One in three graduates believe degree apprenticeships are more useful than traditional degrees

As students across the country receive their A level results this week, new research has found that a third (33%) of UK adults think that degree apprenticeships are more useful than traditional university degrees for school and college leavers who know which field of industry or career path they want to pursue.

The research, commissioned by Corndel, the leading workplace training provider*, reveals that this sentiment is also shared by a third of graduates who have an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification (33%), and even more-so by those with postgraduate degrees, doctorates and professional qualifications (37%). Just 17% of UK adults polled said they felt a traditional degree was more useful for students' career paths.

Following the introduction of degree apprenticeships in 2015 to focus on areas where higher-level skills are needed to tackle the UK’s skills gap, this higher education pathway has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional degrees among employers and career-focused students alike. The number of learners starting degree-level apprenticeships (level 6 and 7) has grown to 46,800 in the 2022/2023 academic year**.

Among parents who have children under the age of 18, one in three (33%) say they are more likely to encourage their child to pursue a degree apprenticeship when they leave school or college. This is in contrast to only a fifth of parents (20%) who would be more likely to encourage their children to consider a traditional degree.

If a degree apprenticeship was available to them when they left school or college, nearly two thirds of UK adults (64%) say they would have considered this path, rising to 68% of those who have an undergraduate degree or equivalent higher level qualification.

James Kelly, co-founder and CEO of Corndel, said: “Degree apprenticeships offer a compelling alternative to traditional degree programmes, as they bridge the gap between higher education and the working world. In today’s economic climate, it’s no surprise that increasing numbers of students are seeking opportunities that enable them to build their work experience and professional workplace skills alongside their knowledge, while also earning a salary.

“We need more awareness and signposting to degree apprenticeship options for students during their school and college studies, rather than the traditional focus on university degree courses as the only option for post-18 education.”

Corndel launched Corndel College London in 2023 to bring higher education and the working world closer together. Its portfolio of degree apprenticeships focus on professional skills gaps and each programme is co-designed with leading employers to develop the next generation of talent and leaders. Degree apprentices learn on-the-job and build in-demand skills and confidence through a professional degree qualification.