Apprenticeship Research and Practice Unit (ARPU)
Leading degree apprenticeship research across the University and beyond.
About the unit
As leading providers of degree apprenticeships, Manchester Metropolitan University is an ideal location for research into higher, degree and masters level apprenticeships.
Building on existing relationships with employers and students, our Apprenticeship Research and Practice Unit (ARPU) aims to improve both policy and practice.
Our research
The unit is led by Dr Ernest Edifor. The committee comprises Dr Nigel Houlden (events lead), Dr Janet Curran (funding lead), Angela Gill (impact lead), Dr Trevor Brown (practice lead) and Rebecca McAninly (website lead).
As a group, our research will be focused on four key areas, including:
- Social mobility, diversity and widening participation: Exploring participation in apprenticeships, and whether and how they can help to facilitate social mobility.
- Skills and productivity: Exploring skill development and utilisation through apprenticeships, and their impact on productivity.
- Pedagogy and work-based learning: Exploring teaching and learning on apprenticeships.
- Degree apprenticeship policy: Working with key partners and stakeholders to produce evidence-based research on the impact of apprenticeships to engage with policymakers at a local and national level.
If you would like to work with us or want more information on our research, please email [email protected].
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Current projects
Current projects
Developing a framework for using degree apprenticeships as vehicles for lifelong learning and upskilling
This QAA-sponsored project explores how degree apprenticeships can be leveraged to support lifelong learning and empower individuals to continuously develop their skills in an ever-evolving workforce.
The project aims to develop a framework that not only enhances the value of degree apprenticeships but also addresses the growing need for upskilling and reskilling in today’s dynamic job market.
The project is led by Dr Ernest Edifor, in collaboration with a team of partners: Matthew Barr, Ann Finton, Ailsa Crum, Dr Shobana Nair Partington. Please email Dr Ernest Edifor for more details.
Demonstrating the value of a level 6 degree apprenticeship programme in the NHS
The aim of this project is to provide a meaningful impact assessment of the application of degree apprenticeship learning on managerial competence and status in the workplace.
The project seeks to demonstrate the value of a Level 6 degree apprenticeship programme in the NHS. It will focus specifically on the impact of learning from the Manchester Metropolitan University level 6 Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) programme in NHS Trust hospitals.
Please email Dr Janet Curran or Angela Gill for more details.
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Research outputs
Research outputs
Publications:
Nawaz, R., Edifor, E.E., Holland, S.R., Laville, H., Clarke, J., Crawford-Lee, M., Hegarty, M., Ade-Ojo, G., Barrett, D., Hampson, L., Smith, K., Cao, Q., Hughes, A., Westwood, N., Salmon, S., Kent, D., & Abdulgani, J. (2024).”Degree Apprenticeship: Voices from the frontline - Impact, Policy and Good Practice Guide 2024”.
Nawaz, R. Edifor, E.E, Holland, S.R., Cao, Q. and Liu, L.S. (2022) “The impact of degree apprenticeships: analysis, insights and policy recommendations”. Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy. DOI 10.1108/TG-07-2022-0105
Edifor, E.E., Mackay, J., Cadzow, H., Goodyer, J. and Holland, S.R., “Delivering Equitable Work-Integrated Learning Education: Lessons from Three Continents” In K. E. Zegwaard and J. Fleming (Eds.), Refereed Proceedings of the 5th WACE International Research Symposium on Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education, 2024, University West, Sweden (pp. 60 - 67). WACE Inc.
Holland, S.R., Edifor, E.E., Cadzow, H., Goodyer, J., Mackay, J., Gorb, E. and Lawson, J. “Work-Integrated Courses as an Alternative Tertiary Education: Lessons from UK, New Zealand and Canada” In K. E. Zegwaard, J. Fleming, & C. Dannenberg (Eds.), Work-Integrated Learning New Zealand 2024 Refereed Conference Proceedings, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand (pp. 7-11). Work-Integrated Learning New Zealand Inc. Winner of the Allister McLay Best Paper Award
Holland, S.R. and Edifor, E.E. (2024) “Quality Metrics: Navigating the Quality Landscape of Degree Apprenticeships in Higher Education Institutions” in Approaches to Work-Based Learning in Higher Education, Matthew Barr, Ed. Routledge.
