Degree apprenticeships are key to rebuilding Britain's workforce
Degree-level apprenticeships are a pivotal part of the government’s mission to rebuild Britain’s workforce – tackling the skills shortage, driving economic growth and rebalancing the British economy away from the Greater South-East. By combining academic study with practical, work-based experience, these programmes bridge the gap between education and industry, offering a viable alternative to traditional university degrees and ensuring a highly trained workforce fit for the future.
As a former academic teaching electro-mechanical engineering, I witnessed first-hand the transformative power of degree apprenticeships. Unlike conventional degrees, degree-level apprenticeships are tailored to meet the needs of students who thrive on practical application. This approach not only broadens access to higher education but also reduces the prestige gap associated with non-academic learning paths. Many apprentices earn while they learn, avoiding the significant debt burden associated with traditional degrees, which is particularly appealing to students from working-class backgrounds.
Degree-level apprenticeships are structured as a three-way partnership between the apprentice, the university, and the employer. This collaboration ensures that their learning is directly relevant to industry needs. As a provider, employers frequently reported to me that apprentices transition more smoothly into their roles, equipped with skills that have been honed and developed in practical, hands-on environments. This alignment between education and employment is crucial in addressing the persistent skills gap in sectors such as engineering, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and the life sciences.
The government’s recent establishment of Skills England, part of our Plan for Change, is a significant step towards cementing the role of apprenticeships in the UK’s skills agenda. By bringing together businesses, apprenticeship providers, trade unions, local authorities and the government, Skills England will develop a cohesive strategy to equip workers with the skills needed to grow the economy. This includes shorter, more flexible apprenticeships tailored to business needs and foundational programmes for young people not yet ready for higher-level apprenticeships. By aligning English and Maths requirements with other qualifications, up to 10,000 additional young people could gain access to apprenticeships – breaking down that barrier to opportunity.
Innovative tools such as the proposed apprenticeships app will streamline the experience for apprentices - offering resources, progress tracking and specific guidance. These measures demonstrate a commitment to listening to businesses and responding to their needs. Organisations like the Confederation of British Industry and the Institute of Directors have long advocated for such reforms, recognising their potential to strengthen the economy and set young people up with fulfilling careers.
The decline in apprenticeship numbers under the previous government has disproportionately impacted young, working-class men. Reversing this trend is a central focus of the government’s skills strategy. Ilkeston, Long Eaton and the surrounding villages have rich histories in furniture manufacturing and lace-making, both industries which stand to benefit significantly from an expanded and improved apprenticeship system. Bespoke furniture manufacturing, a skill-intensive trade that resists automation, exemplifies the type of artisan expertise that apprenticeships can nurture. These skills not only preserve local heritage but also contribute to economic resilience beyond major cities.
Degree-level apprenticeships can also reshape perceptions of higher education. By providing an alternative route that is equally rigorous and rewarding, these programmes challenge the notion that a traditional university degree is the sole path to success. This shift is vital in fostering a more inclusive and flexible education system that caters to diverse learning styles and aspirations.
I’m proud to see degree apprenticeships as a cornerstone of the government’s skills mission - addressing critical shortages, driving economic growth and broadening access to higher education. By fostering partnerships between education providers, businesses and apprentices, apprenticeships can ensure that learning translates directly into practical expertise. As Skills England takes form, the focus on innovation, inclusivity, and responsiveness to industry needs will be key to building a workforce that can meet the challenges of the future. Through initiatives like degree-level apprenticeships, the government is laying the foundation for a more skilled, resilient and prosperous Britain.
Adam Thompson is the Labour Member of Parliament for Erewash and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary University Group.
