Apprenticeship uptake remains priority for UK government
The UK government hope to increase the participation of apprenticeships; following a general down-turn in apprenticeship take-up over recent years.
In 2015, the UK government made a pledge to increase apprenticeships starts to 3 million in England by 2020. Even-though this has since been dropped from their manifesto, they still claim it to be a core aim.
A Department of Education spokesperson said: “Growing apprenticeship’s remains a key priority — they provide a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn and gain the skills you need to begin or progress in an exciting career.
“We have raised the bar to make apprenticeships more rigorous and we are also taking steps to drive up quality and ensure apprentices get a great experience. This includes more support for providers and employers and making sure prospective apprentices get the best possible information, advice, and guidance so they can make informed decision about their futures.”
The government have also released a series of initiatives to increase apprenticeship participation.
In April 2017, an apprenticeship levy was introduced. This is a form of taxation designed to help companies offer more apprenticeships. The apprenticeship levy is extremely beneficial to businesses, as it allows employers to up-skill their existing workforce and introduce new people into the organisation.
Claire Middleton, degree apprenticeship manager at the University of Portsmouth, said: “I think there’s more opportunity than ever before for someone to access a degree apprenticeship.”
Claire believes that the apprenticeship levy has had a “great impact” on universities, as employers “never want to negotiate or discount the price, because they have loads of levy to spend and just want to spend it”.
However, despite an increase in higher-level apprenticeships starts, there is still a significant gap between those going to university and those opting for a higher-level apprenticeship.
Henry Price, 19, higher-level apprentice within the civil service, said: “The financial aspect of an apprenticeship was appealing to me. I was able to earn and learn, as well as avoiding the costs that come with university. A well-paying apprenticeship allowed me to learn and attend a course of a certain field of my choosing, whilst earning a good wage.
“I believe I am becoming more well equipped to perform the roles I am undertaking, as I have the practical experience to hand, than if I was to study a university course.”
According to a 2021 report by Youth employment in the UK, 52% of graduates believe they should have gone down the apprenticeship route and blame their school for a lack of support in seeking alternative forms of education.
Therefore, there is still significant work that can be done to further increase and encourage apprenticeship starts, including the offer of additional support and guidance to apprentices and employers. This needs to come primarily through schools, career advice and there needs to be a change in the perception that university is the only route to a higher education qualification.