Finding their way? Advanced apprenticeship as a route to HE

Abstract

This is the final report of the project ‘Finding their Way? Advanced Apprenticeship as a route to Higher Education’, commissioned by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Lifelong Learning Network (HI-LLN). The Lifelong Learning Networks (LLNs) are an initiative funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). They have a remit to foster progression to higher education (HE) for individuals pursuing vocational routes and attaining vocational qualifications.
The interim evaluation of the LLNs undertaken for HEFCE the Networks’ activity was focused on the progression of young adult learners studying full-time for vocational qualifications at Level 3 (the level normally required for entry to HE) rather than on those in work-based learning and apprenticeships (Little et al. 2008). Recent figures indicate that the proportion of 19 year olds achieving Level 3 via Advanced Apprenticeship (AA) and work-based qualifications such as NVQ3 is increasing (DIUS 2008), but little is known about these groups’ rate of progression to HE. This project has provided an opportunity to explore the extent to which AA has been a focus in the HI-LLN; to identify the issues which inhibit or facilitate progression from this route, and to establish the pool of Advanced Apprentices (AAs) who could potentially benefit from higher level study.

The aims of the project have been:
• To map and scope the availability and take up of AA across HI-LLN’s seven curriculum areas
• To map HE level provision in HI-LLN’s partner institutions against AA provision in the curriculum areas
• To examine HE admissions policy, entry criteria and how these fit the sorts of qualifications presented by AAs

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