The UK¡¯s degree apprenticeships have proved remarkably effective in upskilling and retraining people of all ages and backgrounds. They¡¯ve become the backbone of many universities¡¯ skills offer since they were introduced a decade ago.

Yet the government recently confirmed that it will end funding for (master¡¯s-level) degree apprenticeships in England from next January, redirecting the money towards younger learners instead. In these circumstances, it is crucial for universities to make the case for ongoing apprenticeship learning at level 6 (bachelor¡¯s) to ensure that these vital qualifications can continue to give learners, society and the economy what they need. Any further decision to reduce level 6 apprenticeships would be as bad for the nation as it would be for individuals.

The demand for degrees is rising. And through their highly qualified staff and established links with businesses, universities can and do make a real impact on filling skills gaps on a regional and national scale, developing programmes that suit the needs of both learners and employers by combining practical experience with academic rigour on a par with that offered by traditional degree programmes.

The University of Exeter has the largest portfolio of programmes among the 17 Russell Group universities that offer apprenticeships, with more than 3,000 apprentices enrolled. Our award-winning Centre for Degree Partnerships works with more than 400 employers to increase access to higher education, address skills gaps and, importantly, build more diverse workforces.

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That contribution to social mobility should not be underestimated. Russell Group universities have seen directly how our apprenticeship programmes are opening up the opportunity to earn a degree from one of our institutions. At Exeter, our work with employers is guided by principles of fair access, inclusivity, collaboration and partnership and evidence-based practice. It has helped us develop innovative and inclusive recruitment strategies, leading to a substantial increase in participation from members of under-represented groups. And once they arrive, every Exeter apprentice receives individual support to ensure there are no attainment gaps across the diverse demographics of our apprenticeship programmes.

Our degree apprenticeship programmes include diagnostic radiology, clinical psychology and digital and technology solutions. We all know the strain that the NHS is under and the urgent need to improve efficiency and productivity within the service. That requires nurturing capable, well-equipped public sector leadership, and upskilling through degree apprenticeships is a vital part of that. A huge 85 per cent of apprentices report better job performance as a result of their course, benefitting not only themselves but the wider workforce and service users.

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However, many of us across the sector fear that apprenticeship delivery will become ever more challenging without certainty of funding and clarity of policy from government. At a time when universities are scrutinising every budget line to meet the broader financial challenges faced by the sector, we need a long-term plan to understand how we can best incorporate apprenticeships into the education and skills training we provide for a vast range of learners.

Training young people in foundational skills is, of course, vital. But to improve productivity across the nation, we also need a workforce that is ambitious and motivated to keep progressing and developing. This is why the idea of lifelong learning opportunities is so appealing; apprenticeships can play an important role in that, helping mid-level staff step up to more senior leadership ¨C in turn, creating space for more junior employees to progress.

As Skills England formulates its plans to map skills needs and ministers progress plans for a reformed Growth and Skills Levy to fund apprenticeships, universities stand ready to work with them to deliver the workforce the UK needs into the future.

We need a skills ecosystem with clear qualification pathways, so that learners of all ages and backgrounds can go on to contribute to economic growth and the success of our public services. Degree apprenticeships remain a vital part of such a system.

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Lisa Roberts is vice-chancellor of the University of Exeter