Inside Degree Apprenticeships at Aston University
Explore stories, insights and real experiences from our apprentices.
Hear more from our apprentices, employers, and programme leaders capturing everything from graduation moments and personal achievements to everyday experiences and workplace impact. Whether you’re considering a Degree Apprenticeship or looking to invest in developing talent, these videos offer a real insight into how learning and work come together at Aston.
A graduation message from Aston's leadership
Lee Jenkins, Associate Dean of Education at Aston University, shares his congratulations to our graduates, recognising the dedication, resilience and commitment they have demonstrated throughout their apprenticeship journey. Lee reflects on the significant contribution apprentices make, not only to their own professional growth, but to the organisations they support and the industries they serve. This milestone marks both an outstanding achievement and the beginning of their continued impact as skilled professionals.
Celebrating our Degree Apprentices achievements 🎉
Fast-track to the future, direct entry to Level 6 Audiology
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The direct entry to the final year of the BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) apprenticeship programme was introduced at Aston University in September 2024. This 12-month top-up programme serves as an articulation route between the Level 5 Degree Apprenticeship in Hearing Aid Audiology and the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Healthcare Science (Audiology) and is accredited by AHCS and the NSHCS.
Apprentice graduate Libby Hawkins shares:
“I really enjoyed the hands-on experience that comes with an apprenticeship. I have appreciated the benefit of being able to apply the theory to practice. It has enabled me to develop my clinical skills whilst studying and working within a team of experienced audiologists.”
Launched for the first time nationally at Aston University, the programme was designed to create progression opportunities for Level 5 Audiology graduates, enabling them to achieve a full Level 6 qualification and advance their professional development. We are proud to announce that the first cohort has recently graduated successfully.
Key benefits of the programme
This top-up programme provides a structured and efficient progression route that supports workforce planning by enabling Level 5 qualified practitioners to up-skill without leaving employment. It also helps address national workforce shortages in audiology by increasing the number of practitioners qualified at Level 6, thereby supporting employers in developing a more highly skilled workforce aligned with service demand, clinical complexity, and evolving models of care.
Wahid Zaman the programme director adds, “Our integrated apprenticeships, Level 5, Level 6 and progression route gives employers flexibility, supporting early professional registration while building a skilled healthcare scientist workforce”.
For Apprentice graduates, it allows them to achieve a full Level 6 qualification, supporting eligibility for professional registration and expanded scope of practice. It also offers a clear and motivating career pathway that supports professional aspirations and improves staff retention.
Together, this innovative progression pathway demonstrates Aston University’s continued commitment to strengthening the audiology workforce, supporting professional advancement, and meeting the evolving needs of healthcare services nationwide.
Life as an Aston Degree Apprentice
Driving success across our programmes 🏆
The UK’s first Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship has been awarded Tech Industry Gold accreditation by Techskills, recognising its excellence in industry relevance, employer engagement and career outcomes.
Launched in 2017, the BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship combines blended, work-based learning with employer-led projects and research-informed teaching across AI, data, cybersecurity, networks and emerging technologies.
The programme was praised for preparing apprentices with high-impact technical and professional skills for a rapidly evolving digital economy, continuing to set the benchmark for industry-informed education.
This milestone reflects Aston University’s commitment to delivering transformational impact for learners, employers and communities, aligned with its 2030 Strategy.