University of Westminster wins Best Apprenticeship in Healthcare award

The Apprenticeship Guide Awards were established to celebrate employers and training providers who enable apprentices to flourish. Course Leader Dr Anjali Ghosh and Lecturer Lewis Mattin collected the award on behalf of the University of Westminster at a ceremony event in Manchester on 10 May.  

The University of Westminster's Level 6 Healthcare Science Practitioner apprenticeship was launched in 2017. As of February 2024, the University works with 26 employers across England with a total of 139 apprentices registered. This apprenticeship programme has made the University of Westminster the preferred training provider for NHS employers such as Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and for large private laboratories such as The Doctors Laboratory. 

Successful completion of this apprenticeship awards the apprentice with an Applied Biomedical Science BSc Honours degree qualification which is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). This degree is also accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and meets in part the academic and experience requirement for membership as Chartered Biologist (CBiol). 

Dr Caroline Smith, Assistant Head of the School of Life Sciences, said: “The success of our Healthcare Science Practice Apprenticeship is underpinned by the support provided by the apprenticeship team and academic colleagues working together with employers and learners. We are extremely proud that the team effort in supporting our learners this has been recognised through this award.” 

Course Leader Dr Anjali Ghosh said: “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award. This recognition highlights our commitment and dedication to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to the success of this apprenticeship.” 

Linsey Cole, Director of Business Engagement at the University, said: “We are delighted that our partnership with employers to train healthcare professionals has been recognised by the Apprenticeship Guide Awards. We are committed to supporting employers with their skills and training needs. The support of our employer partners is key to the continued success of our Healthcare apprenticeship and in supporting apprentices to succeed both on the programme and in their future careers.” 

This apprenticeship programme directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 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.  

 Learn more about Higher and Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Westminster.