PM launches degree apprenticeships

The apprenticeships have been designed by industry and will represent a combination of academic knowledge and practical experience.

Apprentices will have the opportunity to gain a full bachelor’s or master’s degree without having to pay fees as the cost of the course is being shared between government and employers, the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) said.

For employers and learners alike, degree apprenticeships are a good step forward

EEF cheif executive Terry Scuoler

“Degree apprenticeships will give people a great head start, combining a full degree with the real practical skills gained in work and the financial security of a regular pay packet,” Cameron said, while announcing the new scheme at BAE Systems in Lancashire yesterday.

Currently, more than 100 companies are working alongside over 20 universities and colleges to help develop the programme.

The first intake of students are expected to begin courses this September.

According to BIS, the programme will be led by representatives from a number of industry groups including: The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and manufacturing trade body EEF, as well as the likes of Universities UK, University Alliance, and the Association of Colleges.

Chief executive of the EEF Terry Scuoler said: “Fast-moving, evolving sectors such as manufacturing increasingly demand higher-level skills. These economically valuable industries can only grow and prosper if highly-skilled employees are there for the taking.

“For employers and learners alike, degree apprenticeships are a good step forward. Learners earn while they learn to a degree level and employers have access to relevant, responsive, highly-skilled employees.”

BIS said that not only will the new qualifications be suitable for school leavers, they will also raise the status of vocational routes of study and be suitable for existing apprentices who want to progress in their careers.

Chief executive of University Alliance Maddalaine Ansell said: “We welcome the introduction of degree apprenticeships.

“They will offer young people another accessible and attractive way to unlock their talent, and ensure the UK has the high-skilled workforce it needs to drive growth and innovation in our economy.”

The nine degree apprenticeships are:

• Chartered surveying
• Electronic systems engineering
• Aerospace engineering
• Aerospace software development
• Defence systems engineering
• Laboratory science
• Nuclear; power engineering
• Public relations

Launched during National Apprentice Week, yesterday’s announcement follows a number of pledges being made this week to boost apprenticeships across the UK.

For example, food and drink manufacturers said technical apprenticeships will be increased in their sector by 20% by 2017.

Food and Drink Federation (FDF) director of competitiveness Angela Coleshill said: “Food and drink manufacturing apprenticeships are highly skilled, longer-term, and taken up by more experienced individuals, when compared with other sectors.

“In 2012 we were able to smash our target and quadruple the number of apprenticeships offered in the sector and, with support from government, we intend to go further and increase high level apprenticeships in the sector by 20% by 2017.”