The impact of degree apprenticeships: analysis, insights and policy recommendations

Purpose Degree apprenticeships in the UK have grown exponentially since they were introduced. While claims and speculations about their impact been made by high-profile politicians, lobbyists training providers, evidence base for these has never systematically scrutinised. The purpose of this paper is to analyse present up-to-date peer-reviewed on degree social mobility productivity influence future policy. Design/methodology/approach authors critically review over 4,000 data points from relevant sources synthesise results qualitatively quantitatively with a combined method approach. Quantitative aggregated where possible tested statistical significance. Qualitative reviewed comparatively analysed. Findings analysis reveals that there shortage depth breadth concrete apprenticeships. Nevertheless, existing demonstrate are meeting intended contributing positively Government’s high-level goals mobility. They an alternative route into higher education serve as vital talent pipeline providing opportunities young people, employees learners diverse backgrounds. Originality/value This provides first systematic synthesis It brings together statistically validates outcomes inform researchers, educators, policymakers other stakeholders recommendations moving forward.