Analysis of a Degree Level Learners Through a Pandemic: The Importance of Vocation-Linked Education for Chemical Scientists in Full Time Education and on Apprenticeship Studies
Publication Date
2025-07-02
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© 2025 RSC. Reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy.
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
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embargoedAccess
Accepted for publication
2025-06-30
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Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
2026-07-02
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Abstract
In 2015 the UK introduced a degree level apprenticeship framework that included creation of a Laboratory Scientist apprenticeship standard to meet demands within the chemical workforce. Here, we review our experience of a Laboratory Scientist (Chemistry) degree apprenticeship against a traditional BSc programme through presenting a case study that compares the progression of the students enrolled on these two equivalent chemistry degrees. Both courses shared the same BSc degree curriculum and content, however, the traditional BSc course was delivered as a full-time course and the apprenticeship as a part-time, online course. The course content, learning objectives and assessment structures were identical for the majority of these two programmes. During the pandemic, the mode of delivery on the two courses became closely aligned, enabling a meaningful comparison of learner attainment. We found that the module enrolment pass rate was significantly higher for the part-time apprentice students, demonstrating that vocation-linked learning is a vital tool in our educational arsenal and which suggests more focus should be given to the support and growth of degree level apprenticeship programmes.
Version
Accepted manuscript
Citation
Swift T and Peyton C (2025) Analysis of a Degree Level Learners Through a Pandemic: The Importance of Vocation-Linked Education for Chemical Scientists in Full Time Education and on Apprenticeship Studies. Chemistry Education Research and Practice. Accepted for publication.
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Article
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Notes
The full text will be available at the end of the publisher's embargo period: 2nd July 2026