192 words. For Business.

THE University of Cumbria is offering to work with employers to help recruit the right degree-level apprentices, and tailor training to suit them.

It is hosting a session to explain its offer on Monday at the Business Interaction Centre in Paternoster Row, Carlisle, from 2-4pm. 

Degree-level apprenticeships, offered by universities, aim to combine the best of higher education and vocational training.

They differ from the old  higher-level apprenticeships in that the qualification can be the equivalent of masters’ degree.

Higher-level apprenticeships were provided by further education colleges and were equivalent of the first year of a degree at best.

Many of the new apprenticeships are targeting professional standards and are recognised by their respective professional bodies.

A benefit is that the qualification is two-thirds funded by the Government, with the sponsoring business paying the rest.

The University of Cumbria developed its first degree-level apprenticeship programme in professional accounting.

It  plans to follow this with apprenticeships in management, project management and for laboratory technicians.

Apprentices will gain a higher-level academic qualification while earning a salary and benefiting from on-the-job experience.

To reserve a place at Monday's event, call 01228 888740 or email CBIC@cumbria.ac.uk.