The University of Westminster has received a Good rating for its degree apprenticeships following its most recent inspection by Ofsted, further solidifying its commitment to providing high-quality education and learner support.
The Ofsted inspection, which evaluates quality of education, learner welfare and leadership, awarded Westminster’s degree apprenticeships with a rating of Good in all areas and commended the University for its strong leadership and clear vision for continuous improvement. The inspectors graded Westminster’s apprenticeships on five key aspects: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and safeguarding.
The quality of education on offer at Westminster was recognised for providing learners with an engaging curriculum and a supportive learning environment, equipping them with the skills needed for success in the workplace and beyond. Along with this, Ofsted found that the University places a strong emphasis on learner well-being, ensuring that support services are accessible and effective in promoting mental health, inclusion, social mobility and learner engagement.
The Ofsted inspection also highlighted the University’s work on employability, with initiatives in place to ensure that learners are well-prepared for their future careers. At Westminster learners benefit from a wide range of opportunities to improve their careers and develop professionally, including workshops, 1-2-1 advice and international experience.
They praised the University’s efforts to ensure that learners grow personally as well as professionally, as along with their work, apprentices actively are involved within the community. From Surveying apprentices taking part in charity work with a London council to provide housing for residents, to Healthcare Science apprentices giving talks at schools, each apprentice is given the opportunity to gain valuable skills away from their apprenticeship to ensure they graduate as well-rounded professionals.
The University offers apprenticeships at Levels 4, 6 and 7 to 650 apprentices from across various sectors including Construction, Planning and Healthcare, all of which lead to a professionally accredited qualification. Each apprentice receives their own learning plan which clearly sets out the expectations placed on them as well as their employer. By combining academic study, practical experience and the wider employment skills vital for career success, apprenticeships at the University of Westminster help to stem the skills gap, support economic growth and act as a productive and cost-effective way for businesses to expand and upskill their workforce.
As the University of Westminster continues to invest in its people, infrastructure and learning environment, this latest achievement marks a key milestone in its journey to deliver exceptional higher education experiences.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Bonfield said: “This Good rating from Ofsted is a testament to the dedication of our colleagues, the commitment to our learners and our continuous drive to improve. We will build on this success as we strive to deliver even greater outcomes for our learners and the wider community."
Judy Humphries, Blood Sciences Training Manager from Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, added: “Westminster has a very warm friendly feeling to work with - fast responses to questions, helpful and approachable. Westminster answers any concerns from employers and learners in a very professional and timely manner. My apprentices so far have all been motivated with the course, achieving very high grades and all who have completed moved into full time employment using their theoretical and practical knowledge gained to further their career. I would highly recommend this apprenticeship to any individual who wishes to pursue a career as a Biomedical Scientist.”
This Ofsted report highlights how the University is directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 4: Quality Education and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
The full report can be found on the Ofsted website.
