Solent University has landed a £150,000 windfall from the Office for Students (OfS) to launch a new degree-level apprenticeship in management.

The Southampton-based education institute has welcomed the funds, which will see it launch a new Level 6 degree apprenticeship in Chartered Management.

This financial boost is part of a larger £14m scheme announced by OfS on March 21 to promote degree apprenticeships throughout England; an initiative which saw its first substantial backing of £12m in January 2024.

The £154,000 earmarked for Solent will provide a venue for seasoned professionals seeking to obtain a formal managerial qualification.

The online nature of the course aims at removing common hindrances to higher learning and opens up accessible routes to success.

By enhancing its virtual teaching capabilities, the university hopes to broaden prospects particularly for prospective learners from regions like the New Forest and the Isle of Wight, where geographical challenges can limit educational opportunities.

In line with the Local Skills Improvement Plan of the county, the university’s investment in an internet-based apprenticeship looks to heighten collaboration between employers and academic bodies — a venture that resonates with Solent’s aspirations.

This Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship is intended to dive into the business world's high-speed nature, and provide invaluable practical knowledge to students, thereby facilitating profound professional growth.

The convenience of digital learning allows participants the liberty of blending conventional study with workplace learning, providing anytime-access to resources and peer learning.

Michelle Merry, Apprenticeships Programme Manager at Solent University, said: "We see the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) as a transformational leadership experience, where we nurture our apprentices to become the future leaders of tomorrow, fostering innovation, resilience, and curiosity.

"The development of this new online CMDA programme will enable managers to engage in a flexible blended learning experience, leading to the prestigious chartered management status accredited by our partners, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)."

Solent University says it is proud of its 600-strong apprentices team, who are striking the perfect balance between work and studies in various sectors, from nursing and construction to social work and civil engineering.

Further details about Solent’s current Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (Fast-Track) are available on its website, ahead of the online course debut slated for September 2025.