Degree and Higher Level Apprenticeships

An Empirical Investigation of Stakeholder Perceptions of Challenges and Opportunities

Datos Bibliográficos

ID4096926
AutoresJames Mulkeen (Salford Business School, The University of Salford, Salford, UK), Hussein A Abdou (0000-0001-5580-1276, MMU Business School, The Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK, autor de correspondencia), Jacqueline Leigh (0000-0002-6579-1259, Salford Business School, The University of Salford, Salford, UK), Paul Ward (0000-0003-1223-5782, Salford Business School, The University of Salford, Salford, UK)
Año2019
Volumen44
Número2
Páginas333-346
Fecha de publicación2019-02-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaStudies in Higher Education (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0307-5079 • E-ISSN: 1470-174X
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03075079.2017.1365357
OpenAlexW2752405061
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas12
Referencias citadas10

The aim of this paper is to explore the challenges and opportunities of designing and delivering Degree and Higher Level Apprenticeships (D&HLAs) at levels 4–7 from a multi-stakeholder perspective namely employers, Universities, independent training organisations and professional bodies. Twenty-seven face-to-face interviews were undertaken and thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. The following three themes emerged from the data analysis: programme design; programme delivery; and graduate attributes. We conclude that whilst there are increasing numbers of trailblazer groups developing higher level standards, the uptake of apprenticeships at these levels remains relatively low. Although stakeholders support the principle of D&HLAs, we identify a number of challenges and opportunities facing those who seek to successful introduction of these programmes. Our policy recommendations include the need for all stakeholders to work collaboratively to co-create a flexible system to support the validity and relevance of D&HLAs. This will include streamlining and mapping the variety of qualifications currently available in order to promote a platform for parity of both esteem and opportunity for those achieving degree qualifications through the apprenticeship route

Apprenticeship · Higher education · Knowledge management · Medical education · Pedagogy · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Stakeholder · Thematic analysis · Computer Science · Employment and Welfare Studies · Higher Education and Employability · Innovative Education and Learning Practices · Medicine · Psychology