25 November 2025
Youth Degree Apprenticeships have high achievement but weak diversity access
Education Policy Institute has published a report into degree apprenticeships, asking whether they are a genuine alternative to university for young people.
The report looks at access, participation and outcomes for 18-24-year-olds who have studied level 6 degree apprenticeship courses in England, as well as case studies of firms that have offered the apprenticeships.
The report found that degree apprenticeships have high achievement rates and positive labour market returns. However, it also found that degree apprenticeships are currently less inclusive than Russell Group universities for those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Fewer than 11% of degree apprentices were from disadvantaged backgrounds, compared to over 19% of all graduates.
Achievement rates were comparable to lower-level apprenticeships and were similar for students across the most and least deprived areas.
Read the Youth Degree Apprenticeships report from EPI.
The report looks at access, participation and outcomes for 18-24-year-olds who have studied level 6 degree apprenticeship courses in England, as well as case studies of firms that have offered the apprenticeships.
The report found that degree apprenticeships have high achievement rates and positive labour market returns. However, it also found that degree apprenticeships are currently less inclusive than Russell Group universities for those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Fewer than 11% of degree apprentices were from disadvantaged backgrounds, compared to over 19% of all graduates.
Achievement rates were comparable to lower-level apprenticeships and were similar for students across the most and least deprived areas.
Read the Youth Degree Apprenticeships report from EPI.
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