Key facts
- Competition for degree apprenticeships in England has quadrupled in three years.
- Applicant numbers on the government platform nearly tripled, while available positions fell by almost half.
- There are now over 11 applications per Level 6 apprenticeship position.
- Businesses are hesitant to hire due to high employment costs and economic uncertainty.
- The government is providing incentives to employers for taking on apprentices.
Competition for degree apprenticeships in England has quadrupled over the last three years, driven by increased scrutiny of university costs and economic uncertainty. Data obtained by the BBC shows a near tripling of applicants on the government's central platform, from 8,100 to 21,800, while available positions have fallen by nearly half, from 7,300 to 3,700.
This surge in demand means there are now 11.3 applications for every Level 6 apprenticeship position, compared to 2.8 three years ago. Similar trends are seen across Levels 4 and 5. Some applicants view university as a backup due to the fierce competition for apprenticeships.
Employers are also facing challenges, with higher employment costs and economic uncertainty leading to paused recruitment, disproportionately affecting younger workers. There is also uncertainty surrounding apprenticeship funding. Businesses find it difficult to adapt apprenticeship syllabuses quickly enough to changing industry needs, such as the impact of AI.
Despite the competition, some students are successfully securing roles. Anna Helder applied for 35 apprenticeships before landing a project management position, while Daniel Edwards secured an engineering degree apprenticeship after applying to university as a backup. Both noted the rigorous application process, akin to applying for a real job.
The government is supporting employers through incentives, including hiring bonuses and free training for eligible young people. However, concerns remain about the accessibility of these opportunities, particularly for those from working-class backgrounds.