The University of Westminster has been named a finalist for three prestigious Apprenticeship Guide Awards, recognising its outstanding contribution to apprenticeship education across key growth sectors. The nominations include Best University for Apprenticeships, Best Apprenticeship in Healthcare and Science, and Best Apprenticeship in Construction.
Apprenticeships available at the University are the Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship, Construction Quantity Surveyor Apprenticeship, Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship, Construction Site Management Apprenticeship, Healthcare Science Practitioner Apprenticeship and Biomedical Scientist Apprenticeship.
The University’s broader nomination for Best University for Apprenticeships reflects its consistent focus on quality, accessibility and continuous improvement across its apprenticeship portfolio. Structured feedback processes, regular employer engagement and external accreditation ensure programmes remain responsive to evolving sector needs. The nomination highlights Westminster’s commitment to employer-led learning, workforce development and the delivery of high-quality, inclusive apprenticeship programmes that respond directly to national skills needs.
Out of these programmes, the Biomedical Scientist Apprenticeship has been nominated for Best Apprenticeship in Healthcare and Science, while the University’s four Construction programmes have been named finalists in the Best Apprenticeship in Construction category.
The Biomedical Scientist Apprenticeship is a four-year programme designed to address the national shortage of skilled professionals in life sciences, one of the Government’s ten priority sectors. The course prepares apprentices to become Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)-registered and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)-approved biomedical scientists, capable of contributing effectively to diagnostic pathology, public health and the wider bioscience industry.
The apprenticeship blends academic study, work-based learning and independent research, with apprentices studying one day per week at the University while gaining hands-on experience in their workplace, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge directly to real-world laboratory practice. The programme is built around the University’s Applied Biomedical Science BSc Honours course, which is accredited by the IBMS, approved by the HCPC and recognised by the Royal Society of Biology.
As of November 2025, the programme has enrolled over 200 apprentices and has already produced 51 HCPC-registered biomedical scientists. Partnerships with major organisations, including Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and Health Service Laboratories, have further strengthened the programme’s reputation and impact, supporting workforce development across both NHS and private laboratories.
In the Construction category, the University has been nominated in recognition of the strength and breadth of all four of its construction apprenticeships.
The Construction Site Management Apprenticeship offers a comprehensive, professionally focused programme that explores the management and organisation of sustainable construction throughout the entire building project life cycle. The Construction Quantity Surveyor Apprenticeship delivers industry-led study centred on the economic, commercial, financial, legal and contractual aspects of sustainable construction projects.
The Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship equips learners with the technical, practical and professional skills needed to support the commercial management of construction projects, including financial control, contract administration and site production management. Completing the suite is the Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship, which develops the technical, practical and professional expertise required for a successful career in construction site supervision across both the public and private sectors, covering areas from building design and construction science to construction technology, site surveying and data analysis.
Throughout each apprenticeship students are supported by their employer to earn while they learn. The University’s numerous industry contacts, which include Bovis Construction, Keltbray, Morgan Sindall, Multiplex, Skanska and The Hill Group, enable practising professionals to come speak on campus and provide students with the opportunity to visit major construction and infrastructure projects, giving them insight into the latest industry practice.
Linsey Cole, Director of Business Engagement and Graduate Futures at the University of Westminster, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for three Apprenticeship Guide Awards. This recognises the University of Westminster’s commitment to working with employers to meet their training needs and to develop apprentices who thrive in the world of work. Our employer partners play a key role in the success of our apprenticeship programmes and we look forward to building on our collaborations further to support their evolving skills needs and to develop work-ready talent. Strengthening our apprenticeship provision is a central part of our vision for Zone29, our new home of careers and enterprise which opens in Spring 2026 and will connect Westminster’s diverse student talent with businesses and our local community."
Dr Philip McGowen, Head of the School of Applied Management, added: “We are delighted to have reached the finals of this prestigious national competition. This recognition reflects the exceptional quality of our construction apprenticeships and the collective professionalism of our academic and professional services colleagues, our employer partners and mentors, and—most importantly—our apprentices themselves. Balancing an apprenticeship alongside full-time work demands real commitment and resilience. Being named a finalist is a powerful endorsement of both that effort and the strong, collaborative partnerships that underpin our apprenticeship provision.”
Professor Alistair Maithe, Head of the School of Life Sciences, added: “Our nominated Biomedical Scientist Degree Apprenticeship is designed to address national skills shortages in life sciences. This nomination is testimony to the outstanding work of our academic and professional services colleagues at Westminster, our partner employers and of course our apprentices.”
The University’s apprenticeships directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Higher Degrees and Apprenticeships at the University of Westminster.
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