UCAS research shows students struggle to access information on apprenticeships

UCAS insights indicate that over half of students looking to apply to higher education in 2022 are interested in apprenticeships but find it difficult to access the relevant information that they need about them.

A third of students at schools and only half in colleges said that they were not told about apprenticeships, despite there being a legal requirement placed on schools to do so, known as the Baker clause in England.

The research highlights that more needs to be done to highlight the benefits of apprenticeships – only 8% of students surveyed associated apprenticeships with leading to a good job. An apprenticeship offers on-the-job training and is a great path to a good career in a variety of sectors, yet only 4% of students associate the word ‘prestigious’ with apprenticeships compared with 76% for a traditional university degree.

UCAS says they intend to take a key role in the progression of the recently published Skills and Post-16 Education Bill through Parliament by ensuring the wealth of information on ucas.com about the all the different pathways available is more accessible.  

UCAS Chief Executive, Clare Marchant explains that ‘more needs to be done to shake off the outdated stigma or misplaced snobbery associated with apprenticeships, given they are a great start to any career.

‘We recognise students have more choice than ever before but navigating the information available can be challenging for both students and advisers.

‘UCAS aims to be the go-to place for all post-secondary options and enable students to navigate apprenticeship opportunities side by side with undergraduate courses.’