TRAILBLAZING Essex University will be the first in the region to begin delivering Government-backed degree apprenticeships to help businesses develop young talent within the high-tech sector.

The university’s computer science and electronic engineering school has received approval to launch two degree apprenticeship programmes - BSc Digital and Technology Solutions and BEng Electronic Engineering.

The courses allow students to split their study time between the classroom and workplace.

The Government will cover two thirds of a student’s £9,000 annual course fees and smaller businesses are eligible for a range of financial incentives.

Since launching last year, Government ministers have pledged to increase the number of apprenticeship starts to three million by 2020.

More than 20 universities across the UK are currently enrolled, offering degree apprenticeships in subjects including chartered surveying, aerospace engineering and PR.

Dr Anthony Vickers, from the school of computer science and electronic engineering, said: “We’re expecting big interest as demand in the UK for people with high-calibre skills in science, technology, engineering and maths is reaching unprecedented levels.

“We’re already seeing extremely high graduate-level employment for our current graduates.

“Our new degree apprenticeships schemes offer innovative and cost-effective ways for businesses to gain from the benefits of degree-level vocational training.

“Degree apprentices will have a great head start to their career.

“They will be able to combine studying for a full degree with gaining the real practical skills gained in work and the financial security of a regular pay packet.”

Apprentices studying for a BSc Digital and Technology Solutions will gain an industry-standard qualification and develop skills in software and technology development.

The students will spend 12 weeks at the Colchester campus a year and work closely with a mentor in the workplace for the rest of the time.

The three-year BEng Electronic Engineering programme focuses on electronics and embedded software, which includes 28 weeks of teaching each year and additional vocational learning.

For more information, visit www.essex.ac.uk/business/training/apprenticeships.