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Apprenticeships Welcome

Whether you are studying at City or Coach Lane Campus, or through a blended learning apprenticeship, we give a warm welcome to new learners.

This page contains all of the information and resources you need to get your journey with us off to the best start including the essential actions you need to take, a visual roadmap to getting started and an interactive Welcome Guide full of useful guidance.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Your Roadmap to Getting Started

See your essential actions in our interactive visual roadmap (pdf version available here).

Essential Actions

Aptem is the dedicated Apprenticeship Management system that Northumbria University uses to oversee all apprenticeship activities. Before starting your apprenticeship, you must complete a two-step onboarding process through Aptem:

  • Step 1: Provide your key information and evidence 
  • Step 2: Upload your compliance documents

You must log in to Aptem using your University username and password. When you applied to Northumbria, you will have been sent an email with your University username (for example, w12345678) and password. 

 

If you have forgotten your username, contact IT Chat. If you have forgotten your password, reset it using DUO (UK mobile numbers only) or via IT Chat (all numbers), available 24/7. 

See our Aptem onboarding page for full guidance including the answers to frequently asked questions: Aptem Onboarding

Once you have completed your Aptem Onboarding, it is time to enrol at Northumbria. 

When your enrolment email arrives, log on to your Student Portal using your University username and password. Select Enrol from the main menu and follow the steps to complete your enrolment. 

The University sends enrolment emails in batches in the weeks before your programme start date, so you may receive yours at a different time from other learners. 

 

Once you have enrolled, please allow up to 2 working days for your University accounts and systems to become active. You can then:

Get to know your Student Portal

Your Student Portal is your essential platform for navigating Northumbria. You can access it using your University username and password. You will use your Student Portal to:

  • View your timetable.
  • See the latest Northumbria news.
  • Access other essential systems.
  • Get advice and guidance in Ask4Help Online.

View your programme and induction timetable

Your timetable can be accessed online and will include details of you programme induction sessions. See our guidance for more information including helpful instructional videos and tips on finding your way around campus.  

Access your emails, Blackboard and more

As well as Aptem, you will use a range of systems, software and apps at Northumbria. These include Microsoft 365 / Outlook to access your emails and other office apps, and Blackboard - your virtual learning environment. You should also download the following apps before you arrive:

Learn more with our Digital Induction article in your Student Portal. 

Collect your Smartcard

You will use your Smartcard daily to access buildings, register your attendance and for access to buildings. It is also your Student ID, Library card and Students' Union membership card so it's important to keep it with you at all times. You can arrange to collect your Smartcard from campus after you have enrolled - please allow up to 2 working days after receiving your confirmation of enrolment email. 

If you are studying a police degree apprenticeship, you will receive your Smartcard in a different way. See Collecting your Student Smartcard from Campus for details.  

Know how to Ask4Help

Ask4Help is Northumbria's frontline student support service, here to provide advice and guidance on all aspect's of student life. You can contact Ask4Help:

Watch our short video to find out more:

During your first week, you must attend your programme induction which will be detailed on your timetable. This is where you will receive important information about your programme and meet your academic and support teams. You can also take part in a range of optional Welcome Week activities on campus.

You will also be introduced to Northumbria facilities, the Northumbria community and the support services available to you. Details of these and everything else you need to get started can be found on your Student Portal:

 

 

Your Welcome Guide

To help you navigate Northumbria, we have brought together a range of information about our campus, services and support available to you in a handy Welcome Guide (pdf version available here):

If you need help and support...


Ask4Help is the name of our frontline support service, and it is available on campus, online and 24/7 during term-time via telephone. 

Ask4Help can answer any questions you have or signpost you to more specialist support should you need it. Ask4Help Online in your Student Portal contains a range of useful articles providing self-help information on a range of topics. You can submit any queries you have or access specialist support from staff via the enquiry box at the end of each article.  

Having trouble accessing your Student Portal?  

  • Please contact Applicant Services if you have not received your login details.  
  • If you have forgotten your username, please contact IT Chat (available 24/7).  
  • If you have forgotten your password, contact IT Chat (available 24/7) or reset via DUO (UK mobile numbers only).

Page last updated 10/08/26

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