Apprenticeships have the potential to be a powerful tool for social mobility, offering an alternative route to highly skilled industries. Many apprentices are drawn to the prospect of earning while learning, avoiding large amounts of debt associated with university degrees, and developing highly valued skills in the workplace. And high level apprenticeships can be a great way to get into competitive professions such as law and finance.

For employers and policy-makers, high level apprenticeships in particular are very appealing. They have labour market outcomes comparable to degrees from Russell Group universities, and have the potential to address skills gaps in the UK economy.

However, if you are a young person from a lower socioeconomic background the data suggests it’s far from an easy alternative to accessing a great career:

  • Only 5% of degree apprentices have been eligible for free school meals, and twice as many degree apprentices are from the wealthiest areas compared to the poorest (The Recent Evolution of Apprenticeships, The Sutton Trust, 2022)
  • Apprentice minimum wage is low and not well aligned to the national living wage or national minimum wage (The Recent Evolution of Apprenticeships, The Sutton Trust, 2022)
  • A quarter of former applicants said they felt they could not afford to undertake an apprenticeship and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were almost twice as likely to say that affordability acts as a barrier (Where Next?, UCAS and The Sutton Trust, 2023)
  • There are currently no maintenance loans or bursaries options for apprentices from disadvantaged backgrounds to increase their accessibility.
  • Research has shown that 1 in 3 apprentices from a lower socioeconomic background are currently receiving no support with their application (Where Next?, UCAS and The Sutton Trust, 2023)
  • UCAS estimates that by 2030, over half a million students may wish to follow the apprenticeship route (Where Next?, UCAS and the Sutton Trust). Such ambitions require a significant increase in supply if we are to ensure that they are accessible for those young people who want to pursue this route.

Until things change at policy level, more must be done to support young people who want to take this route. For the last two years, the Sutton Trust has been running a new apprenticeship programme – Access Apprenticeships. Designed to support students interested in pursuing some of the UK’s most competitive apprenticeships in engineering, finance or law – students leave after 18 months with invaluable work experience for their CV and all the skills necessary to submit competitive applications.

Given the difficult landscape students are facing, we’re incredibly proud of the impact our programme has had both on the students and our employer partners so far. Here are just a few highlights from our most recent events.

“The event gave me motivation to work hard and try new things. I was pushed out of my comfort zone which, although I was uncomfortable, I know it’s good for me – and I got to learn a bit from real apprentices.”

“The part I found most valuable was speaking to upcoming apprentices who have recently been in our positions and getting a realistic understanding of being a lawyer.” 

“I found hearing first hand experiences most valuable as I had the chance to understand what it takes and top tips for being an apprentice.”

As you can see, some of the most valuable parts of the programme are delivered by our incredible employer partners, as students lack the network to access these kinds of opportunities outside of the programme. In the last two years alone, they’ve hosted some 130 work experience placements and a wide array of in person events.

 “I gained motivation and clarification that I definitely want to pursue a career as a solicitor. Hearing from senior lawyers, trainees and apprentices about their journey and how they embarked on this career.”

“I have gained legal and professional knowledge on how a law firm works and have been able to get insights on the different professions and routes the firm offers. Additionally, I have enhanced my communication and teamwork skills by having the opportunity to network with staff and other attendees. I think networking with other trainees and apprentices worked well as I learned about their experiences and gained professional advice.”

“I gained a better understanding of different sectors within banking. Also, I learnt about many people from different areas and backgrounds – what I mostly enjoyed about this program which is the diversity of people”.

It’s easy to focus on the outcomes for the students, but our employers – including Farrer & Co, Jaguar Land Rover, Goldman Sachs, Deutch Bank, Trowers & Hamlins, Arm, Weightmans, Bank of England and Orbis  – also gain a huge amount from supporting the programme:

“The placement was really successful – all of the students who attended the placement were really engaged, asked lots of questions and from the feedback we have received, they have gained a lot from it. This is the first time we have done a work experience programme like this and it has been a great experience.”

“The students were fantastic, polite, and very engaged. It was a pleasure to host them. The Sutton Trust were fantastic and a delight to work with. Look forward to organising more events with you!”

“Students were very engaged with the programme, asked lots of questions and really got involved. The students all got on with one another and enjoyed interacting with each other. They put the effort in and I think they got a lot out of it. We really enjoy working with Sutton Trust and we really appreciate the support with the provision of the students each year.”

100% of the employers who hosted apprenticeship work experience students described the placement as “very successful” or “successful”.

If you’re interested in working with us on this apprenticeship programme through placements, volunteering or funding please get in touch with our team.