Degree Apprenticeships provide new skills direction for regional employers

West Midlands Combined Universities (WMCU) is driving forward its Degree Apprenticeships programmes – providing a new skills direction for employers in the Midlands.

Birmingham City University, Coventry University and the University of Wolverhampton offer a wide range of Degree Apprenticeships with nearly 500 Apprentices in total studying for degree level qualifications whilst working full-time.

The three Universities work with almost 100 employers and have secured a total of £740,000 funding from the Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE) to provide Degree Apprenticeships.

The three universities – part of the growth company established by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to promote the region around the world – have been instrumental in supporting employers to ensure that they have skilled staff to grow their business.

Wayne Langford, Chief Executive of WMCU, said: “The government is committed to providing three million apprenticeships during this parliament – the majority of which will be higher level skills with a requirement that courses meet the skills needs identified within each region.

“Designed by employers, universities and professional bodies, Degree Apprenticeships deliver high-tech and high level skills and offer an alternative to a traditional degree course. This is a great opportunity for employers in the area to use Apprenticeship Levy funds to invest in the skills needed to lead and grow a competitive workforce.

“Developing a skilled workforce is a key action point of the combined authority and is central to growing our regional economy.”

All three universities offer a range of Degree Apprenticeships in a variety of subjects to support local and regional skills needs including Law, Auditing, Radiography, Financial Services, Engineering, Digital Technology, Leadership and Management, Policing, Nursing, Assistant Practitioner in Health, BBC Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Technology, Nursing Associate Chartered Management, Civil Engineering, Chartered Surveyor and Quantity Surveying.

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