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Bespoke apprenticeship to train next generation of asset managers

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ has worked with a major Government agency to develop a professional apprenticeship programme specifically tailored to meet its unique organisational needs.

The University, which has campuses in Middlesbrough and London, partnered with the Environment Agency to develop an Asset Manager apprenticeship enabling it to train the next generation of leaders in the responsible stewardship of its vital infrastructure. The Environment Agency has over 12,000 employees and works to protect and improve the environment. They are also responsible for managing flood risks and regulating industry, waste, and water resources to promote environmental health and biodiversity.

In order to effectively and sustainably manage the assets needed to deliver on these goals, the agency wanted to develop an apprenticeship to support its staff to develop the requisite skills to operate successfully.

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is one of the UK’s leading higher education providers of professional apprenticeships, and recently received a rating of ‘Outstanding’ in every category by Ofsted for the ‘transformative impact’ of its apprenticeship qualifications.

The University worked closely with the Environment Agency to ensure that the Asset Manager apprenticeship met the business needs of the organisation.

The 18-month programme has been developed in line with Institute of Asset Management professional standards and º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is one of the only national providers to offer the qualification.

The programme covers topics including asset health and life-cycle planning, strategic asset management and decision making, as well as a work-based project.

At the end of the programme, students receive a Certificate of Higher Education.

To meet the Environment Agency’s requirements, º£½ÇÖ±²¥ developed a hybrid teaching solution using a combination of remote and on-site learning.

The first intake of apprentices from the Environment Agency has now started at the University, with further cohorts to follow.

Ian Hodge, Chief Engineer and Director of Asset Management and Engineering at the Environment Agency, said: 'The collaboration between º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and the Environment Agency in launching the asset management apprenticeship programme is a significant milestone.

'This initiative not only underscores the importance of practical, hands-on experience and learning in the asset management industry but also highlights the critical role that academic institutions play in shaping the future of our field and building knowledge and capability in our operational teams.'

Jo Burgess, Director of Professional Apprenticeships at º£½ÇÖ±²¥, said: 'We are delighted that this programme has proven such a success, not just to the Environment Agency but to the learners from other organisations on our open cohort.

'At º£½ÇÖ±²¥, we pride ourselves on our ability to work at pace to deliver bespoke solutions that meet the needs of industry.

'This apprenticeship is a fantastic example of how we have worked in partnership to develop effective solutions for an organisation’s challenges.

'Because of the critical nature of the Environment Agency’s work, having qualified asset managers is vital, and we are delighted to have been able to support them in caring for our natural environment.'