Poorer pupils less likely to undertake apprenticeships

Young people from low income backgrounds are less likely than their wealthier peers to undertake an apprenticeship, according to new analysis from Teach First.

Drawing from Department for Education (DfE) data, Teach First found that pupils who receive free school meals (FSM) were less likely than their wealthier counterparts to become an apprentice in every area of England.

The analysis found that unclear information and perceived low pay were putting pupils off applying.

As a result, Teach First is calling on the government to build on its ‘find an apprenticeship’ website and develop a UCAS-style ‘one stop shop’ that outlines all available apprenticeship opportunities.

Additionally, it has also urged the Low Pay Commission to invest in research that examines whether perceived low pay and lack of additional financial support is putting disadvantaged young people off applying.

James Westhead, executive director of external relations at Teach First, says: “As a country we rapidly need to get over this completely false idea that all apprenticeships are second rate. Apprenticeships can offer an important route for young people to get into careers and industries with strong earning potential, but a combination of poor attitudes, low awareness and lack of financial support means disadvantaged young people are losing out across the country.

“Whilst the government’s commitment to the agenda is clear, we need to remove the perceived barriers of low pay and benefits facing disadvantaged youngsters who wish to undertake an apprenticeship. And we need a clear and simple UCAS-style application system to ensure disadvantage does not determine destiny for young people.”