A degree without fees – and get paid as well!

AN acclaimed degree apprenticeship programme launched by the University of Chester is to be offered at its Warrington Campus.
The innovative scheme sees students undertake a full honours degree, while working full-time for a regional employer.
Students benefit from not having to pay tuition fees and they gain valuable experience while also being paid.
The Chartered Degree Management Apprenticeship programme at the university has already been shortlisted for the Educate North Awards prize for Employer Engagement.
Degree apprenticeships were launched by the Government, enabling groups of businesses, universities and colleges to develop practical, vocational degree courses which will allow people to combine both the academic study from a traditional university degree and the practical experience and wider employment skills vital for career success. Through the scheme, employers are able to develop their own talent and include input from students undertaking projects which recommend improvements in their company’s operations.
At the Warrington Campus, the university will be rolling out apprenticeship provision across a number of areas including Management, Engineering, Nursing, Education and Policing in the future and is open to enquiries from interested employers or prospective students.
The Government has a target of three million apprenticeships in place by 2020 and from April this year large organisations are being charged a levy to support the costs of this national initiative.
The first cohort of students joined the University in Chester last year and already firms are lining up for a second intake.
Lisa Rowe, development director for the university, said: “This programme gives students a degree, a professional qualification and an immediate career path. It’s a fantastic choice for those capable students who want to go straight into work with a top employer after their A levels or BTEC studies.”
Professor Lawrence Bellamy, deputy provost for the Warrington Campus said: “Employers should recognise this for the great opportunity it is – the chance to attract and retain top talent and put them through a challenging programme of study which will really benefit their business.
“The university has long been recognised for its outstanding work with work-based learning and this award is the culmination of many years of expertise in the field.”
Picture: Degree apprentice Emilia Hoyle at HeatTrace with her manager Michael Dicker.