Salford secures over half a million pounds to support the growth and diversification of degree apprenticeships

The announcement follows the news in January that Salford had secured £223,053 in phase one of the competition, bringing the overall total of funding received to £527,443.

Successful bids were required to demonstrate how their course provision will enhance equality of opportunity, to ensure that students from every background are able to access and succeed in their chosen career path.

The University offers a wide range of apprenticeship programmes across Science, Engineering, Construction, Health and Society. It’s an area which has seen significant growth at the institution, with over 1700 apprentices projected at Salford by September 2024. The University has also taken the lead role in the recently established Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT). The GMIoT is constantly evolving in response to industry demand for skills and as such, apprenticeships form a key component of the GMIoT’s portfolio.

Along with improving equality, this funding will be used to support sectors’ priority high level skill requirements as identified in the Greater Manchester Local Skills Improvement Plan (GM LSIP).

Paul Ward, Director of International and Regional Development at the University of Salford, said: “To receive over half a million pounds to help us break down barriers to higher education is a real achievement. At Salford we’ve worked tirelessly to engage underrepresented groups and enable those who have not considered higher education to fulfil their full potential and develop their employability and skills.”

“Salford are proud to be one of the top-ranking Universities for Social Mobility in the UK (12th in HEPI Social Mobility Index 2023) – this new funding will help us to do even more in this space through the growth and expansion of our apprenticeship portfolio.”

John Blake, Director for Fair Access and Participation at the OfS, said: “With this second round of bids, we were looking for universities and colleges to not only describe how OfS funding would expand their degree apprenticeships student numbers and course provision, but also to further demonstrate how they would prioritise recruiting and supporting students from all backgrounds to succeed. I’m pleased to say that all the successful bids have risen to this challenge.

“We know that degree apprenticeships are so important as a route for students looking to engage in higher education in less traditional ways, and the benefits they bring to local and regional economies, which is why are investing up to £40 million over the next two academic years to increase the range and availability of these programmes. We have been inspired by the ambitious and forward-looking plans we have received, and I look forward to seeing how this funding can make a real difference to students and our future workforce over the next year and beyond.”