UCLan receives new funding for degree apprenticeships in health,engineering and cybersecurity

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is now able to offer additional degree apprenticeships in health, engineering, and cybersecurity after successfully being granted funding from the Office for Students (OfS).

Funding of £480,639 for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years will enable the university to add a range of exciting new apprenticeships to the list it already offers.

The University of Central Lancashire’s seven new degree apprenticeship courses includes: Aerospace Software Engineer; Electrical or Electronic Technical Support Engineer; Manufacturing Engineer; Product Design and Development Engineer; Cyber Security Technical Professional; Occupational Therapist and Speech & Language Therapist.

Dharma Kovvuri, Academic Director for Apprenticeships at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “We are proud to be a leading provider of degree apprenticeships, offering one of higher education’s widest ranges.

“We are particularly excited about the new innovative programmes in health that are responding to skills needs for the NHS’ long term workforce plan.

“Our additional courses align with our commitment to employers to deliver degree apprenticeships which address skills gaps and positively contribute to regional economic growth.

“This funding, driven by our passion for transforming lives, will also enhance our innovative apprenticeship matching service.”

Martin Blunt, Head of the Enterprise and Engagement Unit at the University of Central Lancashire, added: “The University of Central Lancashire’s Apprenticeship Matching Service (AMS) is a free specialist recruitment service designed for employers across diverse sectors looking to take on a degree apprentice.

“AMS will support businesses with recruitment, identifying the best talent to maximise a business’s potential. Concurrently, the AMS team works with educational institutions and other organisations, to help individuals find the perfect Degree Apprenticeship opportunity across a range of disciplines.”

The university also runs a one-off recruitment matching event called SPARK. This is a free apprenticeship marketplace that is open to all recruiters from any sector who are looking to promote degree apprenticeship job opportunities or work placements which may lead to a full-time apprenticeship.

SPARK is designed to be a speed pitching session where employers get to meet one-to-one with potential apprentices. The next event takes place on Thursday 18 April 2024 at the University of Central Lancashire’s Preston Campus from 9.30am until 3pm. The keynote speaker is Edwin J Booth CBE DL, Chairman of supermarket chain Booths. Click here to book a space.