THE University of Bradford's apprenticeship provision has received a new rating of "good" from education watchdogs.

Ofsted carried out an inspection at the university in May and its report has now been published.

The overall "good" mark comes after the university was judged as "requires improvement" in 2022.

Ofsted was given the power to inspect all universities which offer apprenticeships in 2021.

According to its latest report for the University of Bradford, the setting provides training for apprentices across the country, but predominantly in the city. 

At the time of the inspection, there were 271 apprentices.

The report said: "Apprentices are successfully supported to develop their academic and analytical skills to a high level. 

"They have access to an extensive range of literature and journals, which enables them to consider a wide range of research when writing their assignments. 

"Apprentices who find academic writing a challenge can access support from tutors and study skills tutors. 

"The support that they receive contributes to enabling a high proportion of apprentices to gain high marks in their assessments.

"Apprentices demonstrate positive attitudes and are well motivated to learn. 

"While on their apprenticeship programme, they grow in confidence and resilience at work.

"Apprentices attend sessions well and are punctual at work and in their training."

The inspection also found apprentices "benefit from good-quality learning resources" and have access to a wide range of support services at the university.

The report highlighted a number of positives about leaders and lecturers.

It said: "Senior leaders ensure that their apprenticeship programmes contribute successfully to the university's role in developing high-level skills in the city of Bradford and the wider West Yorkshire area. 

"They are ambitious to expand apprenticeships into areas where the university has particular strengths, such as engineering and manufacturing, public sector management, and social sciences.

"Lecturers effectively use a range of teaching strategies to enable apprentices to develop and apply key knowledge, skills and behaviours."

According to the report, leaders identified concerns with the experience of level 5 nursing associate apprentices.

This was "due to staffing changes and challenges that these apprentices face in the workplace, which have negatively impacted on their learning experience".

Leaders are currently taking action to address these concerns, according to the report.

Ofsted also urged the university to "improve the timeliness of feedback to ensure that apprentices can use it to improve their subsequent work", and "ensure that all employers are involved in review meetings to discuss apprentices' progress".