Degree Apprenticeships Outperform Russell Group in Elitism After Middle-Class Surge
The Rise of Degree Apprenticeships and Social Mobility Concerns
Degree apprenticeships have become a significant pathway for young people to gain higher education qualifications while working. However, recent findings suggest that these programs are increasingly favoring middle-class students, raising concerns about their impact on social mobility.
According to a report by the Education Policy Institute (EPI), degree apprenticeships, which were introduced a decade ago, have been particularly popular among well-off families. In 2022-23, only 10.7% of participants came from disadvantaged backgrounds, compared to 11.4% at Russell Group universities and 19.4% across all universities. This data highlights a growing disparity in access to these opportunities.
Degree apprenticeships allow students to earn a degree-level qualification through on-the-job training over three to four years. Major engineering and IT companies, such as Rolls-Royce and Deloitte, participate in these programs, offering apprentices the chance to gain valuable experience without paying tuition fees. Graduates of these programs often enjoy higher starting salaries, with an average of £37,000 just one year after completing their training, compared to £18,555 for those who pursued traditional degrees.
Potential for Social Mobility
Lee Elliot Major, professor of Social Mobility at the University of Exeter, emphasized the potential of degree apprenticeships to promote social mobility. He stated that these programs could serve as engines of opportunity if they truly cater to students from all backgrounds. “It would be a huge national tragedy if, for all the rhetoric about expanding vocational pathways, they became another middle-class preserve, reinforcing the stark opportunity divides they were designed to close,” he said.
Alun Francis, chair of the Social Mobility Commission and chief executive of Blackpool and the Fylde College, noted that it is not surprising to find that degree apprenticeships have a similar socio-economic profile to Russell Group universities. He explained that due to the limited availability of these positions, employers tend to seek out those with the highest grades.
When degree apprenticeships were first introduced, they were seen as a way to help disadvantaged students avoid student debt. However, the current system appears to be favoring those from more privileged backgrounds.
Recommendations for Improvement
The EPI report recommends introducing targeted maintenance grants for apprentices, as they currently do not qualify for this support. Robbie Cruikshanks, co-author of the report, highlighted that while the system has matured and delivers strong outcomes for those who access it, there remains an uneven distribution of benefits.
The report also found that the number of young people starting level 6 degree apprenticeships increased significantly from 2,800 in 2017-18 to almost 9,500 in 2022-23. The most popular sectors for these apprenticeships include health (27.5% of the overall cohort), construction (22.3%), and digital technology (16.9%).
A Department for Education spokesman stated that degree apprenticeships can open up higher education to many young people who might otherwise not have had the opportunity to study for a full-time degree. They also mentioned efforts to unlock opportunities and drive growth through plans that include reintroducing maintenance grants and ensuring loans keep pace with inflation.
Expanding Access and Support
To ensure that degree apprenticeships serve as true pathways for social mobility, the report suggests expanding access and strengthening support for disadvantaged learners. Reducing the burden on employers will also be crucial in making these programs more inclusive.
As the demand for skilled workers continues to grow, the role of degree apprenticeships in bridging the gap between academia and industry becomes increasingly important. With the right policies and support, these programs can provide meaningful opportunities for all young people, regardless of their background.
