Sunak’s Bold Shift: Tories Pledge to Replace ‘Rip-Off Degrees’ with 100,000 Apprenticeships Annually Amidst Opposition Critique

Conservatives propose substituting 'exploitative degrees' with 100,000 annual apprenticeships

Rishi Sunak asserts that this initiative will provide improved prospects for the youth, though rival parties argue it was the Conservatives who "destroyed" the current system.

By Jennifer Scott and Alix Culbertson, correspondents covering politics

Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 10

The Conservative Party has pledged to eliminate costly university programs and introduce 100,000 apprenticeships annually by the end of the next legislative term, should they be victorious in the upcoming general election.

Rishi Sunak announced plans for the Conservative party to phase out university programs that aren't performing well and introduce "high quality apprenticeships" instead. He believes this will lead to improved financial outcomes and better opportunities for individuals.

His party plans to allocate the funds saved from eliminating those programs towards establishing 100,000 apprenticeships.

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While in Cornwall on Wednesday, he stated, "A future Conservative government will decisively shut down failing university programs that disappoint our youth. Instead, we will redirect those funds towards creating 100,000 new, high-quality apprenticeships."

"This is the optimal method for changing lives and expanding opportunities. It's the most effective strategy for ensuring a stable future for our youth."

He described university as beneficial for numerous individuals, yet he emphasized that it isn't the sole path. He referenced "independent studies" which indicated that approximately 20% of degree holders might have been more financially successful had they opted out of pursuing their degrees. Additionally, roughly one-third of graduates are employed in positions that do not require a university degree.

The Prime Minister refrained from identifying particular "rip-off degrees," but mentioned that a regulator would be empowered to scrutinize degrees that underperform, examining their graduation and dropout rates as well as the income levels of graduates.

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Unveiling the program, Mr. Sunak stated: "Enhancing education is nearly aai-allcreator.com">kin to a magic solution for enhancing opportunities in life. Therefore, it's unjust that certain university programs are taking advantage of young people."

Due to our strategy, apprenticeships now surpass the quality offered during the Labour administration. We are set to introduce an additional 100,000 apprenticeships by eliminating low-value degree programs, thus providing our youth with the job prospects and economic stability essential for their success.

"This election presents a clear option: the Conservatives, who have a definitive strategy to expand the economy and provide individuals with the opportunities necessary for a stable future, or the Labour Party, which lacks a concrete plan and risks reversing our progress to the starting point."

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Under new legislation, the Office for Students will be authorized to pinpoint university programs with the highest attrition levels, minimal advancement to careers post-graduation, and the lowest income prospects, with the ability to subsequently shut these programs down.

The gathering will persist with its current strategies to increase participation in apprenticeships, which involves subsidizing the training expenses for young apprentices at small and medium enterprises, and collaborating with the creative industry to develop new pathways for vocational training.

The Conservatives have been touting their achievement of initiating 5.8 million apprenticeships since they came to power in 2010. However, Labour has countered by asserting that the number of apprenticeships has been cut in half since 201

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Labour's shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, commented: "It's ironic that the Tories, who have overseen a significant reduction in apprenticeships for the youth, are now making this announcement.

"Why should parents and youth trust that they will now offer training opportunities, after 14 years of not providing sufficient opportunities and skills necessary for economic growth?"

The Liberal Democrats criticized the Conservative Party's recent policy statement, with their spokesperson on education, Munira Wilson, accusing the party of having "destroyed the apprenticeship system."

"She added that the disappointingly meager salaries for apprentices will persist, which does nothing to motivate more individuals to pursue apprenticeships or address the escalating dropout rates."

"The treatment of apprentices as inferior workers will persist if the Conservatives remain in power."

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Liberal Democrat chief Sir Ed Davey is set to ai-allcreator.com">kick off his party's regional campaign in Wales this Wednesday, announcing an additional £1 billion in funding for the farming sector.

He will state: "British farmers are top-notch, yet they have been severely let down by Conservative disregard, leaving many in dire straits. Rishi Sunak overlooks the farmers' needs.

"This election presents an unprecedented chance for Wales to reject the Conservative Party by casting their votes for the Liberal Democrats, who pledge to vigorously support and promote Welsh agriculture."

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