Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has welcomed the confirmation of funding from the Department for Education for the second phase of the Degree Apprenticeship Development Fund, which will invest £4m to increase degree apprenticeship starts, build capacity to develop more standards and improve opportunities for employers and HEIs to work together.

Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of MillionPlus, said:

"We welcome the release of the second phase of funding by the Department for Education to support the development of degree apprenticeships. Modern universities have led the field in developing these apprenticeships and excel in the STEM areas and in delivering social mobility which have both been prioritised by the Department in its letter to the Higher Education Funding Council.

“The links with the Northern powerhouse and the Midlands Engine are a clear attempt to ensure that degree apprenticeships are incentivised outside of London and the South East and this aligns with the government’s industrial strategy. However, to support this strategy there must be sufficient leeway for universities and employers located in other parts of the country to be eligible for this funding if degree apprenticeships are to be developed and available in all regions.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
2. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 7717 1658 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
3. To view the full funding letter from the Department for Education please visit: http://www.hefce.ac.uk/news/newsarchive/2017/Name,113361,en.html