Business Secretary praises new degree apprenticeships
On Thursday 19th May, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Sajid Javid, visited the University of Sheffield’s Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) in Rotherham to meet with young apprentices.
The AMRC Training Centre has introduced a new Foundation Degree in Manufacturing Technology, developed with employers, that aims to provide young people with the skills for the future, while in employment and avoiding major debt.
Mr Javid praised the new degree and said: “We introduced degree apprenticeships so that young people across the country have a real alternative to a traditional university degree, while helping UK businesses develop the skills they need to grow.”
He continued: “For too long, ambitious school leavers have been told that university was their only option, but that isn’t the case anymore.
“Top class apprenticeships that include degrees like those being offered at the University of Sheffield mean our young people have a choice about their future.”
The University is already one of the first in higher education to offer quality advanced manufacturing Foundation, Undergraduate and Master’s degrees using the apprenticeship model, jointly funded with businesses.
Professor Keith Ridgway, Executive Dean of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) said: “To compete in a global economy, it is essential that our engineers of the future have a wide range of generic skills in addition to core engineering competencies.
“This course ensures students gain a balanced knowledge and understanding in the context of engineering manufacture with the right mix of academic and vocational learning.”
The Business Secretary made his comments during a visit which included learning more about the research taking place into the development of small modular reactors.
Small modular reactors are compact nuclear power plants which could play a vital role in the UK energy market.
