Since the apprenticeship levy was introduced in 2017, there has been a 36% decline in apprenticeship starts by people from disadvantaged backgrounds. [1] This reflects a growing trend of a decline in apprenticeships, however, apprenticeships provide an opportunity to address the national skills shortage. According to the Social Mobility Commission, Apprenticeships can also be a powerful tool for social mobility if effectively targeted.

Edward Donkor is Engagement Lead at the Social Mobility Commission and is responsible for the Commission’s employers programme. As part of his role, he works across multiple sectors to create more inclusive socio-economic workforces and to diagnose the obstacles to social mobility. 

In this video, Edward shares insights into how apprenticeships can support development pathways for all and provides a toolkit for employers to improve the accessibility and socio-economic diversity of their apprenticeship programmes.

[1] Gov.UK (2020), Apprenticeship system failing people from disadvantaged backgrounds

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The number of apprenticeship starts from the most disadvantaged quintile fell by 30% between 2015/16 and 2018/19. In this video Edward Donkor from the Social Mobility Commission explores how apprenticeships can improve social mobility and provides a toolkit for employers, and other stakeholders, to increase the accessibility of their apprenticeship programmes.

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