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<p>Apprenticeships at levels 6 and 7, including degree apprenticeships, are an important
and growing part of our education and skills system and we are encouraged by the take-up
so far. We have seen year on year growth since their inception, and in the last academic
year there were 58,760 starts on apprenticeships at levels 6 and 7, that is 74.4%
growth in 2020/21 compared to 2018/19.</p><p>Our apprenticeship reforms have put employers
firmly in the driving seat and a market led approach ensures that apprenticeships
are responsive to business needs both in terms of the content of the apprenticeship
and availability. Employers take the decisions about who they recruit as an apprentice,
and which type and level of apprenticeship they offer.</p><p>Employers, working in
partnership with providers, have already developed over 150 apprenticeship standards
available at levels 6 and 7, of which over 100 include a degree. As these are jobs
with training, they directly address skills shortages for employers. They are available
in a wide range of sectors such as aerospace, automotive, digital, engineering, financial,
health, leadership, legal, manufacturing, nuclear and protective services.</p><p>Higher
and degree apprenticeships support productivity, social mobility and widening participation
in higher education and employment. So, whilst we have seen positive growth of degree
apprenticeships, we would like to see even more.</p><p>We continue to encourage more
employers to consider using these apprenticeships to meet the skills needs of their
industries. Education providers, including universities, have a vital role to play
in working with employers to offer these apprenticeships wherever there is employer
demand.</p>
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