11 January 2024
WIth the January 15th deadline looming how many learners will be taking advantage of the new apprenticeship vacancy search tool and the revised hub to find out more about apprentiships?
Anyone using UCAS's hub can now see relevant apprenticeships listed along with traditional higher education courses. Learners can also now see apprenticeship vacancies on the new search tool www.ucas.com/apprenticeships meaning students are now better informed about apprenticeships at the point at which they are considering their university options.
Government ministers and officials said the move was a "massive step forward" as it gives apprenticeships the same prestige as university degrees.
Students creating a UCAS account are now asked if they are interested in apprenticeships and undergraduate courses (which are automatically advertised).
Searches for a course type on the UCAS hub will return suggested apprenticeships, including employer, training provider, level, qualifications needed, closing date and salary, and learners can click a link directing them to the government's find an apprenticeship website to apply.
Apprenticeship vacancies are updated in real time on UCAS and students can apply directly via UCAS from autumn 2024. UCAS has said that the usual £27.50 university application fee will not apply to apprenticeship applications.
Around half a million registering students have told UCAS that they would consider an apprenticeship but many didn't know where to find vacancies. The updated hub and new vacancy search tool means that students can explore all options to make the best decision for their career aspirations, and employers can tap into talent to meet business needs and fill skills shortages.
Skills minister Robert Halfon called the change "fantastic" and said parity between apprenticeships and degrees is a "top priority".
He added: "I hope this increases apprenticeship uptake. UCAS is representing universities, colleges, apprenticeships and skills and helping more people up the ladder of opportunity."
For more information from UCAS about apprenticeships see www.ucas.com/apprenticeships
