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Apprentices dropping out of courses due to ‘box-ticking’ and ‘weak’ management, report warns
The Sutton Trust has warned that poor training, weak management and a “box-ticking” approach are contributing to young apprentices leaving their courses before completion. The findings matter because apprenticeships are intended to provide a route into skilled work, yet many young people say the experience does not match what they expected.
More than one in three apprentices in England do not complete their course: 35 per cent overall, rising to 36 per cent among 16-to-18-year-olds and 38 per cent among those from deprived areas. The charity interviewed more than 300 apprentices under 30, including 100 who had dropped out; it also pointed to low pay and other financial pressures. Its recommendations include rewarding providers for completions, requiring face-to-face off-the-job training, training managers and helping employers cover costs such as travel and equipment.
In short
- 35 per cent of apprentices in England do not complete their course.
- Weak management and training are among the reported causes.
- Financial pressures hit apprentices from deprived areas particularly hard.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Rewarding providers for completions, requiring face-to-face training and supporting employers with costs could address problems the report identifies and give apprentices a more reliable route to skilled work. Better-trained managers and meaningful instruction may also help young people, especially those facing financial pressures, complete their courses.
The case against
Tying rewards to completion rates could encourage providers to prioritise keeping apprentices enrolled over whether a course suits their needs or offers genuine value. Requirements for face-to-face training and additional employer support may add costs or reduce flexibility, so improvements should be designed carefully and assessed against the varied needs of apprentices and workplaces.