Business secretary Sajid Javid has praised Manchester Metropolitan University’s trailblazing degree apprenticeship programmes during a visit to the university’s Business School.
Manchester Met was one of the earliest adopters of degree apprenticeships, the first of which was a BSc (Hons) in digital and technology solutions, developed for modern businesses by combining technical IT expertise with business insight.
It is soon to expand its subject base for degree apprenticeships to include a BSc (Hons) in chartered management and a BSc (Hons) in chemical science professions, which will be added to other well-established programmes such as the legal services apprenticeship at Manchester Law School.
‘Tremendous impact’
Mr Javid was welcomed by the university’s vice chancellor, Professor Malcolm Press, who outlined Manchester Met’s ambitions for the future of degree apprenticeships.
Press said: “We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to the university to showcase our trailblazing degree apprenticeship programmes.
“He was keen to find out more about the work we do on apprenticeships and was very impressed with the tremendous impact that we are already generating and the positive views of both apprentices and employers.
“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.”
Funding unlocks ‘life-changing opportunities’
The business secretary’s visit, during which he met current degree apprentices and employers, coincided with the announcement of a £10 million funding boost for degree apprenticeships.
He 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.”
