Degree apprenticeship provision in construction, architecture and the built environment has risen by 95% among the UK’s Top 100 universities in just two years, new research has revealed.
The figures from the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) show construction and architecture recording the second-highest growth in degree apprenticeship provision of any sector since 2024, behind only marketing. The increase comes as construction employers continue to face skills shortages in key areas.
Across all sectors, degree apprenticeship provision among the UK’s Top 100 universities has increased by 73% over the past two years, reflecting sustained employer and apprentice demand for both Level 6 and Level 7 programmes.
UVAC’s research found that 69% of the UK’s Top 100 universities will continue to offer Level 7 apprenticeships this autumn, despite government funding and age eligibility changes that have left employers facing an estimated £214 million increase in training costs.
Levy funding was withdrawn for most Level 7 apprentices aged over 21 earlier this year, leaving employers facing further challenges around skills shortages in areas including construction.
The findings form part of a wider increase in universities offering degree apprenticeships, with the proportion of top universities providing them rising by 6% during the past two years.
Across all sectors, 55% of the degree apprenticeships at the UK’s Top 100 universities this year will be at Level 6, while 45% can be completed at Level 7.
Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee, Chief Executive of UVAC, said: “Although these findings provide no comfort to both the thousands of employers or apprentices aged 22 and older who were impacted by the government funding cuts earlier this year, it’s clear from our research that the UK’s top universities continue to back Level 7 apprenticeships.
“What’s particularly encouraging is that universities aren’t simply maintaining provision, they’re evolving it. Degree apprenticeship growth in sector areas such as law, construction and digital demonstrates their commitment to helping tackle where the UK’s biggest workforce challenges exist, and where higher-level skills can have the greatest economic impact. Demand for Level 7 apprenticeships among young people has never been higher.”