Middlesex University launches digital degree apprenticeships

Middlesex University has launched new digital degree apprenticeship programmes to address the growing employer demand for digital skills in the engineering sector. Designed to bridge the digital skills gap, promote social inclusion and increase productivity across engineering businesses, the six programmes span cyber security and data science through to digital marketing and user experience (UX).

Since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, an estimated £2.7 billion of unused funds have been returned to the Treasury, rather than being invested in apprenticeship training. With this loss, there is an opportunity now for employers to review their Levy training budget and avoid missing out on the funding to support future talent via the new digital degree apprenticeships.

Middlesex University has a track record of collaborating with businesses of all sizes in the engineering sector and across the digital landscape, co-designing tailored programmes through research and knowledge. The new digital degree apprenticeship programmes directly align with current and future workforce demands.

According to the London Local Skills Improvement Plan, 56% of businesses anticipate needing more advanced digital skills within the next two to five years. Nationally, the UK digital sector has employed around 1.9 million people, with the Government expecting an additional 678,000 skilled digital roles will be needed this year.

Six specialised degree apprenticeship programmes
In response to these trends, Middlesex University is launching six specialised degree apprenticeship programmes: Cyber Security Technical Professional Apprenticeship – playing a vital role in protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats; Data Scientist Apprenticeship – developing models and algorithms that help organisations solve problems, make decisions, and optimise performance; Digital User Experience Professional – providing the skills to investigate, analyse, and design the experience that people have with digital products and services; Digital Technology Solutions Professional – leading the implementation and optimisation of digital systems and services across businesses; Creative Digital Design Professional – designing and delivering creative digital experiences across platforms and technologies; and Digital Marketer – developing, delivering, and evaluating digital marketing campaigns and communications.

Engineering employers and apprentices will be supported by Middlesex University teaching staff, with proven research expertise in digital technology. Tutors also share professional experience and industry knowledge in their teaching, to help digital degree apprentices reflect on real-world business challenges and solutions.

Lastest technology
The university is equipped with professional standard equipment in electronics, mechatronics, robotics and networking solutions, while dedicated laboratories throughout the campus feature the latest technology. From the very start of the course, apprentices engage in practical projects, designed to build their advanced skills.

Professor Darryll Bravenboer, director of degree apprenticeships at Middlesex University, said: “Our new digital degree apprenticeships are built with both engineering employers and learners in mind. They are designed to fill critical skills gaps across the sector, while offering apprentices a strong start to a successful career in the digital space.

“This is a unique opportunity to earn a degree while gaining hands-on experience in a digital environment. From day one, apprentices work on practical projects to develop their technology skills across areas such as UX, marketing and cyber security. We are proud to be shaping the future workforce and contributing to the UK’s digital economy through education that truly has an impact.”

Engineering firms interested in the new digital degree apprenticeship programmes starting in September, can register their interest at the website here.