Baltic Apprenticeships and Sheffield Hallam University Partner to Launch Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship Pathway

Technology apprentices will soon have a new route to degree-level study thanks to a partnership between Baltic Apprenticeships and Sheffield Hallam University, creating opportunities for learners to continue developing their careers while remaining in employment.

Baltic Apprenticeships has partnered with Sheffield Hallam University to create a new progression route for technology apprentices looking to continue their development through degree-level study.

Launching from September 2026, the partnership will initially focus on the Digital Technology Solutions Professional (Level 6) Degree Apprenticeship, giving apprentices the opportunity to gain a degree while continuing to build valuable workplace experience.

The new pathway strengthens Baltic’s apprenticeship offer by providing a clear route for learners who want to continue progressing beyond Level 4 and develop the advanced technical, professional and leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s digital economy.

Supporting Long-Term Career Development

At Baltic Apprenticeships, we’re committed to helping learners build meaningful careers, not simply complete qualifications. As more apprentices look to continue their professional development through higher-level learning, creating accessible progression opportunities has become increasingly important.

Through this partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, apprentices completing technology-focused programmes with Baltic will have the opportunity to progress into degree-level study while remaining in employment and continuing to apply their learning in the workplace.

Areas of study within the Digital Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship include software development, digital solutions and technology leadership, helping learners develop the skills required for more advanced and strategic roles.

Laura Steward, Senior Account Director at Baltic Apprenticeships, said:

“For years, Baltic has been able to provide high-quality education through Level 3, Level 4 and, more recently, Level 5 apprenticeships across the technology and digital sector. I’m extremely excited and proud to launch this partnership with Sheffield Hallam University to support our learners with further opportunities to advance their careers and continue their education with another outstanding education provider.

“We don’t believe apprenticeships should stop at Level 4. Many apprentices want to continue developing their skills and achieving higher qualifications while remaining in employment. This partnership creates a clear progression route that allows learners to continue building successful careers in technology, whilst helping employers invest in the future leaders and innovators of their organisations.”

Benefits for Employers

The partnership also creates new opportunities for employers looking to retain and develop talented people within their organisations.

By providing access to a structured route into degree-level learning, employers can continue investing in high-performing team members, helping them develop the advanced skills needed to support future business growth.

As demand for digital and technology skills continues to increase across the UK, creating opportunities for long-term workforce development has never been more important.

Bringing Together Two Leading Apprenticeship Providers

The partnership combines Baltic Apprenticeships’ expertise in technology and digital apprenticeship training with Sheffield Hallam University’s established reputation for delivering employer-led degree apprenticeships.

Commenting on the new partnership, Dharmendra Shadija, Head of School of Computing and Digital Technologies at Sheffield Hallam University, said:

“We are delighted to start the relationship with Baltic Apprenticeships, who have an established track record of delivering high-quality Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeship programmes. This aligns with our work in digital apprenticeships and our recent positive Ofsted outcome where we were rated Strong in four out of five areas.

“The ethos of helping our apprentices be successful in business is what makes this relationship exciting and provides a progression pathway to a Level 6 apprenticeship.”

Together, the two organisations will offer a joined-up development pathway that supports learners from the early stages of their careers through to degree-level qualifications and beyond.

The first cohort of learners is expected to begin the Digital Technology Solutions Professional (Level 6) Degree Apprenticeship in September 2026.

Further information about application and progression routes will be shared ahead of enrolments opening.

About Baltic Apprenticeships

Baltic Apprenticeships is one of the UK’s leading independent apprenticeship training providers, specialising in technology, digital, data and business apprenticeships. Baltic works with employers nationwide to develop future talent and create career opportunities through high-quality apprenticeship programmes.

Visit https://www.balticapprenticeships.com/

About Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield Hallam University is one of the UK’s leading providers of degree apprenticeships, delivering employer-led programmes designed to develop highly skilled professionals and meet the evolving needs of industry.

-ENDS-

For more information about Baltic Apprenticeships, please contact:

Philip Buckingham

Content Marketing Executive

philip.buckingham@balticapprenticeships.com