The University of Hertfordshire partner with Tesco on apprenticeship offering

The University of Hertfordshire has partnered with multinational retailer Tesco to provide a new, bespoke senior leader apprenticeship aimed at upskilling, retaining and developing their own talent pipeline.

The Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship aims to support high potential Tesco employees to become responsive, responsible and inclusive leaders with the knowledge, skills and behaviours they’ll need to progress to a leadership role.

Over 24 months, apprentices will be expected to complete learning and development both on and off the job through a range of different activities, including self-directed study, applied assessments and in-person lectures at the University’s campus in Hatfield, all supported by employer mentors and Herts tutors.

Course content, developed in conjunction with Tesco, will then use tailored case studies to teach relevant, up-to-date knowledge and skills aimed at ensuring colleagues are able to respond to real-world scenarios confidently and authoritatively.

Upon successful completion of the full programme and an end-point assessment, apprentices will be awarded a Post Graduate Diploma (PgDip) in Strategic Leadership by the University of Hertfordshire.

Celeste Jones, Associate Director of Apprenticeships at the University of Hertfordshire, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Tesco as their training provider. As one of the UK’s leading business-facing universities, recognised for our emphasis on workbased learning, and a key provider of Higher and Degree apprenticeships, we are well versed in developing bespoke, course content that addresses our employer partners needs when it comes to upskilling their workforces and retaining talent.”

Fully funded by Tesco through the apprenticeship levy, the first cohort of 20 started their Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship in September, with a second cohort of 20 apprentices due to start their programme in March.

Chloe Best, Lead Project Manager, Stores Transformation at Tesco and one of the apprentices on the first cohort, said: “I’m really excited to have started my journey to achieve a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship. This opportunity will provide invaluable skills and knowledge that will enable me to become the best version of myself and a more rounded leader at Tesco and I look forward to exploring all the resources available at the University of Hertfordshire.”

The University currently has over 250 employer partners for its Higher and Degree apprenticeships programme.

Rated the best university for social mobility in the East of England, 94% of Herts apprentices achieved a 1st or 2:1 award on programmes that include an undergraduate degree last year.

“Degree apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular route for employers,” finishes Celeste. “Employers looking to develop or recruit people in their organisations can turn to us for the quality of support they need and, together, we can ensure we are delivering the relevant education programmes that directly address their skills gaps. Thinking ‘Apprenticeship first’ when creating a training programme or vacancy in your organisation is a surefire way of getting more interest and applicants to the role.”

With National Apprenticeship Week just around the corner in February, now is the perfect time to explore ways in which apprenticeships can benefit your organisation. For more information on the University of Hertfordshire’s higher and degree apprenticeship provision for either businesses or learners, please visit go.herts.ac.uk/apprenticeship-study or contact one of the team on apprenticeships@herts.ac.uk.