University Centre Peterborough Secures £490k in Funding to Launch Degree Apprenticeship in Key Sectors

University Centre Peterborough is excited to announce the launch of new degree apprenticeships in key areas such as Design, Digital UX, Digital Marketing, Serious and Complex Crime Investigation and Post-16 teaching, thanks to significant funding from the Office for Students (OfS). This investment will enable University Centre Peterborough to meet the evolving needs of local industries while providing students with invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience as they work towards earning their degrees. These degree apprenticeships will play a crucial role in bridging the skills gap in the region, ensuring that local businesses have access to a pipeline of skilled graduates ready to contribute to their success.

Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough said: 

‘I am delighted that University Centre Peterborough has secured £490,000 in funding from the Office for Students to launch degree apprenticeships in key areas like design, digital marketing, and serious crime investigation. This funding is crucial in addressing the local skills gap and supporting the growth of industries here in Peterborough. By combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, these apprenticeships will give students the opportunity to thrive in their careers and contribute to the local economy. I encourage local employers to collaborate with University Centre Peterborough, as this partnership will ensure we develop a skilled workforce ready to meet industry demands.’

Andrew Pakes MP, Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Apprenticeships, works with the government to advance the expansion and uptake of apprenticeships. 

Liz Knight, Academic Director of University Centre Peterborough, commented:
“We are delighted to receive this funding, which will enable us to offer degree apprenticeships in areas that are critical to both local industry and the wider economy of Peterborough. By focusing on these subjects, we are addressing significant skills shortages and providing our students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience. These programmes will create professional growth, helping our graduates to excel in their careers while contributing to the region’s development.”

The funding, provided by the Office for Students (OfS),  shows its commitment to supporting high-quality education and addressing the needs of local economies. The OfS is the independent regulator for higher education in England, ensuring that students, regardless of their background, have access to excellent educational opportunities.

University Centre Peterborough is calling on local employers in the fields of Design, Digital UX, Digital Marketing, Serious and Complex Crime Investigation, and Teacher Education to collaborate on these degree apprenticeship programmes. By partnering with University Centre Peterborough, employers can help shape the curriculum, offer work placements, and ultimately benefit from a workforce trained to meet industry demands.

For more information or to get involved, please contact ucpfutures@ucp.ac.uk. Together, we can build the skills needed to strengthen our local economy and create lasting professional opportunities for graduates.