Conditions for successful degree apprenticeship: an apprentice perspective

Crichton, L, 2025. Conditions for successful degree apprenticeship: an apprentice perspective. DBA, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

Degree apprenticeships embed UK Government higher education strategy within the wider context of skills reform. This presents a unique challenge for stakeholders who must understand successful learning in a system that requires the integration of knowledge and practice for apprentices at diverse occupational starting points. Whilst individual differences are acknowledged in extant research, their impact on successful learning is not fully understood.

This research focuses on the delivery of the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) at a university in England and is one of only small number of empirical studies based upon this type of apprenticeship programme. Uniquely, it expands the conceptualisation of expansive-restrictive learning to provide a holistic understanding of degree apprenticeship and tripartite VET systems. It explores the integration of formal and informal learning in degree apprenticeship. Secondary data maps progression against policy criteria to individual accounts of learning, providing rare longitudinal comparative analysis of learning across different occupational starting points during the COVID 19 pandemic.

In practice a personalised divide between formal and informal learning influences expectations, motivation and engagement in ongoing learning and development. Within the tripartite relationship a shared stakeholder understanding of this personalisation and a collaborative approach is essential for facilitating successful learning. The context of COVID 19 limits generalisability. It provides some key insights into the impact of remote work and learning on successful apprenticeship. Further research is recommended to consider these findings in their intended delivery context.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Crichton, L.
Contributors:	Name Role NTU ID ORCID Shipton, H. Thesis supervisor HMD3SHIPTH https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4006-7923 Carlisle, Y. Thesis supervisor HRM3LEVERY https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1778-2550
Date:	July 2025
Divisions:	Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by:	Laura Borcherds
Date Added:	03 Feb 2026 12:59
Last Modified:	03 Feb 2026 12:59
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/55172

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