University Centre Weston (UCW), in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE), is celebrating the approval of its first new Degree Apprenticeship for Weston College’s new campus in Filton: the BEng (Hons) Electronics Engineering and Embedded Systems Design programme.
The approval marks an important milestone for UCW, and Weston College as a new Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (TEC), strengthening opportunities for learners and employers while responding directly to the evolving needs of industry.
Developed through collaboration with employers, the programme has been carefully designed to ensure that apprentices graduate with the practical and technical skills increasingly required across engineering and technology sectors. Its approval follows months of planning, consultation and curriculum development, creating a programme that reflects both current and emerging industry requirements.
The degree apprenticeship has been designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, providing apprentices with the opportunity to gain industry experience while developing specialist engineering expertise.
For prospective students, the programme offers a compelling route into a high-growth sector. Apprentices will have the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain a recognised honours degree, and develop highly sought-after technical skills in electronics engineering, embedded systems and digital technologies. Through hands-on, practice-based learning, students will work with industry-relevant technologies and challenges that mirror real workplace environments.
The programme also supports learners who may be seeking an alternative pathway to a traditional university experience by combining academic achievement with practical experience and professional development.
For employers, the apprenticeship provides access to a pipeline of skilled talent tailored specifically to business and sector requirements. Organisations increasingly require engineers capable of operating across multiple disciplines; combining electronics, software, systems thinking and emerging technologies. The programme has been developed with these needs in mind, enabling employers to upskill existing staff and attract new talent equipped with practical, workplace-ready capabilities.
The benefits extend across the wider engineering and technology sector. As industries continue to evolve through digital transformation, automation, smart technologies and connected systems, demand for professionals with expertise in embedded systems and electronics continues to grow. Developing these skills locally helps address workforce shortages, strengthen innovation and support long-term economic growth.
The programme also reflects the increasing importance of industry and education partnerships in creating a workforce prepared for future challenges. By aligning learning outcomes with employer requirements, UCW is helping to ensure that graduates and apprentices are equipped with the skills needed to make an immediate impact.
This achievement represents another significant step forward for UCW and the Weston College Group as a TEC and creates opportunities for continued growth, stronger employer engagement and expanded educational pathways for future learners.
As technology continues to shape industries worldwide, the launch of this degree apprenticeship positions Weston College Group at the forefront of delivering skills that matter – for students, employers and the future of the engineering sector.
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