A new partnership will enable employers to support apprentices to progress from a Level 3 apprenticeship onto a degree apprenticeship, while remaining in continuous employment throughout. 

Manchester Metropolitan University and training provider Apprentify have launched the partnership to allow apprentices undertaking Level 3 digital programmes to progress onto the University’s creative and digital technology degree apprenticeships. 

The collaboration brings together the UK’s leading AI and digital skills provider with the leading provider of degree apprenticeships, creating a unified pathway that supports apprentices, employers and the digital economy. 

It will support the Government’s wider commitment to unlocking opportunities for young people by benefitting from clearer pathways into apprenticeships, including the fast-growing fields of creative and digital sectors.  

Through the partnership, Apprentify will formally align its Level 3 Multichannel Marketer programme with Manchester Met’s level 6 Digital Marketer Degree Apprenticeship giving apprentices a credible and clearly defined progression route into higher education while remaining in employment. 

Apprentices will gain early exposure to university study through progression workshops, digital career pathway sessions and engagement with Manchester Met’s teaching teams, building awareness of the skills and knowledge increasingly demanded by employers in a digitally driven economy. 

This integrated approach helps apprentices understand what studying for a degree apprenticeship entails, raises aspirations and will provide a supported route to achieving higher-level digital qualifications. 

For employers, the partnership will provide a trusted, joined up pathway for long-term digital workforce development, giving organisations the confidence that their people are being developed with the digital capabilities needed to drive future growth. 

Together, Apprentify and Manchester Met will offer employers coordinated support on talent planning, structured professional development and the creation of digital roles that enable apprentices to progress within their organisations. 

Jo Carney, Deputy Director of Apprenticeships at Manchester Met, said: 

“Manchester Met is delighted to be working in partnership with Apprentify, bringing together a shared commitment to progression and opportunity. Together, we’re creating visible, supported pathways that help apprentices build confidence, raise aspirations and continue their digital careers, while providing employers with a high-quality structured route for developing and sustaining their talent pipeline.” 

Sam Field, CRO at Apprentify Group, said: 

“Two leading apprenticeship providers coming together to solve a real problem - that's what this partnership is about. For too long, progression from Level 3 into higher education has felt like an afterthought. By formally joining up our pathways, we're making that route visible, supported and achievable, all at a moment when the demand for AI and digital skills has never been greater.” 

The partnership introduces a coordinated programme of progression engagement throughout the Level 3 apprenticeship, ensuring learners are supported from induction through to gateway. Through digital career pathway workshops, degree apprenticeship showcases and joint employer–learner progression sessions, progression becomes an integrated and visible part of the learner journey rather than a post completion‑ consideration.