A recent study has shown that learners who have taken Higher Apprenticeships earn more than university graduates.
The research published by The Sutton Trust shows that the lifetime earnings of those who had undertaken a Higher Apprenticeship outstrips the money earned by university graduates. Former apprentices can earn around £100,000 more than their university counterparts over a lifetime by taking an Apprenticeship at level 5.
The results of this research contribute to the ever-growing evidence of the value that vocational education provides to learners. A recent report commissioned by the 157 Group and led by Peter Urwin showed that level 2 qualifications increased a learner’s earnings by 12%, dispelling the argument from Baroness Wolf in her 2011 report that “many low-level vocational qualifications…do not bring their holders any apparent income gains whatsoever.”
Further to this, research carried out by the IPRR last year indicated that many of the jobs expected to drive economic growth and mobility in the future will be accessible with, or even require, a vocational qualification. By 2022, there are expected to be a further 3.6 million jobs available in occupations that require or accept vocational qualifications at level 3.
Most existing Apprenticeship programmes are at an intermediate level (level 3), as the study explored, which is positive in terms of the potential vacancies over the coming years outlined above. However, the research also backed up fears of the widespread perception of Apprenticeships as less valuable than degrees. If Apprenticeships are to be seen as a genuine, credible alternative to university, there must be a focus on the creation of higher-level Apprenticeships. The Sutton Trust backed this up in its concluding recommendations. Whilst intermediate and advanced Apprenticeships offer so much value to learners, Higher Apprenticeships are a true equivalent to a university degree at level 5.
With the government’s pledge to create 3 million new Apprenticeships by 2020, now is the perfect time to focus on the creation of quality, employer-backed Higher Apprenticeships. The Sutton Trust also recommended that the government should launch a bigger Apprenticeships awareness campaign. Whilst those of us in the education world are aware of their Apprenticeships push, parents and learners may still be under informed.
The research also concluded that “elite” and higher-level Apprenticeships were most likely to be undertaken by those from privileged backgrounds. With university often seen as a route designated for the privileged, plus the removal of maintenance grants for university students from a disadvantaged background, it’s important that higher level study does not become reserved only for those more fortunate than others.
At NCFE we believe education transforms lives and should not be limited to a certain group of people. Education should be available to all, regardless of their background or economic status in order to give everyone the best chance possible in life. It’s fantastic to again see the value of vocational education backed up by facts and figures, but it still seems there’s a long way to go in terms of the perception of vocational education, particularly as an alternative to university. We mustn’t rest on our laurels at this great news, but continue to focus on the creation of high quality Apprenticeships and vocational qualifications, and continue to highlight the proven value of vocational education.
