The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is launching a degree-level programme designed to equip apprentices with high-level manufacturing skills.

The four-year degree apprenticeship in product design and development will include a BEng (Hons) degree in advanced manufacturing and will be Apprenticeship Levy-funded, allowing students to get a degree while in full-time paid employment — without having to pay university fees.

The degree course, run in conjunction with Liverpool John Moore’s University, is aimed at existing Level 3-qualified apprentices who want to develop their skills further.

It will be delivered at the MTC’s ‘state of the art’ Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre.

Students will be based there at least one day every three weeks, with the remainder at their host employer.

The course includes engineering principles, materials, design, manufacturing processes, system design, automation and advanced manufacturing technology.

Students are assessed throughout the apprenticeship via exams, coursework, work-based projects and case studies.

Paul Rowlett, MTC managing director, said the degree course had many advantages for students and employers: “For the student it is a chance to get a respected degree while earning money and not getting into student debt.

"For the employer it allows them to maximise their Apprenticeship Levy by supporting existing employees wanting to develop sought-after high-level skills.

"It represents a genuine return on investment, and the businesses will benefit from the enhanced skills available to them — and the course can be tailored to suit a particular employer’s requirements.”

Webinars explaining the degree course are being held at noon on Monday 17 December, Monday 7 January and Monday 14 January.

Anyone interested in finding out more or wanting to take part in these webinars should contact Ian Buckingham, higher education programme manager (phone: 07976 316286 or e-mail: ).