First students graduate from transport planning degree apprenticeship

The course is the first of its kind in the UK and has been developed in close partnership with sector experts.

Students already have jobs with leading employers in transport planning including engineering consultancies and public sector bodies and have combined their studies with employment during the five-year course.

The course teaches students about the economic, operational and environmental issues related to their profession. In addition, they also acquire professional, academic and management skills.

The first 12 students to graduate received their degrees at a ceremony held at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Tuesday 23 July.

Course graduate Fran Leonard, an assistant planner at the design, engineering, architecture, and advisory company Arup said: “I’m really delighted to gain my degree apprenticeship. I believe that they are a great way to learn the skills to apply in the workplace. They create a unique partnership between the employer, student, and the university.”

Dr Lucy Rackliff, head of Aston University’s department of engineering systems and supply chain management, said: “These degree apprenticeships offer a different way to study, and are particularly suitable for motivated, ambitious learners like these. They have worked really hard for five years, producing work of exceptional quality, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.

“This course is aimed at aspiring transport planners who are looking to learn on the job so the support of employers, professional bodies and the organisation STEM Explored should also be acknowledged.”