AN apprentice from Westhoughton has become one of the first across the UK to earn while they learn at university.

Nadia Johnson has been taken on by defence contractor Thales UK and will work there while studying at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The 20-year-old is one of more than 60 apprentices who have become some of the first to study for a degree in digital and technology solutions while earning at the same time.

The degree apprenticeship aims to combine academic learning with work-based training, and help students to gain relevant skills for employers.

Nadia will spent one day a week at university, and complete more work based learning with her employers.

She said: "I’ve always been a fan of learning something and then going and doing it.

"So studying in a university environment and then putting it to use it in the workplace helps to make it more concrete in my mind.

"Having a job alongside study was important to me. I’m fascinated by IT, and working in a field that relates to what I am learning at university is a great opportunity.”

The scheme at MMU is one of a number of new degree apprenticeship programmes, which are backed by the Government which funds two thirds of the course fees.

The apprenticeship has been devised by the university in partnership with the Tech Partnership, a group of employers which aim to create the skills needed to grow the global digital economy.

As well as Thales, other firms to offer apprenticeships include Barclays, AstraZeneca, Lloyds Banking Group and Network Rail.

John Peachey, head of software for Thales UK, said: "This will provide a unique opportunity for the new generation of software engineers to develop the academic and hands on technical and personal skills to be a key member of the Thales UK Software Development team."

Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard, deputy vice chancellor at MMU, added: “Curriculum innovation is at the heart of Manchester Metropolitan University and we are delighted to be one of the first selected universities able to offer the Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship.

"Our programme has been developed in partnership with employers and accredited by the Tech Partnership for its content and quality.

"This means that the employers can be confident that their degree apprentices will be developing the very best and most relevant skills and knowledge that industry needs for its future development.”