99. Higher, level 6 plus and degree apprenticeships are an important part of our education and skills system, supporting productivity and driving social mobility by providing people of all backgrounds with a choice of high-value vocational training alongside traditional academic routes. 100. There are now over 130 employer-designed apprenticeships at levels 6 and 7, enabling individuals to pursue fulfilling careers in a range of sectors. 101. All apprenticeships are employer-driven: employers choose the apprenticeship and the training provider that best meets the skills needs of their business. This is important as it ensures that apprenticeships support employers to develop the skilled workforce that they and the economy need to prosper. 102. We therefore encourage more universities to build partnerships with businesses to understand their needs and to offer apprenticeships wherever there is employer demand.