This will increase the number of Level 6 degree apprenticeships on offer at the University with an additional £660,000 of funding over and above the original £585,000 secured in the OfS’s first wave earlier this year.

This latest funding will enable Herts to launch a new degree level apprenticeships in accounting finance.

The course will focus on management accounting, financial reporting and business operations, with a focus on practical mathematical techniques alongside core analytical skills, to make numerical based decisions.

Learning is delivered through a mix of interactive sessions, simulations and group exercises, combining tried and tested theories, emerging new techniques, and the latest practitioner inputs and experiences.

There are also opportunities to work with industry mentors from PwC Watford, Legal & General, Deloitte & the ICAEW Beds, Bucks & Herts Society, plus other firms such as Azets and Moore Kingston Smith.

As well as increasing capacity for people skilling up in these key subject areas, the aim of the apprenticeships is to boost equality of opportunity for Level 6 degree apprenticeships, especially for those living in or around Hertfordshire, where current provision is limited.

The funding will also enable Herts to continue scaling up its internal apprenticeship operation to ensure quality education and an excellence service for employer partners.

Celeste Jones, associate director – apprenticeships & professional programmes at the University of Hertfordshire, said: ‘These are exciting times for the expansion of our degree apprenticeships at the University of Hertfordshire.

‘The ongoing, valuable support from OfS charts a pathway to a professional career and a collaborative relationship with employers.

‘It also means employers looking to develop people in any of these career areas know they can turn to us for the quality of support they need. The University offers a variety of apprenticeships to employers, and we work closely with them to create bespoke, relevant education programmes and provide award-winning teaching.’

John Blake, director for fair access and participation at the OfS, said: ‘With this second round of bids, we were looking for universities and colleges to not only describe how OfS funding would expand their degree apprenticeships student numbers and course provision, but also to further demonstrate how they would prioritise recruiting and supporting students from all backgrounds to succeed. I’m pleased to say that all the successful bids have risen to this challenge.’

For more information on the University of Hertfordshire’s higher and degree apprenticeship provision for either businesses or learners, contact [email protected]