The Office for Students (OfS) has announced a third wave of funding as part of its £40 million degree apprenticeship development fund, allocating an additional £14 million to expand Level 6 degree apprenticeships across England.
This latest round of funding will support 146 degree apprenticeship programmes at 33 universities and colleges, helping to increase student numbers and promote equal opportunities in higher education.
The funding will enable some institutions to offer Level 6 degree apprenticeships for the first time while expanding provision at those already offering them.
Major Projects Receiving Funding
Several significant initiatives will benefit from this funding, including:
Healthcare Education Consortium (£3.38 million): A collaboration between Middlesex University, Birmingham City University, Oxford Brookes University, University of Hertfordshire, Kingston University, University of Brighton, and University of Greenwich to expand healthcare degree apprenticeships in alignment with NHS workforce plans. The funding will support outreach efforts and partnerships with NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Boards.
Bournemouth University (£465,501): Development of five new degree apprenticeships in Accounting Finance Manager, Biomedical Science, Digital Marketing, Midwifery, and Social Work, with a focus on preparing students through academic skills workshops, school outreach, and parent engagement initiatives.
Nottingham College (£157,697): Launch of two new programmes in Product Design and Development Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering, with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for disadvantaged communities in Nottingham.
Liverpool Hope University (£635,418): Establishment as a Department for Education-approved Apprenticeship Training Provider, delivering degree apprenticeships in teaching, physiotherapy, and social work, with a focus on underrepresented groups to enhance social mobility in the Liverpool region.
Supporting Access and Economic Growth
John Blake, Director for Fair Access and Participation at the OfS, praised the initiative, stating: “Degree apprenticeships are an essential way into higher education for students who may not have followed a traditional route and are of huge benefit to local and regional communities and economies.”
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith reinforced the government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities, adding: “We will work closely with Skills England and the OfS to ensure these Level 6 apprenticeships provide good value for money and drive economic growth.”
What This Means for Apprenticeship Seekers
With this new wave of funding, prospective apprentices can expect increased opportunities in key sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and digital marketing. Universities and colleges will also strengthen their outreach efforts to attract a diverse pool of candidates, ensuring that more individuals from all backgrounds can access degree-level apprenticeships.
For more information on degree apprenticeships and how to apply, visit our dedicated apprenticeship careers hub.