How the University of Liverpool Uses Bud to Support Degree Apprenticeship Delivery

How the University of Liverpool Uses Bud to Support Degree Apprenticeship Delivery 

The University of Liverpool has been a Bud customer for several years, using the platform to support the delivery and management of its degree apprenticeship programmes.

When Jane Edwards joined the university as Degree Apprenticeship Manager, one of her first priorities was understanding how apprenticeship delivery was being managed.

“I joined the University of Liverpool in February 2022. I’d worked in the FE sector for many years, in ITPs and more recently in a college for 12 years, with a focus on apprenticeships, traineeships and government-funded programmes. When I first started at the university, one of the first things I was keen to find out was which apprenticeship system the university was using.”

At that time, learner and programme information was being captured across multiple spreadsheets and systems, with no single, centralised view. Based on her experience, Jane identified the need for an end-to-end apprenticeship management platform to reduce administrative complexity and strengthen compliance confidence.

Selecting Bud as a long-term platform

During the procurement process, the University of Liverpool compared multiple platforms before selecting Bud. Sector expertise and a practical understanding of apprenticeship delivery were key differentiators.

“Our Bud representative was great from beginning to end, she had extensive knowledge of apprenticeship delivery having worked in operations at a training provider herself.”

Following implementation, Bud was adopted as the core system for managing apprenticeship delivery and has remained embedded in the university’s day-to-day operations.

“Our implementation manager was fantastic; it’s been a really positive experience.”

Reporting, visibility and confidence in delivery

Bud now provides the University of Liverpool with clear, real-time visibility across learner progress, off-the-job hours, reviews and assessments. Built-in dashboards and reporting support operational oversight, proactive risk management and effective employer engagement.

Inspection-ready and well-received by users

Having a single, structured platform in place has also strengthened the University of Liverpool’s confidence around audit and inspection. During an Ofsted inspection, inspectors commented positively on the system being used, reinforcing the value of Bud as part of the university’s delivery infrastructure.

Feedback from users has been equally positive, with both staff and learners sharing that they find the processes clearer, have better access to the information they need and that using Bud is overall a more joined-up experience.

A trusted partner

The relationship with the Bud team has continued well beyond implementation, with ongoing support from their dedicated Customer Success manager playing an important role in the long-term success of the platform.

Jane has since recommended Bud to peers at other universities and shared the University of Liverpool’s experience of selecting and implementing an apprenticeship management system within sector networks that she chairs.

For the University of Liverpool, Bud has become a core part of how apprenticeship programmes are delivered, supporting their operational confidence and inspection readiness.

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