A new report has highlighted the vital role of degree apprenticeships in attracting talent and driving business growth. However, it also reveals that many young people receive little guidance about these opportunities from their schools and colleges.
The research, funded by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and led by Manchester Metropolitan and Staffordshire University, gathered insights from nearly 150 employers, over 1,000 apprentices, and 250 teachers and trainers.
Employers Value Degree Apprenticeships
The findings show that 95% of employers believe degree apprenticeships help them achieve their strategic goals, and 93% say these programmes are essential for future business growth. Additionally, 95% consider them an effective way to attract and retain talent.
However, the report warns that without financial support from the government’s apprenticeship levy, many businesses would struggle to continue offering these programmes. In fact, 68% of employers stated they would discontinue their degree apprenticeship schemes without this funding.
High Satisfaction Among Apprentices
Degree apprenticeships are proving to be a valuable route for young people entering the workforce. Among the apprentices surveyed:
- 82% said the programme is helping their career progression.
- 80% expressed satisfaction with the quality of teaching.
- 77% reported that their apprenticeship assessments are well suited to their work environment.
Manchester Metropolitan University, one of the UK’s leading providers of degree apprenticeships, has seen first-hand the impact of these programmes. Dr Ernest Edifor, Head of the Apprenticeships Research Unit at the university, said: “The findings of our report show the impact of degree apprenticeships in driving economic growth and providing a key talent pipeline to UK industry.”
Lack of Awareness in Schools
Despite their growing importance, the report highlights a major gap in awareness and support for students considering degree apprenticeships. Only 5% of apprentices said they were helped by their school or college when applying, and nearly half (47%) felt that degree apprenticeships were not valued as highly as traditional university degrees.
Education leaders and businesses are calling for more structured support from schools to ensure students are aware of all their options.
The Future of Degree Apprenticeships
The report recommends that the government maintain the apprenticeship levy to ensure the continued growth and accessibility of these programmes. It also calls for training providers and employers to enhance their support structures, improving the learning experience for apprentices and strengthening partnerships between businesses and education providers.
Vicki Stott, Chief Executive of QAA, emphasised the importance of sustaining degree apprenticeships: “The growth of this provision has been remarkable, providing a solution to skills shortages, fostering social mobility, and offering apprentices the unique opportunity to earn while they learn.”
For students, parents, and teachers, this report is a reminder of the importance of exploring all career pathways. Degree apprenticeships offer a practical and valuable alternative to traditional university courses, helping young people gain qualifications while gaining real-world work experience.
To find out more about degree apprenticeships, check out our careers and guidance hub.