In the wake of grade compression in this year’s post-pandemic A level results, and alongside the continuing squeeze on the cost of living, a recent increase in applicant interest in degree apprenticeships as a different route to qualifications for school leavers is likely to be sustained.
As we know from both the Sutton Trust and UCAS, apprenticeship supply is not keeping up with demand, and more apprenticeship opportunities are being offered to experienced staff rather than to school leavers – leading to fierce competition for an already limited number of places. But supply is not the only challenge.
The elephant in the room is that many enthusiastic, existing apprentices are having to withdraw because they’ve been made redundant and no longer qualify for funding. Tweaking the apprenticeship levy could provide the tent pole for a win-win-win for apprentices, providers, and government alike.
Ratcheting up the number of higher-level and degree apprenticeship places available seems a logical next step for UK economic recovery, particularly in light of figures cited by The Sunday Times of £4.3 billion of unused funds with the Treasury over five years (although statistics provided by the Department of Education to the House of Lords on 13 September appear to show an improved picture over the last two financial years).
