Apprenticeship Pathways

This project investigates apprenticeship-only pathways to consider how they can be developed to improve access for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Why is this important?

The apprenticeship system in England, in theory, offers a pathway of apprenticeships starting at secondary level to master’s level without requiring a higher education entrance qualification for progression.

Despite the opportunities presented by the apprenticeship system in England, apprenticeship standards, end-point assessment, and the levy have been widely associated with a fall in young people studying lower-level apprenticeships. Advantaged adults capture levy monies to support professional careers, creating a system in which higher apprenticeships are an alternative to universities for the comparatively privileged rather than an educational pathway that enables social mobility.

What does it involve?

The research investigates the barriers and enables of apprenticeship-only pathways to unlock their full potential as an enabler of social mobility. The following questions will be answered:

1. What apprenticeship pathways exist? In particular, what apprenticeship pathways can be observed in the available data? And what apprenticeship pathways are anticipated in the available literature?
2. What factors are associated with variation in progression through an apprenticeship pathway, particularly to higher levels? Demographic, training provider, and sector subject area factors will be considered.
3. To what extent did employers and training providers intend to create apprenticeship pathways, and how has this worked in practice?
4. How desirable and accessible are apprenticeship pathways to apprentices?
5. What factors do employers, training providers, and apprentices consider important for successful apprenticeship pathways, particularly at higher levels?

How will it make a difference?

The research will involve mapping existing apprenticeship pathways and subsequently identifying nine pathways across three sectors for in-depth analysis. Interviews with employers, training providers, and apprentices will explore barriers and enablers to progression. Sector specific outputs will be co-produced to promote and improve apprenticeship pathways.

Outputs will include infographics, animations, and tailored recommendations. Two launch events will be held in London and Sheffield to engage policymakers and stakeholders.