2022 - 2023
Project lead:
Edge Foundation: Dr Andrea Laczik (Head of Research), Dr Aunam Quyoum, Kat Emms, Dr Dana Dabbous, Dr Josh Patel, with expert advice from our trustee Prof Ann-Marie Bathmaker
Collaborative partners:
Dr Jim Hordern (University of Bath), Prof Susan James Relly, Liz Polding (University of Oxford), Prof Kevin Orr, Jane Wormald, (University of Huddersfield)
Launched in 2015, Degree Apprenticeships (DA) offer an alternative route towards gaining a degree qualification which combines higher education and work-based learning. Through a number of in-depth case studies across different sectors of industry in England, this research project seeks to gather deeper insight into how DAs are working in practice amongst various stakeholders, their motivations for engaging with DAs, and the challenges and opportunities moving forward. Stakeholders include large employers, SMEs, training providers, policy makers and apprentices.
The project will also reflect on wider issues such as the extent to which DAs are widening participation into higher learning, where DA provision sits within the wider apprenticeship system, and whether or not DAs are helping meet challenges in relation to skills shortages and the needs of the national/local economy.
A full report with recommendations for policy and practice will be published in May 2023.