May 2024
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This conference discussed priorities and next steps for the development, regulation and provision of degree apprenticeships in England.
It followed the Office for Students recently committing funding to increase the number of degree apprenticeship courses available in HEIs, as part of a wider commitment over the next two years to increase access and expand provision.
Delegates discussed the affordability of the Apprenticeship Levy, amidst concerns that it is being increasingly used to fund degree apprenticeships for older employees, while spending on level 2 and 3 apprenticeships for younger people has fallen.
Delegates also considered the role of degree apprenticeships in social mobility and wider access and participation plans for universities, looking at priorities for improving the diversity of those undertaking degree apprenticeships and outreach to those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Further sessions examined what will be needed to harness opportunities for degree apprenticeships in contributing to levelling up, green skills development and wider policy aims.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Darren Shaw, Head of Community of Practice, Assessment and Assurance, Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education; Philippa Alway, Senior Policy Adviser, Apprenticeships and Skills, UCAS; Mandy Crawford-Lee, Chief Executive, University Vocational Awards Council; and Rowan Fisher, Head of Student Experience and Skills Policy, Universities UK.
Sessions in the agenda included:
- progress: learning from areas of success and best practice - key issues - applications and admissions - provision and awarding of degree apprenticeships in England moving forward
- uptake: assessing key trends - priorities for careers guidance and raising awareness - options for expanded HEI offers - the Apprenticeship Levy - improving options for SMEs
- transition: moving from courses at level 2 and 3 and T Levels to degree apprenticeships - enhancing progression pathways
- access: improving student diversity - outreach to underrepresented groups - retention and progression - role in social mobility, upskilling, and regional economies and labour markets
- options for universities: continuing to evolve and grow apprenticeship offers - improving the commercial sustainability of degree apprenticeship courses for universities
- collaboration: moving forward relationships between course providers and employers - best practice in collaborative frameworks
- standards: ensuring overall quality of qualifications being awarded - improving student retention rates - regulatory priorities
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Cabinet Office; DBT; DfE; DFHERIS, ROI; Department for the Economy, NI; DHSC; DLUHC; DSIT; DWP; GLD; HMRC; Home Office; IfATE; Ofcom; and the Welsh Government.
