Our higher and degree apprenticeships range from Level 4 to Level 7 and blend hands-on work experience with academic study. Apprentices can gain qualifications such as diplomas, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees. Some courses also include industry-relevant professional certifications.
In a typical week, apprentices spend around 80% of their time working and at least 20% engaged in ‘off-the-job’ learning. This ensures they build their practical skills while developing advanced knowledge that enhances their performance and contributes to your business’s success.
What are the benefits of apprenticeships for employers?
Investing in apprenticeships offers significant benefits for both your employees and your business. Apprenticeships provide accessible pathways to Higher Education for people from diverse background. This helps you to build a skilled and motivated workforce. Key benefits include:
- Attracting and developing new talent
- Enabling existing staff to upskill and progress
- Boosting retention and reducing recruitment costs
- Enhancing productivity, quality, and delivery
- Strengthening specialist expertise within your team.
"I would advise any other organisations moving forward to consider the long-term impact apprenticeships can have on staff wellbeing, morale, and confidence, but also on the effectiveness of the team. We were supported every step of the way by the University of Sunderland."
Our apprenticeship courses
We work with employers to develop new courses to meet industry needs and skills gaps. We welcome the chance to collaborate with you.
If you can't find an apprenticeship in a specific subject area, please get in touch. Call 0191 515 3361 or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk.
Funding for apprenticeships
Government funding is available to help employers recruit and develop apprentices. This makes apprenticeships an affordable way to grow skills within your organisation.
Levy-paying employers can use their apprenticeship levy funds to pay for apprenticeship training. Eligible non-levy employers may receive 100% Government funding for apprenticeship training. This depends on the apprentice's age and the organisation's circumstances.
Many employers may also be eligible for recruitment incentive payments of up to £3,000. This depends on the apprentice's age, eligibility and the size of the organisation.
Our apprenticeship team will help you understand:
- The funding available to your organisation
- Explain any employer contributions
- Support you through the funding process from start to finish.
Contact our team to find out what funding and incentives your organisation could be eligible for.
Levy gifting
As a large employer, our Growth and Skills Levy builds workforce skills within our organisation, but unspent funds can do even more. By gifting them, we can help small businesses, charities, and communities to grow talent and create new opportunities.
The University pays a Growth and Skills Levy each year which we currently use for our own internal apprentices. However, we have a pot of unspent levy which we can transfer to other organisations to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment costs. The University will consider applications for levy gifting for Apprenticeship courses delivered by both University of Sunderland and Access Training.
Avoid waste
Unused Growth and Skills Levy funds expire after 12 months, returning to HM Treasury. Gifting them keeps the money in our community, creating real opportunities and lasting impact.
Strengthen your community
Support small businesses, community-based associations and charities by funding apprenticeships that help them grow, thrive, and deliver more value locally.
Corporate responsibility
Show our commitment to giving back. Gifting levy funds highlights our leadership in corporate responsibility and strengthens our brand with employees, clients, and stakeholders.
Shape your industry
Invest in the future by supporting apprenticeships within the local community and priority sectors. Skilled talent drives innovation and ensures long-term competitiveness.
What will we fund and how will this support organisations and apprentices?
We are gifting unused Growth and Skills levy funds for non-levy paying organisations with apprentices in these priority sectors:
- Youth and Community
- Healthcare – where there is no access to NHS levy funding
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Digital/Technology
- Life Sciences
- Financial Services
- Creative Industries.
Funding is available for apprentices from age 25 years and can be used for the upskilling of both new recruits and current staff for Levels 2-6 only. 16-24 year olds from 1 August 2026 are now fully Government funded.
Priority will be given to:
- New employment opportunities for those aged 25+ within the north-east region
- First in family engaging in apprenticeships
- Community based organisations/charities who would not be in a financial position to support staff to complete apprenticeships under the government co-financing process.
See full eligibility criteria and apply.
Apply for Levy giftingWhat training will I need to provide for apprentices?
On the job and off the job training will teach your apprentices the knowledge, skills, and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standard. This is so they can achieve occupational competence.
How do I register an apprentice?
Set up an account on Government Gateway(opens in new tab) and register on the apprenticeship service. You'll be able to access funding, advertise vacancies, find training providers, and give feedback on apprenticeship training.
Contact us
To find out more, please get in touch by emailing us at apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab) or calling us on 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab).