Degree Apprenticeships
Our team
Get to know our Degree Apprenticeships staff.
Jump to a section of this page to meet each team:
Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship
Susie Walsh
Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship Course Lead
s.walsh@yorksj.ac.uk
I have had a diverse career before returning to education, where I earned a BA (Hons) in Business Management and an MSc in Management and Leadership here at York St John. Currently, I am the Course Lead for the CMDA and also work as a Lecturer in Leadership and Human Resource Management. In addition, I am working towards achieving a PhD with a study exploring female entrepreneurship and leadership. Balancing these differing roles provides me with valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges that being a student whilst working full time brings.
Previously, I have worked in the Third Sector (voluntary and charitable organisations), where I managed support services for families in conflict. I have experience in education as a School Business Manager, have run my own hospitality business and have held various governance roles. The importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange has been a cornerstone of my career and remains crucial in my role at York St John.
The CMDA team is a mix of academic staff and Work based Learning Tutors and you will learn more about these roles as you move through your onboarding journey with us. Our team is made up of a diverse group of professionals with a wealth of management and leadership experience, skills and qualifications. Collectively, we bring a varied range of skills to the program, ensuring that you receive an excellent learning experience and are supported throughout.
We look forward to welcoming you to York St John and the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship.
Data Science Degree Apprenticeship
We are delighted to introduce you to our Data Scientist Degree Apprenticeship at York St John University. This unique opportunity combines academic learning with practical experience, designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of data science.
Our Data Scientist Degree Apprenticeship offers a comprehensive curriculum that merges rigorous academic coursework with practical training in a professional setting. This blended approach ensures that our apprentices not only gain a solid theoretical foundation but also develop the real world skills necessary to excel in the workplace.
Our course is structured to provide you with in depth knowledge in key areas such as data analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data technologies. You will learn to harness the power of data to make informed decisions, solve complex problems, and drive innovation. Our experienced faculty members, who are experts in their respective fields, are dedicated to supporting your learning journey and helping you achieve your full potential.
One of the standout features of our degree apprenticeship is the opportunity to earn while you learn. As an apprentice, you will be employed by a partner organisation, gaining valuable work experience and earning a salary while studying towards your degree. This integration of work and study enables you to apply theoretical concepts to real world scenarios, enhancing your learning and making you a highly sought-after professional upon graduation.
In addition to the academic and practical training, our programme offers extensive support services to ensure your success. You will have access to dedicated mentors, academic advisors, and a range of resources designed to support your personal and professional development. Our vibrant university community also provides numerous opportunities for networking, collaboration, and engagement with peers and industry professionals.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. By joining our Data Scientist Degree Apprenticeship, you will be embarking on a rewarding journey that will prepare you for a successful career in one of the most dynamic and in demand fields today.
Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship
The overall aim of the Project Management Degree Apprenticeship is to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours of a leading project management professional.
It will involve you in developing a critical appreciation of the issues and complexity around the present and future environment of business projects and the need for strategies of sustainability in business and society. This apprenticeship will prepare you for a future career in the field of project management, provide you with a detailed understanding of projects, programmes and portfolios and the relationship with business operations, and develop your expertise in the tools and techniques crucial to the managing of projects.
Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship
Russ Hepworth
Associate Professor, Senior Leader Apprenticeship (SLA) and Executive MBA Course Lead
r.hepworth@yorksj.ac.uk
My career began in futures broking in the City of London prior to studying at London College of Music and later gaining my first teaching qualification from Thames Valley University (now University of West London). Upon graduation, my portfolio career saw me teach at Rose Bruford College, London College of Music, Leeds College of Music (now Leeds Conservatoire). Alongside the teaching I maintained a professional audio mastering career for my company MOTTOsound - still trading today. I spent 3 years as the business development manager for the Institute of Knowledge Transfer, funded and supported by HEFCE, followed by business mentoring for fledgling businesses in York.
However, my credentials are not as important as the fantastic team who deliver the SLA with me. The SLA and Executive MBA team is made up of staff who maintain professional roles such as a chairman, consultant, business advisor, author all in addition to our academic roles. Praise must also be sung for our amazing Work based Learning Tutors who you will meet in the induction days, and during onboarding.
We look forward to welcoming you to York Business School and the Senior Leader Apprenticeship.
Admin and support team
Thomas Burton
Head of Apprenticeship Delivery, Employer Engagement and Commercial Partnerships
t.burton@yorksj.ac.uk
As you begin this exciting journey, we want to introduce you to the York St John University Apprenticeship Office and the support network dedicated to helping you succeed.
Situated in the heart of our York campus and with a weekly presence in London, the Apprenticeship Office is here to provide you with accessible support throughout your apprenticeship. Our team is committed to creating an open and approachable environment where you can feel supported and valued.
One of the key elements of our programme is our Business Engagement and Partnerships work. We have strong connections with a variety of employers across different industries. These partnerships enable us to offer apprenticeships that are relevant, impactful, and aligned with industry standards. Our engagement team is always ready to help you leverage these connections, ensuring you get the most from your apprenticeship experience.
Your academic and professional development will be supported by our dedicated Work-Based Learning Tutors. These tutors are here to provide guidance, mentorship, and academic support, helping you integrate your workplace learning with your studies. They will be your primary point of contact for any questions about your apprenticeship, assisting you in navigating challenges and maximising opportunities.
The Systems and Operations Support team ensures the smooth running of our apprenticeship courses. They manage the technological and operational aspects, making sure you have access to the necessary systems and resources. Whether it's accessing your portfolio, logging your Off the Job training, or navigating our online platforms, this team is here to assist you every step of the way.
Compliance and funding are crucial for your apprenticeship. Our Compliance and Funding team ensures that all regulatory requirements are met and that your apprenticeship is funded appropriately. They are your resource for any questions related to funding, policies, and compliance matters, providing transparency and clarity throughout your apprenticeship.
We take pride in our ability to connect you to the right support teams within the University. Whether you need academic advice, career guidance, or personal support, our network is designed to offer comprehensive assistance, helping you thrive both academically and professionally.
We are excited to support you on this journey and look forward to seeing you achieve your full potential. If you have any questions or need support, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.