New research from Co-op highlights the barriers preventing school leavers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds from accessing apprenticeships.
The study reveals that more than one in three (38 percent) school leavers struggle to find apprenticeship opportunities in their local area.
With two-thirds (68 percent) of school leavers stating that apprenticeships are more important now than in previous years, and nearly half (48 percent) viewing them as the most beneficial way to enter the workforce, demand for these programmes is high. However, the research shows that those from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to apply for apprenticeships (73 percent compared to 66 percent) but face multiple obstacles in securing placements.
A lack of affordability for travel or relocation (33 percent), limited local apprenticeship opportunities (33 percent), and insufficient support from schools (20 percent) are among the key challenges identified. Additionally, 26 percent of respondents do not know where to look or how to apply, while 25 percent lack the confidence to submit applications. A further 14 percent state they do not receive guidance through the application process.
Barriers to Apprenticeships and Business Participation
Co-op’s research also finds that nearly seven in ten (68 percent) school leavers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds believe it is difficult to gain the experience needed to apply for jobs. Additionally, 44 percent feel their education has not adequately prepared them for an apprenticeship.
A separate survey of business leaders included in the study indicates that small businesses are far less likely to offer apprenticeships than larger organisations, with only 4 percent of small firms running apprenticeship schemes compared to 72 percent of large businesses. Among those that do offer apprenticeships, one in five small businesses are not taking proactive steps to recruit candidates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Key reasons for the lack of proactive recruitment include limited time and resources (38 percent), difficulty accessing diverse talent pools (33 percent), insufficient funding (29 percent), and concerns over training costs (14 percent).
Independent research by Dodds & Law Research Associates supports these findings, revealing that young people from more privileged backgrounds are securing a growing share of higher-level apprenticeships. The data shows that 25 percent of level seven apprenticeships are taken by those from the most advantaged backgrounds, compared to just 11 percent from the least advantaged. Additionally, in less affluent areas, only 26 percent of business leaders report offering level six or seven apprenticeships.
Calls for Government Action
Claire Costello, Chief People and Inclusion Officer at Co-op, commented, “The research paints a picture of the real and widespread relationship between an individual’s socioeconomic background and their unequal access to apprenticeship opportunities post-school. There has never been a more important time for the Government and UK businesses to stand up to reality and do more to ensure access to apprenticeships is fair and equitable for all young people.
“Someone’s background should not limit their career potential, which is why we’re calling on an amendment to the IfATE Bill – to level the playing field so everyone can have a fair shot at reaching their full potential.”
Nick Harrison, CEO of the Sutton Trust, added, “Young people from low-income backgrounds stand to benefit most from the transformative opportunity of an apprenticeship. But too many are locked out of them because of a lack of supply and major financial barriers to taking one up.
“The establishment of Skills England could be a game changer if it is given a mandate to ensure fairer access to apprenticeships and to work with businesses to increase the number of opportunities available. Not only would this help to deliver on the Government’s mission to tackle barriers to opportunity, but it would also help to drive inclusive economic growth across the country by harnessing untapped talent to address the UK’s major skills shortages.”
