News and insights

Blog | National Apprenticeship Week spotlight – Kennedy Bowman

For National Apprenticeship Week, we’re putting the spotlight on some of our incredible apprentices like Kennedy Bowman, a Senior Nurse now on her Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor apprenticeship to boost her all-round knowledge and support for patients.

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National Apprenticeship Week is back with a bang for 2026

NAW to date and looking ahead.

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Blog | National Apprenticeship Week spotlight – David Sanchez Heredia

For National Apprenticeship Week, our second spotlight is on David Sanchez Heredia. David absolutely loves his role as a mental health nurse, and has been able to work, receive on-the-job training and study at the same time thanks to his…

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‘Potato Queen’ and a hospital sister – former apprentices share success stories to mark National Apprenticeship Week

Former University College Birmingham apprentices who went onto incredible careers shared their stories at an employer-focused event for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week.

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Amadeus head chef gets spicy at UCB for National Apprenticeship Week

The head chef of the NEC Group’s award-winning catering business Amadeus fired over to UCB to give apprentices a masterclass in Asian spices to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.

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Brum bosses go head to head in university bake-off for National Apprenticeship Week

Birmingham employers whipped themselves into shape to beat off the competition in a bake-off at University College Birmingham for National Apprenticeship Week.

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UCB's Employability Week success

From the 17th-19th February, UCB's College of Food held an Employability Week for VRQ Level 3 Chef Diploma students.

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University is crème de la crème with national hospitality and catering apprenticeships award

University College Birmingham took home the Hospitality and Catering Provider of the Year award at the nationally recognised AAC Apprenticeship Awards. Held as part of the AAC FE Week yearly conference, the judges acknowledged the quality of placement offered by…

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Blog | Unlocking apprenticeship success with employers

National Apprenticeship Week celebrates the achievements of apprentices around the UK. Our Interim Director of Apprenticeships, Samantha King, has written here about how employers can maximise their success from apprenticeships by working with training providers such as University College Birmingham.…

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Apprenticeship drive aims to combat employers' skill shortage

The University launched National Apprenticeship Week with a business breakfast focusing on tackling the skills gap in industry.

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Tech Week talk explores harnessing AI in tourism

As part of Birmingham Tech Week, Debby McAllister, Lecturer in Tourism and Aviation at University College Birmingham, discussed the generative AI landscape in the tourism classroom at Tech in Tourism.

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UCB chef apprentices triumph at Hotelympia competitions - what a way to mark National Apprentice Week!

Every UCB chef apprentice competing at the biggest foodservice and hospitality show in the UK has come home with either a gold or silver medal – what a way to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week!

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Hospitality apprenticeship at The Cross, Kenilworth

Passionate about hospitality? We have a fantastic opportunity for you! The Cross, Kenilworth is looking for a Food and Beverage Service Apprentice to learn while they earn in their Michelin star establishment.

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UCB's apprentices aim high to buck national trend

UCB is bucking the national trend when it comes to improving the skill level of apprentices.

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Professional Cookery students enjoy an action-packed Activity Week

Professional Cookery students at UCB were treated to a packed programme of classes from industry experts last week, in a half-term break with a difference.

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UCB aims high with its apprenticeship programme

University College Birmingham’s apprenticeship programme is going from strength to strength – with 30 per cent of its current cohort on a higher level apprenticeship.

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Refugee Week exhibitions highlight the plight of refugees and 30 years of the Bosnian War

With just a suitcase worth of belongings between the three of them, Alma Aganovic and her family were flown out of Sarajevo and away from the turbulence and brutality of the Bosnian War.

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Aspiring events professionals gain hands-on experience at Event Week Live

Future events professionals from the Department of Travel and Tourism were given the chance to delve behind the scenes at the world-famous Crufts exhibition, and were given exciting updates on the upcoming Birmingham Invictus Games.

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Business students travel to infinity in Global Entrepreneurship Week conference

The theme of this year's student learning conference could scarcely have been more relevant.

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Complete the 'FE Choices' National Student Survey

The 'FE Choices' National Student Survey is now open for all Further Education students to complete until 1st April.

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UCB is National Hairdressing Federation College of the Year

UCB has been awarded the prestigious title of College of the Year by the National Hairdressers' Federation Awards 2014 (Central England).

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Schools Commissioner for England addresses national conference at UCB

The Schools Commissioner for England, Dr Elizabeth Sidwell, C.B.E addressed a national conference at University College Birmingham on 27 March on the impact of parental engagement on children's education.

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High school students celebrate National Waiters Day

Year 9 and 10's from Solihull schools have been experiencing work in the UCB kitchens and restaurants as a part of the National Waiters Day initiative to celebrate the pride, skill and professionalism of front of house careers.

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UCB wins National Student Make-up Competition

UCB students won big as they showcased their creativity and flair in the live final of the fourth jane iredale National Student Make-up Competition, taking both first and third place.

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University College Birmingham become patrons of The Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance

The University becomes an official patron of The Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance (MAA), a dynamic organisation committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the apprenticeship sector.

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Accelerated apprenticeship launched to turn nursing associates into full practitioners

A brand new accelerated degree apprenticeship to train nursing associates working everywhere from emergency wards to prisons into full clinical practitioners has been launched to alleviate the pressure on healthcare teams across the region and UK.

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Gemma is National Make-up Artists winner

UCB staff member Gemma Richmond scooped a clutch of prizes at the NEC Beauty UK Show.

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Paralympian Chloe Davies swims to victory at national championships

Sports Therapy student Chloe Davies put in an outstanding performance at this years' British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Short Course Swimming Championships, winning every event she entered and landing the 'Top Girl' trophy for overall achievement.

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Business School hosts prestigious national tourism convention

Leading figures from across the fields of tourism and destination management came together as University hosts TMI convention.

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University of the Year in 2022 national student choice awards

University College Birmingham has won University of the Year in the 2022 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA), the leading higher education awards based solely on student choice.

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Graduate Veronika’s photography firm in the frame for national wedding industry prize

A University College Birmingham graduate is in the frame for a national award after receiving recognition for her flourishing photography business.

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University’s Guild of Students officers add their voice to national debate

UCB Guild of Students join a national debate on the post-16 white paper.

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Mastering the science behind fish fingers and mayo: year 10 students get stuck in at UCB's Food Science Week

Students from six local secondary schools got to grips with the fascinating science behind some of our favourite food with a packed programme of food and science workshops at UCB last week.

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New nursing associate apprenticeship offers specialist skills boost for healthcare sector

A new apprenticeship programme at University College Birmingham is set to provide a boost for the health sector by developing skills for specialist areas of the nursing profession.

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Seven golds and podium places for bakery students at national competition

Bakery students from Birmingham College of Food proved they had bags of flour power when they scooped a whopping 18 awards at a national competition.

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Guild Officer invited to Westminster to discuss national student housing crisis

Natasha Fernandes, University College Birmingham’s Guild’s Equalities Officer, was recently featured in the government’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for students on the national student housing crisis. The APPG provided parliamentarians with the knowledge to inform policies on student housing.

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Shortlisted for best student experience and top education provider in national nursing awards

University College Birmingham has been shortlisted for Best Student Experience in the national Student Nursing Times Awards 2023.

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University College Birmingham awarded Silver in national Teaching Excellence Framework

University College Birmingham has been recognised by the Office for Students’ (OfS) Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for delivering excellence in teaching and learning focusing on the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from…

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UCB wins endorsement on the new Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers

The top quality vocational training and assessment offered by University College Birmingham has led to its successful inclusion on the Government's new Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers.

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UK Government announces plans for up to 10,000 new apprenticeship completions

University College Birmingham today enthusiastically welcomed the government’s announcement that it is expanding apprenticeship opportunities, which could mean as many as 10,000 more apprentices per year will be able to complete their apprenticeship.

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Sports scholar eyes international success after winning national hurdles title

A sports scholar from University College Birmingham is targeting a spot at this summer's biggest international athletics championships after securing his first senior national title.

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Inclusivity lead to sit on national panel to review higher education quality

The lead for inclusivity at University College Birmingham has been appointed to a national panel to scrutinise and improve on the quality of education in universities and colleges across the UK.

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National junior culinary team begins training for Culinary World Cup

With more than half the team made up of UCB students and alumni, this year's National English Junior Team of brilliant young chefs has begun training for the world's top competition.

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Future's bright for Stephanie as LED lights bring victory at national competition

UCB's talented make-up artist student Stephanie Harrison, has once again been victorious at a national competition, thanks to an inspired body art design which incorporated LED lights, UV paint and funky foam.

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Strength of university's student voice recognised in National Student Survey

University College Birmingham’s commitment to listening to the voices of its students has been recognised in the National Student Survey 2024. The University scored 84.5% in the annual survey for taking on student feedback to improve courses, six points higher…

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UCB secures landmark Level 3 apprenticeship contract with major housing association

UCB has confirmed a sought-after deal to provide 20 Level 3 Apprenticeships to staff at the Midland Heart Housing Association, forming the final stage of the company's three-part leadership programme.

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Susan Wins High Apprenticeship Award for Health Education England

Susan Bunyan, Senior Operations Manager for West Midlands Ambulance Service, won the Higher Apprenticeship Award for her commitment and dedication to her studies and her outstanding ability to lead her team whilst ensuring all patients' needs are met.

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College student chef and culinary arts professor recognised at national awards

An “exceptional” student and a chef lecturer devoted to his protégés from University College Birmingham both won top accolades at this year’s British Culinary Federation (BCF) annual dinner and awards.

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Amber bound for Brazil after winning national Toque d'Or competition

A student who took a leap of faith to study at University College Birmingham is bound for Brazil having brought a top trophy back to her adopted home.

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Disabled Students Society wins national award for being “pillar of support”

The society, which is part of the University’s Guild of Students, has won the Committee Excellence Award at the 2021 NSVAs.

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UCB English lecturer wins Teacher of Year at national awards (1)

A UCB lecturer won Teacher of the Year at a set of UK awards celebrating outstanding, pioneering and innovative work in the development of English.

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Tourism students set to shine as university hosts national convention

University College Birmingham is excited to announce it will host the annual convention of the TMI.

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New foundation degree apprenticeship to help close glaring gap in patient services provision

An innovative new foundation degree apprenticeship built around a diverse “circuit” of placements in everything from mental health support for adolescents to working with prisoners has been given the green light to help close the gap in the region's patient…

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University College Birmingham excels across multiple areas in National Student Survey

The University’s commitment to continual improvement has been recognised in the latest round of results from the UK’s leading student feedback-led survey.

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University urges employers to take advantage of new apprenticeship funding and unveils major new contracts

University College Birmingham is urging employers to take up the “significant” new apprenticeship government funding – starting today – as it unveils a raft of major new contracts.

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Pitch perfect UCB students reach final of national marketing competition

Three marketing students from The Business School at UCB have proven themselves to be among the best in the country after reaching the final of a nationwide competition.

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UCB wins record number of gold medals at national bakery competition

UCB is officially a force to be reckoned with after bringing home a record 29 medals – including 12 golds - from one of the industry's biggest bakery competitions.

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University's student employability consultants win national service awards

Two members of the Hired team, University College Birmingham’s dedicated impartial careers, employability and placements service, have won big at the annual Unitemps awards.

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Areejah celebrates GCSE maths resit success as UCB beats national trend (1)

Students have been celebrating after passing their resit in GCSE maths - and for one dedicated student in particular, it was a moment well worth waiting for.

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Chefs put England among top national junior teams after winning at Culinary World Cup

University College Birmingham students, staff and alumni have put England in the top 12 of national junior teams out of 197 countries after clinching silver and bronze medals in one of the toughest culinary contests in the world.

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Ellie recreates iconic British engineer as an octopus to win at National Make-up Awards

Ellie Burton is feeling shipshape after winning at the National Make-up Awards with her interpretation of iconic engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel as a sea creature, inspired by three ground-breaking ships he designed in the early 19th century.

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Pioneering partnership leads to "trailblazing" child-centred apprenticeship

A national training provider has had the green light to launch a “trailblazing” apprenticeship thanks to a pioneering collaboration with experts from University College Birmingham’s School of Education, Health and Community.

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Employability Week inspires students

The College of Food’s February 2015 Employability week was a huge success, with VRQ Level 3 Chef Diploma students learning how their skills can be applied in the world of work and gaining an insight into possible career opportunities.

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Zoe wins big at the Apprenticeship Awards

UCB Apprenticeship student and trainee pastry chef Zoe Turnecliff has won the Hospitality Advanced Apprenticeship Award at the Apprentice Awards 2015.

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Zoe is finalist in the Apprenticeship Awards

Trainee pastry chef Zoe Turnecliff is a finalist for the Hospitality Advance Apprentice of the Year award.  Zoe began her apprenticeship at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham in 2013 and works in the pastry kitchen.

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Teaming up with city universities for 'Brum Goes Green' sustainability week

University College Birmingham has teamed up with two other universities for a week-long campaign to encourage sustainability, reduce food waste and help clean up the city.

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Applications open for UCB's prestigious Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Chef Apprenticeship

Recruitment has begun for a unique opportunity to work and train at some of the finest restaurants and hotels in the region. UCB is the only institution outside London and the South to offer the esteemed Royal Academy of Culinary…

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Birmingham conference venue upskills staff with new UCB apprenticeship

A Birmingham conference venue has linked up with UCB to launch a new apprenticeship scheme. Two members of staff from Conference Aston - Rafael Soldardo and Tim Florea - are the first to benefit from the partnership and the University’s…

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UCB and NEC catering arm combat skills shortage in apprenticeship deal

University College Birmingham has struck a forward-thinking apprenticeship deal with the NEC Group’s catering arm to help combat the industry’s shortage of skilled chefs.

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UCB on the catwalk: students get creative at London Fashion Week

UCB students were given the fantastic opportunity to take part in London Fashion Week preparing models’ make-up for Sebastian Professional and Seven Eighths in collaboration with Jera Inc Models.

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New degree apprenticeship pledges to address nurse recruitment difficulties in Birmingham

A “distinctive” new adult nursing degree apprenticeship at University College Birmingham (UCB) could provide the answer to the rising number of NHS vacancies advertised in the city.

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Dietetics students learn from the professionals at Nutrition and Hydration Week event

University College Birmingham students and registered dieticians gathered at the Restaurant at the Birmingham College of Food to share experiences and professional advice over an event to mark Nutrition and Hydration Week.

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Jessica is a winner at the National UK Blog Awards

Culinary Arts Management student Jessica Simmons has won a National UK Blog Awards trophy (Food and Drink category) for her blog Nourishing Jessica.

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Mental health charity receives cheque from UCB during poignant awareness week

A charity dedicated to empowering university students to look after their mental health has received a cheque for just under £2,000 from UCB - during Mental Health Awareness Week.

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Students win big for taking part in national survey

Fifteen lucky students won big for taking part in the 2018 National Student Survey (NSS). After 71% of UCB students completed the survey, submitting their views and opinions of UCB, the winners’ names were drawn at random and awarded prizes…

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Theatrical make-up students win big at national competition

Following their success at the regionals, Level 3 Theatrical Make-up students have stormed the AHT (Association of Hairdressers & Therapists) national trainee finals at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

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Skills for lunch – University College Birmingham has apprenticeships on the menu

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, University College Birmingham will be bringing together professionals who are already benefiting from apprentices in their workforce, alongside companies new to the apprenticeship world for a delicious buffet lunch at the University's Restaurant at…

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Above and Beyond: Widening Participation for Apprenticeship Learners within Health and Social Care

Jane Murdoch and Aaron Bradbury based in the School of Education, Health and Community have had this article published in FE News.

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hired@UCB manager "floored" to win national work experience award

A UCB manager who sets undergraduates up with work placements has won a national award for creating a first-of-its-kind degree module to give students who may “lack in academic confidence” a real edge on their CVs.

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The Apprenticeship Charter

The Apprenticeship Charter outlines the responsibilities of all three parties. Everyone must agree to adhere to the guidelines.

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Apprenticeship enquiry form

If you are an employer or student looking to fill an Apprenticeship vacancy within your business, please complete our form and a member of our Apprenticeship team will be in contact.

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Courses

Discover our full range of apprenticeships at University College Birmingham.

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Meet our Sustainability Steering Group

Meet our dedicated apprenticeship team, working with employers and students to help you learn on the job.

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Apprenticeship Account Lead

Stuart Wildsmith