Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of higher education degree apprenticeships on (a) local educational opportunities, (b) the development of a skilled workforce and (c) career outcomes.

This government knows that earnings for those undertaking higher apprenticeships compare well to the earnings of first-degree graduates five years on. The latest data shows the median first-degree graduate earnings five years after graduation were £29,900 compared to £33,800 for level 4 apprentices and £31,380 for level 5+ apprentices.

In addition, latest data shows that 95% of those who achieved a level 6 apprenticeship in 2020/21 moved into sustained employment or sustained employment and learning in the following academic year.

The department will work with Skills England to ensure that degree apprenticeships continue to offer good value for money and drive economic growth.