Liverpool Hope University celebrates apprenticeship programme launch with regional employers

Liverpool Hope University recently welcomed employers, partners and thought leaders to officially celebrate the launch of its four new apprenticeship programmes being offered from September 2025.

This exciting initiative aims to support employers in physiotherapy, education, youth work, and social work sectors by offering tailored apprenticeship opportunities to shape, build, and invest in their future workforce.

The event brought together a diverse range of guests, who shared their insights and passion for growing apprenticeship opportunities. Attendees were introduced to the university’s vision for apprenticeships and how these programmes can create lasting, meaningful impacts on both individuals and the wider city region.

The event featured a series of inspiring speeches from key figures in the community, including the Deputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Barbara Murray, who highlighted the importance of expanding opportunities for young people. She emphasised how offering apprenticeships, such as those being offered at Liverpool Hope University in the areas of youth and social work, can have a transformative effect on individuals and the region as a whole.

Visitors were also able to hear from David Meyerowitz, business and enterprise chair at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, who shared his wealth of experience and encouraged attendees to recognise the vital role employees play in an organisation’s success, urging employers to invest in their workforce to drive long-term growth.

Phil Jones, vice principal at Wirral Met College, discussed the significance of collaboration between employers and education providers in delivering effective apprenticeship programmes. His insights on partnership and communication set the tone for the continued development of these opportunities.

Strategic associate at SDN and managing director of Evoko, Emily Hughes, provided valuable national perspectives on apprenticeships and underscored their importance in shaping the future workforce.

Sue Cronin, director of apprenticeships at Liverpool Hope University, shared the university’s commitment to delivering apprenticeship programmes that add value to both employers, apprentices, and the wider region, contributing to the growth of the local economy and community.

Sue said: “At Liverpool Hope University, we are thrilled to officially launch our new apprenticeship programmes and to be working alongside so many dedicated partners and employers. Our launch event has shown the immense potential for collaboration between education and industry, and we are excited to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in physiotherapy, teaching, youth work, and social work. Through these programmes, we aim to provide both employers and apprentices with the tools they need to succeed, while also making a positive impact on the wider Liverpool region.

“We have worked closely with employers from across the region throughout the process of establishing this new suite of degree apprenticeships, considering their needs and feedback along the way. We have offered opportunities for consultation and collaboration from the point of designing the programmes through to now formally launching them.”

Looking ahead, Liverpool Hope University is excited to welcome its first cohort of apprentices in September 2025 and is eager to continue building strong partnerships with employers. The university invites interested parties to get involved and explore how they can become employer partners in this exciting new initiative.

For more information on becoming an employer partner, please contact Kimberley Dean, business development manager, or a member of the apprenticeships team at apprenticeships@hope.ac.uk or call 0151 291 2281.