The future of degree apprenticeships: Report

Report from Universities UK

The Future of Degree Apprenticeships report shows that progress developing degree apprenticeships in England is being held back by poor levels of awareness among school pupils, parents and employers.

Today’s report reveals four out of every five school pupils in Years 10 and 12 know little or nothing at all about the application process for degree apprenticeships, and only 7% know about these course structures. In focus groups, however, when parents and school pupils discover more about them, they are enthusiastic.  

The report shows all employers surveyed want to offer degree apprenticeships to those from disadvantaged backgrounds and to upskill their workforce. 

In addition, the vast majority (89%) of employers say that degree apprenticeships attract high calibre learners and that degrees equip apprentices with the knowledge and skills needed in a rapidly changing economy.

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Bold action is needed from government to reform the system so many more people can become degree apprentices.

The report’s four main recommendations are:

• Government should lead a campaign to promote the benefits of degree apprenticeships to employers and the public, including better careers information and guidance at an earlier age in schools, and UCAS should make the application system for degree apprenticeships as straightforward as it is for undergraduate degrees.
  
  
• Government should invest in initiatives to support social mobility, lifelong learning, and the growth in degree apprenticeships among underrepresented groups.
  
  
• The system should develop to meet current and future demand for higher level skills in areas such as digital technology, management, and public services, and to boost regional economies.
  
  
• Make it easier for employers to include a degree within their apprenticeships where they see it adding value to their business and to their apprentices, and the government should commit to streamlining processes and reducing unnecessary costs in the system. 
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