The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has praised the trailblazing Degree Apprenticeship programmes at Manchester Metropolitan University after launching a new nationwide £10 million Degree Apprenticeship fund.
The new fund is to increase the number of Degree Apprenticeships available to young people and recently was launched by the Business Secretary who met current Degree Apprenticeship employers and apprentices.
Degree Apprenticeships involve employers partnering with universities to offer an earn-while-you-learn blend of work and study. The Business Secretary was welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Press who outlined Manchester Met’s ambitions for the future of Degree Apprenticeships at the University.
Sajid Javid MP said: “Degree Apprenticeships, like the ones being offered at Manchester Metropolitan University, are unlocking life-changing opportunities for young people and giving businesses the skills they need. This multi-million pound fund will help universities and employers design new top quality degree apprenticeships and open doors to our young people.”
This multi-million pound fund will help universities and employers design new top quality degree apprenticeships and open doors to our young people
Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Press added: “We are proud of the contribution that Manchester Met makes in nurturing graduates with the necessary education and training to flourish in their careers and to help industry thrive. In particular, as the UK’s leading university for widening participation, we are determined to make a significant contribution towards the Prime Minister’s 2020 targets.
‘Degree Apprenticeships are a logical extension of our approach to education and we are keen to develop them further in partnership with employers both within Greater Manchester and nationally.”
Manchester Met was one of the first to offer Degree Apprenticeships and is currently expanding to include new subject areas. Employers recruit apprentices who spend approximately 24 days a year at the University working towards a degree. Government funds two thirds of the cost of the degree, up to a maximum of £18,000. Employers pay the apprentice a wage and contribute the other third of the cost of the degree.
The first Degree Apprenticeship is the BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions, developed for modern businesses by combining technical IT expertise with business insight.
The apprenticeship offering at Manchester Met will soon feature the BSc (Hons) in Chartered Management. They will be joined by the BSc (Hons) Chemical Science Professions to add to other well-established programmes such as the Legal Services Apprenticeship at Manchester Law School.