LILLYHALL’S Gen2 has seen a huge increase in applicants for its nuclear degree apprenticeships.

Among the 3,000 online applications for all apprenticeships starting at the college this September were more than 400 for the new degree course, which is three times the number of applications it attracted last year.

Mike Smith, Gen 2 Engineering’s chief executive, said: “There is a lot of emphasis placed by the government on recruiting more apprentices but I’m not sure that filters down to the schools in terms of careers options.

“It is in the schools’ favour if they can persuade young people to stay on and study A- levels rather than go on an apprenticeship.

“The new degree apprenticeship is a game-changer.

“Traditionally, you can do an apprenticeship from level two GCSE to a level four or five, which is the equivalent to a HNC, but now a degree apprenticeship takes you to HND foundation level and to the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree.

“This is making a lot of employers think about how they can switch from their traditional graduates programme.

“Our applications for the scheme went up from 154 last year to 427 this year, mainly in nuclear engineering, but also in human resources.

“The programmes can last for three or five years and involve one day’s study release a week.

“It is good for the student because you are being trained, you are employed and are getting a wage and are not racking up student debts.

“It is a different way of looking at higher education. You get a more rounded individual and it is accelerated learning.”

Increased interest from employers means there will be 46 students on the nuclear degree apprenticeship starting this September compared with 19 in January this year.

Gen2 has 300 higher education places in all.

The five-year programme leads to an honours degree and includes work experienc. Participants are paid a salary.