York St John University named top degree apprenticeship training provider in North Yorkshire

The University’s delivery of applied, industry-led teaching and learning through its degree apprenticeship programmes has been recognised after being crowned training provider of the year at the inaugural North Yorkshire Apprentice Awards held at York Racecourse on Thursday 29 June. The annual awards celebrate both the apprentices and their employers that are excelling across the region, and also shine a light on the training providers who deliver the degree apprenticeship programmes. 

With close to a million active apprenticeships across England alone, apprenticeship schemes have fast become a route to future employment for thousands of school leavers and provide progression for those in established careers. Degree apprenticeships allow you to study towards an undergraduate or master’s degree while you work, getting invaluable industry experience while earning a salary. 

Reacting to the win, Professor Karen Bryan, Vice Chancellor of York St John University said:  

"We are delighted to have been awarded the prestigious title of Training Provider of the Year at the North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards. Delivering degree apprenticeships can be complex and this achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our academic staff and degree apprenticeship team. I also commend the hard work of our apprentices who have achieved incredible success. This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing outstanding training, supporting businesses, and shaping the future workforce. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in making this possible and look forward to continuing to deliver excellent apprenticeship opportunities." 

In addition to being named Training Provider of the Year, the University was delighted to be celebrate the success of York St John degree apprentice Suzanne Hobson, who was named Degree Apprentice of the Year.  

Congratulating Suzanne on her win, Thomas Burton, Head of Apprenticeship Delivery at York St John University said: 

"Suzanne's exceptional dedication, passion and drive made her a standout candidate for Degree Apprentice of the Year. Her commitment to both her academic studies and practical experience set her apart as an outstanding individual in the field. We are immensely proud of Suzanne’s achievements and the positive impact she has made during her degree apprenticeship. This win is a testament to her hard work and serves as an inspiration to all aspiring apprentices." 

York St John has been offering degree apprenticeships since 2018. The University works closely with employers to co-design apprenticeship programmes and delivery models to ensure they fit industry needs. Apprentices get cutting-edge and relevant training during a work-based degree apprenticeship, typically working full-time and studying part-time either at the University’s York or London campus.   

The University is the training provider of choice to over 140 employers, including the Office for National Statistics, local authorities and NHS trusts, Unilever, E.ON, DRAX, Ocado and the BBC. York St John currently offers a Senior Leaders Degree Apprenticeship, Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, Data Science Degree Apprenticeship, Project Management Degree Apprenticeship, Laboratory Science Degree Apprenticeship, Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship, and Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship.  

Find out more about Degree Apprenticeships at York St John University. 

A full list of award winners can be found on the North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards event website.