David Cameron has announced plans to roll-out new degree apprenticeships, which combine university education from on-the-job training.

The prime minister said the courses will be developed by more than 100 businesses, universities and other learning institutions. They are billed as providing an equal dose of academic learning and practical experience.

Business groups welcomed the development, which means more graduates will hit the jobs market with some jobs skills already learned.

Ministers say the courses are being co-designed by employers to boost the job prospects of the apprentices. Some degrees will also qualify for chartered status with a professional body.

“Announcing the new measures, Equipping people with the skills they need to get on in life and backing businesses to create jobs are key parts of our long-term economic plan,” said Cameron as he unveiled the plans.

“Degree apprenticeships will give people a great head start, combining a full degree with the real practical skills gained in work and the financial security of a regular pay packet.

“They will bring the world of business and the world of education closer together, and let us build the high-level technical skills needed for the jobs of the future.”

Nine degree apprenticeships are in chartered surveying, electronic systems engineering, aerospace engineering, aerospace software development, defence systems engineering, laboratory science, nuclear; power engineering and public relations.

As with other apprenticeships, the fees will not be paid by students themselves. The bill will be footed partly by employers and partly by the government’s apprenticeship fund.

Places will be available from this September.