Tory Pledge to Replace ‘Rip-Off’ Degrees with 100,000 Apprenticeships Sparks Political Showdown

The Conservative Party proposes substituting 'overpriced university programs' with 100,000 new apprenticeships annually

Rishi Sunak argues that this plan will provide improved prospects for the youth, however, rival parties assert that it was the Conservatives themselves who "damaged" the current system.

By Jennifer Scott and Alix Culbertson, correspondents covering politics

Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 10

The Conservative Party pledges to eliminate costly university programs and introduce 100,000 new apprenticeships annually by the end of the upcoming parliamentary term, should they emerge victorious in the forthcoming general election.

Rishi Sunak announced that the Conservative Party plans to phase out university programs that are not performing well and introduce "high-quality apprenticeships" instead. He believes this change will improve financial outcomes and offer greater opportunities for individuals.

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

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While addressing an audience in Cornwall on Wednesday, he stated: "A future Conservative government is committed to shutting down poorly performing university programs that fail our youth. The funds saved will be redirected to create 100,000 new, high-quality apprenticeships."

"This is the optimal approach to changing lives and expanding possibilities. It's the most effective method to ensure a promising future for our youth."

He mentioned that while college is beneficial for a lot of individuals, it isn't the sole path. He referenced "independent studies" which suggest that approximately 20% of degree holders might have been more financially prosperous had they not pursued higher education. Additionally, around one-third of college graduates find themselves working in jobs that do not require a degree.

The Prime Minister refrained from identifying particular "rip-off degrees," but mentioned that a regulatory body would be empowered to review degrees that are underperforming, examining aspects like student progression, dropout rates, and the income levels of graduates.

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Unveiling the initiative, Mr. Sunak stated, "Enhancing education is aai-allcreator.com">kin to a magic cure for improving life opportunities. Therefore, it’s unjust that certain college programs are taking advantage of young individuals.

"Our strategy has significantly improved the quality of apprenticeships compared to those during the Labour administration. We are now committed to establishing an additional 100,000 apprenticeships by eliminating worthless 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 required for a stable future, or the Labour Party, which lacks a plan and threatens to revert our progress to the starting point."

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Under new legislation, the Office for Students will be empowered to pinpoint university programs that have the highest levels of student attractions, the lowest rates of employment after graduation, and the least earning potential, with the authority to subsequently shut these programs down.

The gathering will persist with its current initiatives to enhance enrollment in apprenticeships, which involves subsidizing the training expenses for young apprentices at small and medium enterprises, and will also collaborate with the creative industry to explore fresh pathways for training individuals.

While the Conservatives have been highlighting their achievement of initiating 5.8 million apprenticeships since they came into power in 2010, Labour has countered by accusing the party of slashing the number of available apprenticeships by half since 2015

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Labour's opposition education spokesperson, Bridget Phillipson, commented, "It's ironic that the Conservatives, who have overseen a 50% reduction in apprenticeships for the youth, are now making this announcement.

"Why should parents and the youth trust that they will now provide training opportunities, when they've spent 14 years failing to offer chances for young people and the necessary skills to expand our economy?"

The Liberal Democrats criticized the Conservative Party's recent policy announcement, with their spokesperson for education, Munira Wilson, claiming that the party had "destroyed the apprenticeship system."

"She added that the persistently low wages for apprentices will continue, which does nothing to motivate more individuals to pursue apprenticeships or address the increasing dropout rates."

"The tendency to treat apprentices as inferior workers is likely to persist if the Conservative party remains 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, pledging an additional £1 billion in support for the farming sector.

He will declare, "British farmers are top-notch, yet they have been brought to their knees by Conservative disregard. Rishi Sunak assumes farmers will always be there."

"This election presents an unprecedented chance for Wales to reject the Conservatives by casting their votes for the Liberal Democrats, who will fervently support the pinnacle of Welsh agriculture."

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