The University of Essex is the first university in the eastern region to start delivering government-backed degree apprenticeships which are set to revolutionise the way young people get started in a tech career.

Degree apprenticeships also offer a fantastic cost-effective opportunity to employers to bring new talent, innovation, knowledge and hi-tech skills into their business or organisation.

Companies are being offered extensive financial support by the Government to start taking advantage of degree apprenticeships.

Now the University of Essex’s School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering has received approval to launch two official degree apprenticeship programmes - BSc Digital and Technology Solutions and BEng Electronic Engineering.

Those interested in working in partnership with the University to offer a degree apprenticeship are being encouraged to make contact as soon as possible.

Dr Anthony Vickers from the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering said: “We are expecting big interest as demand in the UK for people with high-calibre skills in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) is reaching unprecedented levels. We are already seeing extremely high graduate-level employment for our current graduates.

“Our new degree apprenticeships schemes offer innovative and cost-effective ways for businesses to gain from the benefits of degree-level vocational training. Degree Apprentices will have a great head start to their career.

“They will be able to combine studying for a full degree with gaining the real practical skills gained in work and the financial security of a regular pay packet.

Financial support for businesses wanting to offer degree apprenticeships include:

• The Government pays two-thirds of the £9,000 course fees each year – meaning employers only have to cover  a third of the cost
• Existing employees can apply for an apprenticeship to further their skills Larger businesses can get training costs offset against the government’s new apprenticeship levy
• Smaller businesses can take advantage of a range of government incentive schemes

Apprentices studying for a BSc Digital and Technology Solutions at Essex will be gaining a qualification which meets the needs of the industry by developing skills in software and technology development. Apprentices spend up to 12 weeks studying at the Colchester Campus each year, and the rest of the time they are working closely with a mentor in the workplace to enhance their learning.

The BEng Electronic Engineering programme at Essex also delivers industry-standard education and training in electronics and embedded software. Apprentices enrol on a three-year IET accredited BEng degree pathway that includes 28 weeks of teaching each academic year. Apprentices return to the workplace to complete their vocational learning.

Find out more at: www.essex.ac.uk/business/training/apprenticeships/

Contact David Everiss, University of Essex Faculty Placements Manager for Science and Health on 01206 874093 or email: deveriss@essex.ac.uk