A leading Suffolk business is partnering with the University of Suffolk on a new Project Management degree apprenticeship.
Technology firm Halo is working with the University to identify recruitment opportunities for the Project Management apprenticeship programme, one of five new apprenticeships that are being launched by the University of Suffolk in 2026 to help address skills needs in the region.
Halo is among a number of businesses coming together with the University to deliver programmes focused on the future workforce skills they need.
All five of the University’s apprenticeships will be Level 6 (degree-level) programmes – Project Manager, Design and Construction Manager, Early Years Teacher, Data Scientist, and Environmental Health Practitioner.
The new programmes, announced during National Apprenticeship Week, have been developed to aid businesses in training new workers and upskilling their staff.
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.
Profession 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, CEO, 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.”
Speaking about the importance of apprenticeships, Marek Hornak, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Careers, Commercial and Academic Partnerships, 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.”
Apprenticeships offer learners the opportunity to earn while they learn, and can be used to support individuals with their chosen career as well as upskilling or retraining opportunities for existing workers.
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 allowing learners to gain a BA (Hons) degree in Early Years alongside Early Years Teacher Status.
The Project Manager standard will cover contemporary project management concepts applicable to various sectors, such as banking, healthcare or government, equipping learners with the skills to manage teams and implement change for efficiencies.
The Data Scientist apprenticeship will train learners to solve complex problems and improve processes by analysing and visualising data, including around statistical analysis, 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.
The University’s data for 2024-25 has a 90.8% overall achievement rate for its apprenticeships, while the University is ranked among the top 20 highest performing universities for small-to-medium university apprenticeship providers in 2023-24, according to government data.
Last year, the University scooped the University of the Year award at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards, as well as prizes for Lecturers and Teaching Quality and Student Support.
