Hundreds of apprentices have embarked on degree courses at Sheffield Hallam University as the new academic year gets underway.
The university is running degree level apprenticeships for record numbers of students this academic year with apprentices of all ages signed up on 25 different courses.
The university has over 800 apprentices on its books and works with 270 employers.
In September and October 450 new apprentices began their apprenticeship journey at Hallam.
The students are employed by a variety of firms and they will work while studying.
They are enrolled on courses including engineering, business, healthcare science, food technology, IT and software engineering.
The apprentices spend the majority of their time in the workplace, typically, attending university for three or four days at a time, approximately six times per year, with this decreasing in the final year.
The apprenticeships are funded through a national apprenticeship employer levy allowing individuals to gain a degree as part of their employment.
Sheffield Hallam University is fast becoming a centre of excellence for degree apprenticeships offering courses in a range of disciplines, many of which have been developed in partnership with the companies employing the apprentices.
Conor Moss, group director for business engagement, employability and skills at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “Higher level and degree apprenticeships are a growing area for us and I am delighted that we are welcoming record number of apprentices through the doors this year. We wish them every success in their roles and look forward to meeting them on campus.
“The university is committed to offering apprenticeships which will help to plug the skills gaps we know exist in certain industries across South Yorkshire, therefore contributing to the local economy and contributing to the economic growth of the region. Many of our courses have been developed with that in mind.
“The students embarking on courses at SHU will learn the theory they need to know in the lecture theatre and then have the chance to apply it in a real world setting when they go into the workplace. They will come out with a degree qualification and practical experience which will only enhance their long term career prospects.”
