Degree apprenticeships critical to business success, report reveals

Most employers believe degree apprenticeships are key to attracting talent and growing their business. However, many businesses would discontinue their programmes without support from the government’s apprenticeship levy, according to a new report. 

The findings of a national study, funded by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), draws on the responses of almost 150 employers ranging from small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to multi-national companies. 

The study was led by Manchester Metropolitan and Staffordshire University with academics from 11 other institutions, including universities from diverse mission groups, further and higher education colleges, and policy organisations.  

Researchers gathered the views of more than 1000 degree apprentices from diverse backgrounds and almost 250 teachers and trainers delivering degree apprenticeships. 

Notably, more than 80 per cent of apprentices expressed satisfaction with the teaching quality and 82 per cent said that degree apprenticeships were helping their career progression. 

However, just 5 per cent said they were helped to apply for degree apprenticeships by their school and college and nearly half felt that apprenticeships were not held in the same esteem as traditional degree courses. 

Dr Ernest Edifor, co-author of the report and Head of the Apprenticeships Research Unit at Manchester Metropolitan 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. 

“At Manchester Met we have already seen the impact of these programmes, working with more than 600 employers and over 2,500 apprentices since 2015, increasing opportunities for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and boosting earnings.” 

The report Degree Apprenticeship: Voices from the Frontline - Impact, Policy and Good Practice Guide found that: 

• 99% of employers consider the apprenticeship levy to be crucial for programme sustainability. Without it, most employers (68%) would discontinue degree apprenticeships. 

• 95% of employers believe that degree apprenticeships enable achievement of their strategic goals, with 93% stating that degree apprenticeships are pivotal in fostering future business growth. Moreover, 95% of employers consider degree apprenticeships to be an effective vehicle for attracting and retaining talent. 

• 77% of employers and 66% of apprentices report that their degree apprenticeship assessments are tailored for their work environments, and 44% of employers have someone in their organisation contributing to the teaching sessions. 

• 82% of apprentices state that the programme is facilitating their career progression, with 80% expressing satisfaction with teaching quality. A majority (55%) of training providers offer dedicated additional academic support for apprentices. 

• Only 5% of apprentices received support for degree apprenticeship applications from their school or college, and nearly half (47%) feel that degree apprenticeships are not held in the same esteem as other university courses. 

The report makes several recommendations which includes a call on government to sustain the apprenticeship levy to ensure continued growth and accessibility of degree apprenticeships. 

It also recommends that training providers and employers introduce a more structured and tailored approach to delivery thereby improving the learning experience and support for degree apprentices and strengthening the relationship between partners. 

Vickit Stott, Chief Executive of QAA, said: “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.  

“But the delivery of degree apprenticeships is not without challenges. Financial constraints and regulatory burdens pose significant hurdles.” 

The findings of the report build on the Manchester Metropolitan’s ‘Force for Change’ report, which outlines how degree apprenticeships have increased opportunities for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and boosted earnings.