Apprenticeships Boost Social Mobility

A recent study from Corndel finds that more than a quarter of HR leaders in the U.K. say they will utilise the learning programmes in their recruitment strategy in the future.

By Maggie Mancini

Degree apprenticeships could be the key to improving social mobility, according to a recent study from Corndel. Nine in 10 HR leaders recognise the benefit of social mobility for DEI and employee well-being, the study finds. However, one in three (38%) organisations currently don’t have a way of measuring social mobility internally, with difficulties in measuring (43%) and not knowing how (24%) being two of the main reasons. 

A majority (85%) of HR leaders in the U.K. see the value of apprenticeships in improving social mobility, though just 65% say they plan to use them within the next 12 months.  

More than a quarter (27%) say they will utilise degree apprenticeships as part of their recruitment strategy in the future, with 62% saying they will specifically use it for social mobility purposes.  

The research also finds that more than half (53%) of employment roles in the U.K. require a degree, though HR leaders are more concerned about apprenticeships (83%) than degrees (81%) as important criteria when assessing candidates.  

Of learners who completed Corndel’s Level 3 apprenticeship in management, 29% received a pay raise, 53% were trusted with more responsibilities, and 63% felt prepared to advance their careers.