Degree apprenticeship applications quadruple as students seek earn‑and‑learn routes

As students across the UK prepare for the new academic year, a growing number are turning to degree apprenticeships - programmes that offer a salary, workplace experience and a recognised qualification. Interest has accelerated rapidly, driven by concerns about university affordability and the appeal of earning while learning.

Figures obtained by the BBC show applications submitted via the Government’s central system have risen from 8,100 to 21,800 over three years, while the number of available roles has fallen from 7,300 to 3,700. Competition has intensified across Levels 4, 5 and 6, where each role now attracts 10.6 applications compared with 3.6 previously. These levels match the first, second and third years of an undergraduate degree.

Several applicants said they applied to university as a backup because of intense competition for degree apprenticeships, with employers cutting back on hiring amid rising costs and economic uncertainty.

The Department for Work and Pensions said that it was “backing employers who take on young apprentices”. Last month, Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasised the need for strong technical routes into careers, not just university degrees.

His comments come at a time when concerns about the cost of university are increasing, with more students choosing to live at home to save money and renewed calls to change student loan repayments.

The data covers apprenticeships listed on the Government's Find an Apprenticeship website in England, which is subject to BBC Freedom of Information requests.