University of Sussex Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil (centre) sits with the university’s first cohort of apprenticeships, and the university staff helping to deliver the degree programmes.

The University of Sussex has announced that it will receive extra funding from the Office for Students (OfS) to further expand its apprentice offering.

The OfS announced funding for 33 universities to expand their apprenticeship offering. It will provide the University of Sussex with £301,610 over the 2024-25 academic year to grow the Level 6 apprenticeship, and work with regional employers to address barriers to inclusion and access to apprenticeships. This will give candidates the opportunity to obtain a full bachelor’s degree while continuing to work. 

News of the funding comes after the university’s first ever cohort of apprentices began their course at the end of September. The apprentices come from a range of companies including Tesla Engineering and the NHS. 

Six apprentices are now studying at the university across two Level 7 apprenticeships; Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. It is part of a new programme working with local and regional employers as part of the newly developed apprenticeship offering developed by the University of Sussex, initiated through its partnership with the Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology.

Using a hybrid model, the apprentices will have the opportunity to obtain a degree while continuing to work, studying at the University for 20% of their time. The programme takes two years to complete.  

Two of this year’s apprentices were undergraduates at Sussex and will now be returning to the university to complete a Level 7 apprenticeship while working with Tesla Engineering. 

Piers Morrill, studying Advanced Mechanical Engineering (Level 7), said: “Since school I have always had the goal to make a difference in the world and through engineering I believe that is possible. 

“For me, the apprenticeship route is the best way to get hands-on experience in the engineering space while also progressing my academic career. I think being able to use the theories and techniques I’ve been learning through my degree in real-world applications is very compelling. Getting work experience alongside a masters is a great stepping stone for my career.”

The apprenticeship programme combines the university’s world-class research with industry collaboration, providing apprentices with a competitive edge in the workplace. All employers are able to fund apprenticeships for their staff through the Apprenticeship Levy. 

Geraldine Turton, Head of Apprenticeships at the University of Sussex, said: “Becoming a degree apprenticeship provider is a key aspect in the University strategy, Sussex 2035, as we recognise the importance of diversity in our programmes, the positive impact of community engagement and working with local businesses to create a skills landscape that is fit for purpose. 

“These two degree apprenticeships are just the start – we’re continuing to develop new pathways to higher level qualifications and careers while supporting employers to develop the talent and skills they need, now and for the future. 

“Next year, we’ll be launching two further apprenticeships, but we always welcome employers to talk to us about what they need so we can develop more courses in areas they’re needed most, from electrical engineering to creative digital design.”

 Next year, the University will launch two further apprenticeships: 

• Business Analytics and Digital Technology Level 6, starting in January 2025
• Postgraduate Teacher Route, starting in June 2025
  
  

To find out more about the University’s apprenticeship offering, please visit: Degree apprenticeships at Sussex : Business and entrepreneurs : Collaborate : University of Sussex