The rise of academic apprenticeships in the UK: how professionals experience the transition from industry to academia

As demand for places on degree apprenticeships continues to rise, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have had to keep up with the changes and, in particular, how they recruit and train academic staff. The focus now is on recruiting professionals from the industries that the degree apprenticeships are preparing students for. Initially my interest in conducting this research emerged from leading the training course that is undertaken by new lecturing staff, upon joining the university. I decided that more needs to be known and understood about the lives and experiences of academics who transition from industries. Using a Positive Psychology theoretical framework, I examine the experiences of participants in this research, including how they develop strategies and approaches for managing wellbeing and self-care. The main themes to emerge are practical advice around boundaries, values, mentoring, and more generally in self-care. These are summarised for the reader towards the end and may serve as a checklist for others who are maintaining their wellbeing in professional contexts.