by Richard Buckley, Editor, Business Eye

Almac Group has launched its new degree apprenticeship programme, Almac Accelerate, in partnership with Ulster University which will begin in September 2022. The ‘earn as you learn’ three-year programme aims to kickstart an exceptional career in Almac for four successful candidates.


Almac Accelerate combines a fully funded BSc. Honours Degree in Leading on Customer Operations and paid work experience within either Almac Clinical Services’ Project Management or Procurement teams at the company’s global headquarters in Craigavon.

The application process is now live and is open to students with, or who are about to qualify with, a Level 3 qualification. The four available places are funded by the Department for Economy’s Higher Level Apprenticeship programme.

As with Almac’s other award-winning Higher-Level Apprenticeship programmes, this new initiative includes a structured programme of tailored on-the-job training and mentorship to support and guide the apprentices throughout their studies. Almac Accelerate will give students an opportunity to secure a permanent position in the company upon award of their degree and a clear career path into more senior roles across the company.

In addition to a debt-free degree, the successful candidates will also receive an attractive benefits package including a competitive salary, flexible working patterns, annual bonuses and employer pension contributions.

Kelly Neill, Head of Project Services at Almac Clinical Services, said: “Through Almac Accelerate we’re eager to support young adults in developing their business skills and experience, while working towards a very practical degree with truly applicable modules for the workplace.

“With the ever-increasing costs of third level education and the struggle to get hands-on experience, degree apprenticeships are a win-win for both the students and Almac.

“Sir Allen McClay was a huge advocate of supporting jobs in the local community and this apprentice program is a continuation of his legacy. This year will be the start of what we expect to be a hugely successful program that will grow year on year, securing the talent that Almac needs to allow us to continue to excel in the future.”

Ruth Mercer, Course Director at Ulster University Business School said: “We are very excited to partner with Almac to offer this pioneering Degree Apprenticeship. The delivery of customer operations globally is evolving rapidly, and the part-time BSc (Hons) Leading on Customer Operations programme has been designed to equip employers with the next generation of customer-centric leaders.

“Apprentices will benefit from the innovative and job-relevant applied learning, and a rewarding career path. Strategic partnerships, like this, between academia and industry, will continue to play an instrumental role in ensuring the workforce is equipped with the skills of the future. This investment from Almac signals their commitment to creating a diverse talent pool and we’re delighted to support that ambition.”

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Kelly Neill, Head of Project Services at Almac Clinical Services, Ruth Mercer, Course Director at Ulster University Business School and Professor Gillian Armstrong, Associate Dean of the Ulster University Business School, launch the new Almac Accelerate programme

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