Manufacturing leaders have been invited to apply for a new masters-level apprenticeship.

The Manufacturing Institute, part of consultancy The Growth Company, and Lancaster University Management School will run the distance learning programme.

It is open to employees from large businesses under the Apprenticeship Levy and to SME employees with 90 per cent of the cost covered by the government.

This programme will start in October and be taught through block release and evening tuition with a focus on applying everything learned back in the workplace.

Mark Leeson, operations director for The Manufacturing Institute said: “Applications are already coming in for this new level 7 apprenticeship which is proving to be popular with manufacturers.

“We’re delighted to be working with Lancaster University Management School to offer this Masters under the Apprenticeship Levy. It opens the door to middle and senior manufacturing leaders to apply their learning back in the workplace which can only be good for the whole sector.”

For details visit www.manufacturinginstitute.co.uk.