Birmingham City University is one of 18 educational establishments to receive £250,000 to train nearly 300 apprentices in key sectors such as manufacturing and construction to help tackle some of the region’s biggest skills gaps; they will be given real-world training and experience, as well as degrees at the end of their course.

Courses lasting at least three years will begin for around 280 people in September 2017.

Skills and Apprenticeships Minister Robert Halfon said: “Apprenticeships work; that’s why we’ve launched Degree Apprenticeships that give people a real chance to ‘earn while you learn’, putting them on the fast track to a top career.

“This multi-million-pound fund will allow universities and colleges to work with top employers to design high-quality apprenticeships that give people a ladder of opportunity.”

Professor Julian Beer, deputy vice-chancellor of Birmingham City University, said: “We are delighted to have received this funding. Our role is to make sure students leave us with a good education and qualifications, but it is equally important that they are prepared for the world of work.”