The expectation for our school leavers to continue their education through a university programme is deeply ingrained within our national psyche and never more evident than on A-level results day.
Last year’s results generated significant media attention, with A or A* grades down by over 17% compared to the year before.
However, headlines on the day still focused on how many students would achieve their first-choice university place, rather than on alternative pathways into work.
This year, we can expect higher results, but, unfortunately, still the same drive into university.
Apprenticeships have been continuously undervalued, compared with university’s ‘gold standard’
I say ‘unfortunately’ because our university programmes – although world renowned and very good – just don’t suit everyone.
We all vary in how we learn and very few young people have a clear idea as to where a degree will ultimately lead. Add to that the whopping average total cost of an undergraduate programme at £49,887.00.
Nationally, we seem to have an aversion to the excellent opportunities modern apprenticeships offer our younger generation. Perhaps we conjure up a picture of a manual worker, used as cheap labour by an unscrupulous employer to do the dirty jobs they don’t want to do themselves?
Even if that had been true one day, it is no longer the experience of apprentices, especially those who choose to take their first steps into a profession like the financial services sector.
The social prestige associated with university education can overshadow the practical benefits of apprenticeships
Apprenticeships offer practical, hands-on experience and direct entry into the workforce. In the financial services sector, there are an abundance of opportunities.
Apprenticeships provide scope in their entry points, ranging from financial services administration to financial adviser programmes. They provide an alternative route into the profession without the accompanying debt of a university education.
Not only do apprenticeships offer industry-specific qualification but they can also be more relevant, offering real-world experience and training university may not provide.
Yet they have been continuously undervalued, compared with university’s ‘gold standard’.
To make apprenticeships more attractive for young people, we need to celebrate the successes of those that make the smart choice
Our new government sidelined the opportunities they represent in favour of university in its manifesto, stating: “We recognise UK higher education creates opportunity, is a world-leading sector in our economy and supports local communities.”
Apprenticeships, meanwhile, received a ‘guarantee’ – one that was also provided for university applicants: “We will guarantee training, an apprenticeship or help to find work for all 18- to 21-year-olds… Labour will continue to support the aspiration of every person who meets the requirements and wants to go to university.”
The collective negative perception is partly rooted in the belief a degree leads to higher-paying, prestigious careers, creating a pathway to social mobility and economic success.
Universities are often seen as incubators for the next generation, equipping graduates with skills that are highly valued in the modern, knowledge-based economy. However, employers report valuing skills and experience as well as knowledge, all of which is offered through an apprenticeship.
Our sector can be invigorated by the drive and enthusiasm of the new generation, keen to work, learn and make a positive contribution
There is also a cultural dimension to consider. The social prestige associated with university education can overshadow the practical benefits of apprenticeships. This cultural bias perpetuates a hierarchy of education that undervalues more practical approaches and limits young people’s perceptions of their potential career paths.
Placing a higher value on a university education devalues all other alternative routes. To make apprenticeships more attractive for young people, we need to celebrate the successes of those that make the smart choice, choosing experience and skills alongside the development of their knowledge.
Our sector can be invigorated by the drive and enthusiasm of the new generation, keen to work, learn and make a positive contribution.
Paul Walton-Allen is director of apprenticeships at Simply Academy
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Why indeed! In my view it is down to ingrained snobbery. Apprenticeships are seen as blue collar and lower class. Most don’t remember that solicitors, accountants and stockbrokers ran apprentices in days gone by. Solicitors and accountants called them articled clerks and in the stock exchange (before big bang) apprentices started with coloured buttons.
But all this still militated against manufacturing which was (and is) looked down on. Yes, there were apprenticeships in manufacturing. Some of the big firms such as Rolls Royce and BaE had excellent apprenticeships. Keir Starmer plays on his heritage that his father was a toolmaker. But they were the crème de la crème, a point he seems to downplay.