The University of Cumbria has won the Best Health Apprenticeship award at the Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2025.

The awards ceremony held in Manchester on Thursday, May 1, also ‘highly commended’ the educational institute in the Best University for Apprenticeships category.

Also a finalist in a third category, Excellence in Training Delivery, the university proudly participated in the Apprenticeship Guide Awards that celebrate outstanding achievements in apprenticeship training across various sectors.

The Apprenticeship Guide Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in apprenticeship training across various sectors.

The University of Cumbria Institute of Health won the Best Health Apprenticeship category for its pioneering Diagnostic Radiography (level 6) degree apprenticeship, a programme which is approved by The Society of Radiographers.

Judges highlighted the positive impact this programme has on the development of new routes into diagnostic radiography through the use of the university’s assistant practitioner progression pathways.

Dean of the Institute of Health, Professor Karen Stansfield, said: “We are delighted to receive this award and it’s a testament to our students, staff and partnerships to be recognised.

“We are making a difference”.

Working with health trusts to address future workforce needs, University of Cumbria is one of only 13 higher education providers in the country offering this specialist pathway to qualification.

In addition, Apprenticeship Guide Award judges also gave the University of Cumbria ‘highly commended’ in the Best University for Apprenticeships category – the only highly commended mention of the evening.

The university’s double success underscores the dedication University of Cumbria has to health education and providing high quality apprenticeship programmes across a variety of subject areas including forestry and policing.

University of Cumbria is one of the largest degree apprenticeship providers in the country.

It has seen 20 percent growth over five years, and now has more than 2,500 learners on a range of degree apprenticeships.

Winning achievement recognises the university’s exceptional commitment to providing high-quality health apprenticeship programmes that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the healthcare sector.

The University of Cumbria’s health apprenticeship programmes have been praised for their rigorous curriculum, hands-on training, and strong support system.

These programme offer students the opportunity to gain practical experience while earning their qualifications, making them highly sought after by employers in the healthcare industry.

Pro Vice Chancellor (Growth and Development), Claire Aindow, said: “The University of Cumbria goes from strength to strength in the provision of apprenticeships which support the workforce needs of employers.

“I am thrilled that our fabulous Institute of Health and apprenticeship teams have been rightfully recognised. Congratulations”.

The success continues to see the University of Cumbria Institute of Health’s workforce skill building programmes securing national recognition.

Last November its trialblazing paramedic science degree apprenticeship was named winner of the Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year category at the Times Higher Awards, recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the higher education sector.

For more information about the University of Cumbria’s health apprenticeship programmes, visit the university’s website here