Harper Adams to create new degree-level apprenticeships

Harper Adams University has been given funding to develop a range of new degree-level apprenticeships, which will be available from September 2018.

The Shropshire-based university has won a share of £4.9m announced by the Higher Education Funding Council England.

Students who are accepted on to a degree-level apprenticeship will be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week and earn a degree part time alongside their full-time employment.

See also: Find out more about apprenticeships at Ag Careers Live

The Harper Adams programmes supported by the award will allow apprentices to train in engineering, food and drink engineering and food sciences and technology.

One of the biggest appeals for prospective students will be the chance to earn while they learn and avoid the burden of student debt.

Degree-level apprenticeships are a relatively new development, with the first ones only rolled out in September 2015.

Clare Keegan, who is overseeing the development of degree apprenticeships at Harper Adams, said: “We are already close to launching a degree apprenticeship programme for chartered surveyors, and look forward to also now being able to work with employers to develop the food science, food engineering and wider engineering programmes.

“Industry input into the structure and content of the programmes will be vital, so I would welcome discussions with business in the sectors relevant to these new degree apprenticeship streams.”