Manchester Met hosts celebration event to launch new report on degree apprenticeships

On Wednesday 11 September, our Apprenticeship Unit launched a new report, Force for Impact, at an informative event in our Dalton building, which opened in autumn 2024. We were joined by over ninety attendees, including employer partners, current and former apprentices, local authority representatives, university colleagues, and key stakeholders. 

During the event, our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Malcolm Press CBE, spoke about the transformational impact of degree apprenticeships and highlighted how our new report showcases nearly a decade of our university’s commitment to apprenticeships, reinforcing our position as a leading provider in the country. He said:

“These apprenticeships not only transform lives but also increases productivity and economic growth, aligning with our university’s mission to address today’s most pressing challenges. 

The report outlines key recommendations for further expansion and development of degree apprenticeships, making them even more accessible and impactful in the years to come. We need a long-term commitment to degree apprenticeships, greater recognition of these programmes as a mainstream higher education option, and clearer entry pathways from lower levels of education. Expanded access through the new Growth and Skills Levy and improved support for SMEs are also crucial. 

These measures are essential for unlocking the full potential of degree apprenticeships and ensuring their benefits are felt across the economy.” 

Following the Vice-Chancellor’s inspiring speech, our Director of Apprenticeships, Liz Gorb MBE, and Deputy Director, James Walker, discussed the key findings and recommendations of the report, as well as how degree apprenticeships are innovating education, growing the economy, and transforming lives. 

Among the findings, they shared that our programmes are: 

• Addressing skills gaps and adding substantial value to businesses: more than 90% of business leaders surveyed believe degree apprenticeships are tackling industrial skills gaps.
• Empowering SMEs to grow: over 60% of SMEs use degree apprenticeships to support their talent pipelines.
• Boosting economic growth: 70% of Manchester Met employer partners reported productivity gains.
• Fostering equity and diversity in the workplace: 61% of apprentices were the first generation in their family to attend university 
• Fast-tracking many into well-paid careers: 76% of apprentices received a pay rise, and 39% received a promotion during their apprenticeship.  
• Helping people from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed: 23% of alumni were entitled to free school meals when growing up in the UK and their average salary now is £53,350. 
• Creating jobs and giving people access to professional careers: 51% of all level 6 apprentices are aged 24 or under and 37% are 20 or under. 
• Fostering equality and diversity in the workplace: 19% of apprentices are from minority ethnic backgrounds, 12% disclosed a disability, 61% were the first generation in their family to attend university, 54% of apprentices are female, and 42% of our STEM apprentices are women.

Led by Professor Jonathan Lawson, the event featured an engaging panel of employer partners and apprentices from private and public organisations, large employers, and SMEs. They shared how degree apprenticeships are making a positive impact on individuals’ careers, businesses growth, and the wider economy. 

On the panel, representing our apprentices board we had: 

• Arham Ansari, final year Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice with Ciptex 
• Hannah Mehr, final year Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprentice with Arup 
• Annabel Morris, Laboratory Scientist (Chemical Science) Degree Apprentice Graduate with AstraZeneca 
• Jane Roberts, Bridgewater Community NHS Trust District Nurse Degree Apprentice Graduate with Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust