Partner Article

£18.7 million to support apprenticeships

The Government has announced £18.7 million of funding to support thousands of apprenticeships up to degree equivalent.

The Higher Apprenticeship Fund hopes to enable employers, colleges and universities to deliver the advanced skills most critical for growth.

Around 250 employers, across sectors such as construction, advanced engineering and financial services will benefit from from the scheme.

Among the companies to receive nationally accredited technical training are Leyland Trucks, Unilever, TNT and Burberry.

Today’s announcement represents part of a £25 million fund revealed in July, and a second round of bids to the fund will be invited early in the New Year, with focus on areas where support is needed for economic growth.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Investing in skills is central to our drive to boost business and productivity and make the UK more competitive.

“By radically expanding the number of degree level apprenticeships for young people, we will put practical learning on a level footing with academic study.

Nineteen partnerships comprising employers and training providers will receive a total of £17m, following a competitive bidding process.

A further £1.7 million has been used in two new ‘Trailblazer’ projects in IT, science, engineering and manufacturing, delivering 6,000 Higher Apprenticeships.

The project follows last week’s launch of the latest Apprenticeship Programme phases which includes a £30 million fund to support small business, creating 20,000 additional young apprentices and measures to reduce red tape for all employers providing apprenticeships.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .