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University of Suffolk secures £422,000 for new apprenticeships

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The University of Suffolk has won government funding to launch new degree apprenticeships in 2025, addressing regional skills gaps and supporting local growth projects.

The big picture: The Office for Students has allocated £422,000 to the university as part of its Wave 3 degree apprenticeships funding competition. This investment aims to expand the number of providers offering degree apprenticeships and increase learner numbers.

University of Suffolk
University of SuffolkOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Key details:

  • The funding will accelerate the introduction of new Level 6 apprenticeships, equivalent to bachelor's degrees.

  • Areas of focus include supply chain leadership, project management, environmental practitioners, and data science.

  • The funding does not apply to Level 7 apprenticeships (equivalent to Master's degrees).

Why it matters: The investment will help meet the skills needs of regional employers, including the NHS, and plug talent gaps for regional projects like Freeport East and Sizewell C while supporting local economic growth.

What they're saying:

  • Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor: "This is great news for the university and evidence of successful partnership working. I am delighted to strengthen our commitment to offering degree apprenticeships."

  • Yvonne Malpas, Director of Apprenticeships: "This will allow us to accelerate our growth plan and offer a more inclusive and diverse range of apprenticeship standards to meet the regional skills gaps."

For context: The University of Suffolk has seen growth in its apprenticeship provision in recent years:

  • It joined the Centre of Excellence for Health Apprenticeships earlier this year.

  • The university ranked fifth nationally for overall apprenticeship achievement rate among small-medium sized providers in 2022/23.

What's next: The new apprenticeship standards are set to launch in 2025. Those interested in the university's degree apprenticeship offerings can visit their website for more information: https://www.uos.ac.uk/business/degree-apprenticeships/

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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