35% Increase in Care Sector Degree Apprenticeships at UK’s Top Universities Despite Funding Cuts
A new study today reveals a 35% uplift in care sector degree apprenticeships at the UK’s Top 100 universities in the last two years, despite government funding cuts earlier this year leaving thousands of employers facing an estimated £214 million increase in training costs.
The research by the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC), the higher and degree apprenticeship voice for over 80 universities, comes just months after levy funding was withdrawn for most Level 7 apprentices aged over 21, leaving care employers with a financial and skills shortage headache.
In a further boost to businesses, 69% of the UK’s Top 100 universities will continue to offer Level 7 apprenticeships in September despite the funding shortfall.
In the care sector, 53% of the degree apprenticeships available at leading universities this autumn will be available at Level 6, whilst 47% can be completed at Level 7.
There has been a 6% increase in top universities providing degree apprenticeships in the last two years, reflecting sustained employer and apprentice demand for both Level 6 and 7. Degree apprenticeship provision overall across sectors ranging from construction to law has also increased by 73% over the same period.
Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee, chief executive of UVAC, said: “Although these findings provide no comfort to both the thousands of care employers or apprentices aged 22 and older who were greatly impacted by the Level 7 government funding cuts earlier this year, it’s clear from our research that the UK’s top universities continue to back degree apprenticeships in large numbers.
“What’s particularly encouraging is that universities aren’t simply maintaining provision, they’re evolving it. Degree apprenticeship growth in sector areas such as care services demonstrates their commitment to helping tackle where the UK’s biggest workforce challenges exist, and where higher-level skills can have the greatest economic impact.
Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee added: “Demand for care sector-led degree apprenticeships amongst young people has never been higher. Our focus is now on helping universities ensure their provision across more regions, sectors and apprentices from underserved communities so that social mobility is not compromised.
“Degree apprenticeships remain the cornerstone to a successful economy and our latest findings are certainly a significant step in the right direction.”
