Class of 2022 – First Cohort in UK to complete a Supply Chain Degree apprenticeship

On  18th of July, we were very proud to see our first cohort of students attend their graduation ceremony. The Supply Chain Academy/Leeds Trinity cohort was also the first in the UK to graduate from this degree apprenticeship.

The event, which was held at Leeds Trinity University, celebrated the commitment, passion and success of this year’s graduating learners and was the culmination of nearly 4 year’s study, during some of the most difficult times the country and students have ever faced.

SCA Managing Director, Paul Stone gave a heartfelt welcome speech that congratulated everyone and encouraged them to promote the benefits of a degree apprenticeship to others wishing to progress their careers.

He said, “Times have changed and signing up for a degree apprenticeship is now a valid alternative to attending a traditional university course of study. Those who sign up for an apprenticeship can look forward to earning and learning with some of the UK’s biggest companies.”

Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, Paul also said: “You should be so proud of your achievement, having experienced the most disruptive period of learning in history. You have demonstrated commitment, dedication and flexibility, all great traits that will stand you in good stead in your personal lives and career progression.”

Claire Newhouse, Director of Apprenticeships also took the opportunity to address the room to congratulate the apprentices and praised the work-based tutors, who are essential in the delivery of the programme. She said: “Congratulations to you all. You are the first graduates of this innovative degree in the UK. I’m grateful to my colleagues who have done a tremendous job in delivering an extraordinary amount of teaching and background support to help you achieve. It is an amazing day – Well done!”

Supply Chain Degree Apprenticeship Standard – Background

The degree apprenticeship in Supply Chain Leadership was approved in February 2018 by the Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA) and both CP training Services (the skills and qualifications arm of the Supply Chain Academy) and Leeds Trinity University were the first to start delivering this degree.

This programme has since grown to nearly 450 students of all experience and backgrounds from all kinds of organisations that include; Airbus, AstraZeneca, BAE Systems, BT, Henkel, Uniserve, Pepsico, Royal Mail & many more.

Completion of the apprenticeship, over three and half years, results in a full Bachelor’s degree.  Every module is taught by our experienced supply chain professionals and work-based tutors, bringing personal experience and perspectives that make this degree unique. Core topics include Supply chain operations, sales and operational planning, demand planning and forecasting, network design, legislation, warehouse and inventory, logistics, technology, global trade, organisational strategy and finance.

For more information contact Alex Mortimer, Commercial Director on 01708 259 450 or at: am@supplychainacademy.org.uk