Prime Minister Rishi Sunak plans to overhaul England’s higher education system. He aims to replace low-value university degrees with more apprenticeships.
The Conservative Party believes this move will address high drop-out rates and poor job outcomes associated with certain degrees.
Sunak’s Vision for Education
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a bold new plan to replace what he termed as “rip-off” degrees with more apprenticeships. He criticised former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair’s aim of sending half of young people to university, arguing it led to an increase in low-value degrees.
The proposed plan focuses on eliminating courses with high drop-out rates and poor job prospects. Sunak believes these changes will free up funds for 100,000 new apprenticeships annually.
Legislative Changes and Financial Implications
The Conservative Party intends to introduce legislation that will allow the Office for Students to shut down underperforming university courses. Metrics like drop-out rates, job progression, and future earnings potential will determine which courses are discontinued.
By cutting these courses, the government estimates savings of £910 million by 2030. This is based on the notion that students in these courses would earn less, leading to unpaid student debt covered by taxpayers.
Response from Opposition Parties
Not everyone is on board with Sunak’s plans. Labour has accused the government of letting new apprenticeships decline significantly. Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called the announcement “laughable.”
Phillipson emphasised Labour’s ongoing commitment to introducing technical excellence colleges and reforming the apprenticeship levy to offer more flexible training options.
The Liberal Democrats echoed Labour’s concerns, pointing out the current issues with the apprenticeship system such as low pay and high drop-out rates. Education Spokeswoman Munira Wilson stressed these areas need urgent reform.
The Role of Modern Universities
Rachel Hewitt, CEO of MillionPlus, argued that apprenticeships and higher education should not be seen as opposites. She pointed out that many modern universities already offer degree apprenticeships.
These degree apprenticeships combine academic study with industry experience, allowing students to earn while they learn. According to Hewitt, this model provides valuable opportunities for students seeking both education and practical experience.
Conservative Party’s Projections
Despite the criticism, the Conservatives remain steadfast in their plans. They project that around 75% of students from underperforming courses would move to employment or apprenticeships.
The projected savings from shutting down low-value courses would enable the government to invest £885 million into creating 100,000 additional apprenticeships yearly by the end of the next parliamentary term.
The number of new apprenticeships in England has seen fluctuations, from 509,400 in 2015/16 to 321,400 in 2020/21, with a slight rise to 337,100 in 2022/23. Despite this, drop-out rates remain a pressing concern.
Drop-out Rates and Target Goals
Only 53.4% of apprentices completed their programmes in 2021/22, which is below the government’s target of 67% by the end of 2024/25.
The “triple lock plus” plan aims to redirect educational funding towards vocational training and apprenticeships, addressing the long-standing issues concerning the value and outcomes of certain university degrees.
Government’s Vision for the Future
The Conservatives are positioning this policy as a key part of their long-term strategy to improve job prospects and economic stability for future generations. Sunak’s pledge reflects the party’s ambition to create a more skills-focused educational landscape.
Therefore, the focus is to pivot from traditional university routes to vocational pathways that offer practical skills and better job prospects for the youth of the country.
Sunak’s pledge to replace low-value degrees with apprenticeships marks a significant shift in educational policy. The move seeks to address criticisms about the effectiveness of certain university courses and refocus funds towards vocational training, potentially benefiting both students and the economy.
While met with criticism from opposition parties, the plan underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing job prospects and addressing the skills gap in the workforce. As the debate continues, the focus remains on creating a balanced education system that values both academic and practical skills.