Why Employers Cannot Afford to Ignore the Degree Apprenticeship Shift
- 5 Min Read
New research from ACCA shows that degree apprenticeships are now the preferred route for many UK school leavers, with eight in ten planning to earn while they learn. As employers compete for the next generation of talent, the findings highlight the growing importance of creating accessible career pathways, investing in early-career development and supporting young professionals from the start of their working lives.
- Author: HRD Connect
- Date published: Jul 15, 2026
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As thousands of young people across the UK decide what comes after school, new research suggests the traditional university route is no longer the default choice.
A survey of almost 300 young people aged 14 to 18, conducted by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) through Unifrog, found that 80% intend to pursue a degree apprenticeship, compared with 37% considering university and just 2% planning to move directly into full-time employment.
The findings reflect more than changing career preferences. They point to a broader shift in how young people view education, work and long-term career development. For employers, they also raise an important question: what responsibility do organisations have in creating accessible pathways into skilled employment?
Young people are looking for more than a job
The research found overwhelming demand for what ACCA describes as the “triple pathway”: opportunities that combine a salary, a professional qualification and a degree.
Almost all respondents (94%) said this model was appealing, while nearly half (44%) said they were very likely to pursue it. Significantly, 67% said they would choose a lesser-known employer offering this pathway over a more recognisable organisation that did not.
The findings suggest employer brand alone is becoming less influential than the quality of learning and career development on offer.
George Tsounias, Early Careers Manager at ACCA, believes today’s school leavers are looking for meaningful opportunities to build careers while continuing their education.
“It is very encouraging to see that the young people we spoke to for this research have a real desire for genuine, hands-on experience.”
Among those interested in combined pathways, 24% identified earning while studying as their primary motivation, while the same proportion cited gaining real-world experience. Only 16% said avoiding student debt was their main reason, suggesting career development is proving just as influential as financial considerations.
Early careers are becoming a social responsibility
The findings come at a time when employers are facing persistent skills shortages across professional and technical occupations.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, almost 60% of workers will require reskilling or upskilling by 2030 as AI, automation and technological change reshape labour markets. At the same time, LinkedIn’s 2025 Workplace Learning Report found that organisations are placing greater emphasis on skills-based hiring and developing talent internally rather than relying solely on experienced external candidates.
Against this backdrop, degree apprenticeships represent more than an alternative route into employment. They offer employers an opportunity to broaden access to careers, develop future capabilities and reduce barriers that may prevent talented individuals from entering professional occupations.
For many organisations, this is becoming an increasingly important aspect of their wider social impact.
Access matters as much as opportunity
While demand for apprenticeships continues to grow, the research also highlights some of the challenges young people associate with this pathway.
Almost one in four (23%) said balancing work and study would be their biggest concern, while 19% worried about missing the social experiences traditionally associated with university.
These concerns highlight that creating opportunities is only part of the challenge.
Employers also have a role in ensuring apprentices receive the support needed to succeed, from effective line management and mentoring to protected study time, wellbeing support and opportunities to build professional networks.
Creating an apprenticeship programme without investing in the employee experience risks undermining the very benefits these schemes are designed to deliver.
Building careers, not simply filling vacancies
For apprentice Fin Machin, who works in finance at Wolseley, the attraction was gaining practical experience alongside a recognised qualification.
“Gaining practical experience alongside a professional qualification felt like the right choice to get ahead and build a long-term career.”
New ACCA research reveals 80% of UK school leavers are considering degree apprenticeships. Discover why employers have a growing responsibility to invest in early-career talent and accessible career pathways.
Similarly, Isabelle Farby, Financial Accounts Executive at Thinc*, said combining work with professional study allowed her to develop both technical and interpersonal skills while progressing towards chartered status without accumulating student debt.
Their experiences reflect a broader shift in expectations. Young people increasingly want career pathways that combine learning with meaningful work, enabling them to develop practical skills while contributing to organisations from an early stage.
Investing in the next generation
As organisations compete for talent in an increasingly skills-driven labour market, apprenticeship programmes are becoming a strategic investment rather than simply a recruitment initiative.
Employers that provide structured learning, recognised qualifications and clear progression pathways are likely to widen their access to talent while strengthening their future leadership pipeline.
World Youth Skills Day serves as a reminder that preparing the next generation extends beyond education providers alone.
Businesses also play a critical role in shaping early careers, widening access to professional opportunities and ensuring young people have the skills, experience and support needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world of work.
For organisations committed to long-term workforce sustainability, investing in degree apprenticeships is increasingly becoming not just a talent strategy, but part of their broader responsibility to the future workforce.
