Ofsted praises MDX degree apprenticeships for boosting social mobility

According to Ofsted, MDX degree apprenticeships are addressing national workforce shortages in policing and nursing

Middlesex University’s degree apprenticeship programmes have been praised for “enhancing the social mobility” of apprentices in a glowing inspection report from Ofsted.

The innovative programmes were also heralded for helping public sector employees meet some of the “major challenges” resulting from Covid-19.

Ofsted, a government department which inspects all apprenticeship providers including universities, carried out a four-day assessment in June.

“Middlesex University firmly believes degree apprenticeships are having a significant impact on increasing social mobility as 66% of our apprentices come from diverse backgrounds and thanks to these programmes they have the opportunity to become a professional – and many in essential public sector roles.” Professor Darryll Bravenboer, Director of Apprenticeships at Middlesex University.

The University’s apprenticeships received a “good” rating from Ofsted in all five areas – overall effectiveness, quality of education, leadership and management, behaviour and attitudes and personal development.

In the report, Ofsted identified key strengths about the University’s leadership, teaching and outcomes for apprentices, including:

• Leaders and managers have developed a portfolio of apprenticeships many of which help address national workforce deficits, particularly around nursing and policing.
• Leaders and governors have a strong focus on teaching apprenticeships that enhance both employer productivity, and apprentices’ social mobility.
• They also focus well on programmes that help public sector employers meet some of the major challenges that have arisen as a result of the pandemic.
• Teaching staff are well qualified and have suitable vocational expertise in their respective fields. They have very good access to professional development.
• Apprentices develop into independent and reflective learners with a positive work ethic, a high level of professionalism and respect for others.
• As a result of their studies, apprentices acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed in their job and to progress in the workplace.

Professor Nic Beech, Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University, said: “Delivering high-quality apprenticeships which meet the needs of our communities, while providing access to professional careers is a key part of our vision to provide transformative education which empowers people to change their lives.

“We are delighted the quality of our apprenticeships has now been confirmed by Ofsted.”

Commenting on the report, Professor Darryll Bravenboer, Director of Apprenticeships at Middlesex University, said: “This inspection was extremely thorough but we are delighted with the excellent outcome from Ofsted recognising our apprenticeships are directly helping with key public sector workforce shortages in areas such as policing and nursing.

“For example, Middlesex University led the Police Education Consortium in a highly innovative partnership with Canterbury Christ Church, Portsmouth and Cumbria universities and our apprenticeships are helping to transform professional policing working with Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire forces.

“We work very closely with our employer partners and we’re extremely grateful for the support they provide in ensuring good outcomes for our apprentices.

“Middlesex University firmly believes degree apprenticeships are having a significant impact on increasing social mobility as 66% of our apprentices come from diverse backgrounds and thanks to these programmes they have the opportunity to become a professional – and many in essential public sector roles.”

At the time of the inspection, the University had 1,659 apprentices across 12 different higher and degree apprenticeship programmes including: policing, nursing, business to business sales, healthcare science, environmental health, teaching, social work, leadership, management and coaching.

Read the full Ofsted inspection report and find out more degree apprenticeships at Middlesex University.