A pilot scheme designed in North Yorkshire to lift the esteem of apprenticeships to the level of degrees could now be rolled out nationally.
The Government is taking a close look at the programme which is being developed by
Richmond MP Rishi Sunak with schools, including Richmond School & Sixth Form College.
Under the initiative, students who wish to pursue a career pathway involving an
apprenticeship will be able to apply through UCAS, the normal route for securing university
places.
Mr Sunak told Richmond Business Network meeting at Richmond School & Sixth Form
College: “We need an easier way for businesses to find apprentices, we need an easier way
for apprentices to be able to apply. Extending the UCAS application portal seems the easiest
solution.
“There should be no barriers to aspiration or success and if everyone could use the same
system then automatically there is parity of esteem. The pilot has been very well received and
the Government is now exploring the idea of rolling out the initiative nationally.”
Richmond School ; Sixth Form College’s manager of careers and employability Liz
Mannion said 375 students were due to go into work placements this year and the school
relied heavily on local employers.
“Applying for university places is relatively straight forward because of the UCAS system,”
she added.
“But applying for apprenticeships can be a minefield. The pilot will make it easier and also
mean that everyone feels equal. We are committed to make sure our students achieve their
aspirations, whether they are within higher education or apprenticeships.”
Sophie Hutchinson told the meeting how she had secured an admin and finance
apprenticeship at Richmond School & Sixth Form College, during which time she had been
able to study accountancy exams.
“I always loved business but didn’t want to go to university,” she said. “This way I have been
able to work in a job and still study university level courses, which has been brilliant.”