Accrediting degree apprenticeships
The University of Greenwich has become the first university to be awarded Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation for its BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship in Chemistry.
The course partially meets the academic requirements of CChem, denoting Chartered Chemist status, which recognises well-developed skills, knowledge and professionalism of those working within the chemical sciences.
The current format of Degree Apprenticeships were first introduced in 2015 and were initially considered unsuitable for accreditation as a traditional degree course.
To qualify, courses require 300 timetabled hours of taught laboratory time, so with apprenticeships being a full-time job role, it was seen as impractical to include such a lengthy requirement alongside other responsibilities.
Recognising the value of workplace learning
Degree apprenticeships are increasing in popularity and more Higher Education institutions are preparing to commence delivery. Our Committee for Accreditation and Validation (CAV) recently met to discuss the 300-hour laboratory hour requirement in the context of apprenticeships.
The Committee agreed that 300 laboratory hours were a key aspect in ensuring quality laboratory and practical learning outcomes. They also recognised that degrees delivered as part of an apprenticeship provide the learners with valuable practical learning time within the workplace, which can contribute to the 300-hour laboratory rule.
Professor David M Smith from Bristol University, chair of the CAV, comments: "In accrediting degree programmes, we put a strong emphasis on ensuring that students get the chance to see how chemistry can be applied in the workplace. Degree apprenticeships offer an ideal opportunity for students to develop professional skills through their combination of academic study and work experience.
"We would like to congratulate the University of Greenwich on becoming the first to be accredited for their innovative new degree apprenticeship programme. We look forward to accrediting more degree apprenticeships in future."
A broad range of experience
The University of Greenwich was able to meet the 300-hour laboratory rule by ensuring apprentices have the opportunity to explore a breadth of differing methods and techniques across both the work environment and taught laboratory practical sessions, even facilitating apprentices getting valuable experience at other employers.
Dr Sam Booth from the University of Greenwich said: "We are delighted that our degree apprenticeship has been awarded accredited status. This accreditation demonstrates how the University is committed to high standards and acts as a great endorsement to all the employers and learners whom we are engaged with."