Leeds College of Building Celebrates Civil Engineering Graduates
The second cohort of students to ever complete a degree-level apprenticeship at Leeds College of Building University Centre (UC) graduated this week.
Thirteen BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering Site Management degree apprentices employed by BAM attended the spectacular Leeds Beckett University graduation at first direct arena on Tuesday 16th July.
Working in partnership with the University and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Leeds College of Building delivers a bespoke Level 6 programme designed to meet the needs of the civil engineering industry. The distinct pathway combines academic study with practical on-the-job experience.
Degree Apprenticeship Curriculum Manager Nikki Carthy said:
“Our civil engineering degree apprenticeship provides a natural progression route from Level 3 upwards. The programme is helping even more engineers to enhance their careers while filling vital skills gaps in the industry.
“Apprentices such as these are fantastic ambassadors for graduate careers in the construction industry. Alongside vital craft and trade skills, the sector desperately needs higher-level professionals to help innovate across specialisms, from advanced construction techniques to sustainability.”
Apprentices study eight independent blocks throughout the year, two of which are taught online. This blended learning delivery model means employees from various backgrounds and projects can participate and learn from anywhere in the UK.
Degree apprentices work towards end-point assessment with the Institution of Civil Engineers. On successful completion, students achieve the sought-after Incorporated Engineer (IEng) accreditation, a title acquired by professionally recognised civil engineers. The degree apprenticeship takes up to three and a half years to complete (plus EPA period).
Nikki continued:
“In my eyes, all our apprentices are star learners. They have formed some incredible friendships too, which they will carry with them for years to come. That would never have happened without their time at Leeds College of Building.”
The College is already producing exceptional civil engineers making their mark in the industry. Around 260 students are currently enrolled on a range of Civil Engineering training programmes. In March this year, Davey Wallace, a BAM Nuttall Level 6 Civil Engineering Site Management Degree Apprentice at EKFB, was announced the winner of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) 2024 Jean Venables Medal.
Over the last five years, higher-level courses have grown to represent a significant proportion of the Leeds College of Building provision. Approximately 80% of delivery in the new University Centre now covers Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeships, Higher, and Degree Apprenticeships.
Sarah Sunderland, Head of University Centre at Leeds College of Building, added:
“Higher education numbers at Leeds College of Building have grown enormously since the first degree apprentices enrolled. With over 120 students currently studying degree apprenticeship programmes, we are looking forward to even more graduations from the Leeds College of Building University Centre in the coming months and years.”
This November, Leeds College of Building will celebrate another significant milestone. The first-ever Construction Quantity Surveyor Degree Apprentices will graduate with franchise partner, London South Bank University. The course has full accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). The College also recently gained franchise approval to deliver Construction Site Management and Building Services Engineering degree apprenticeships that will commence this September, plus a Design and Construction Management apprenticeship for 2025 (date to be confirmed).
Places are still available for the Construction Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship, Construction Site Management & Building Services Engineering programmes, delivered as a day & block release programme from September. To find out more about this or any other higher education training, visit the Leeds College of Building course search.
BAM Civil Engineering Site Management degree apprentices.
