastructure projects, such as design information, compliance with health and safety regulations and a focus on sustainability, risk management and project completion.
The Early Years Teacher degree apprenticeship is aimed at early years practitioners and teaching assistants in nursery or reception classes, with the three-year programme enabling learners to earn a BA (Hons) in Early Years and gain Early Years Teacher Status.
The Project Manager standard will cover contemporary project management concepts applicable to various sectors, such as banking, healthcare, and government, equipping learners with the skills to manage teams and implement change to improve efficiency.
The Data Scientist apprenticeship will train learners to solve complex problems and improve processes by analysing and visualising data, conducting statistical analyses, building models, and making strategic recommendations.
The Environmental Health Practitioner programme will provide training in areas such as food safety, environmental protection, housing, health and safety and public health.
For context: Marek Hornak, pro vice-chancellor for Careers, Commercial and Academic Partnerships at the University of Suffolk, said: "The government has renewed its commitment to ensuring apprenticeship opportunities are available to all, and higher and degree apprenticeships are an important element of the university's suite of programmes.
"Expanding our offering with five new standards will ensure we can continue to support businesses in Ipswich, Suffolk and the wider region to develop their skilled workforce needs, while learners can benefit from high-quality training."
Last year, the university won the University of the Year award at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards, as well as prizes for Lecturers, Teaching Quality, and Student Support.
The bottom line: The partnership between the University of Suffolk and local businesses like Halo demonstrates how education providers and employers are working together to develop the skilled workforce the region needs while providing accessible routes to higher education.
