This National Apprenticeships Week, universities commit to tackling challenges facing the graduate job market, as new poll reveals public thinks they could do more

As National Apprenticeships Week begins under the shadow of the rampant rise of AI and a stagnant economy, there are growing concerns about what the future looks like for graduates, and increasing emphasis on apprenticeships as another route to employment. In response, universities are today launching a national conversation with employers to hear about the skills and experience that graduates will need to give them resilience over their careers.

The move comes as a poll commissioned by Universities UK (UUK) found that seven out of 10 people think universities could do more to help the country succeed.

Overwhelmingly, the public (86%) also felt that the country’s future prosperity will depend on its ability to make the most of the skills and talent of the entire population. 73% believe the UK’s ability to make scientific discoveries and inventions will be vital to our future prosperity, while 74% think universities have an important role to play.

In response, Universities UK (UUK) is embarking on a nationwide conversation about the future role of universities.

Major long-term factors like the emergence of AI, global insecurity and the pressing need for regional economic growth all mean that what the country needs from its universities is changing. UUK is launching Future Universities to hear how the higher education sector should evolve to meet these changing needs. This will see the sector challenging itself, asking difficult questions, and working with businesses and investors, students and local communities to find the answers.

It will begin by confronting concerns about graduate employability, working with employers to focus on future jobs, before looking at how universities can go even further in boosting communities, driving growth through innovation and meeting the future needs of students.

This spring, events with major employers and SMEs will be taking place across the UK, including:

Glasgow
Newcastle
Cardiff
Derby
London
Exeter
Southampton
Bath
Leicester, and
Kent

These will see employers and higher education providers collaborating to understand how universities can do more to meet future skills needs so that more graduates get great jobs and businesses can grow faster.

The conversations with employers will inform a ‘Future Jobs Roadmap’ to be launched this summer, containing practical and actionable solutions for universities, employers and governments to improve graduate employability.

Pearson looks forward to partnering with Universities UK on the Future Jobs programme, uniting universities, regions, and employers to transform the ambitions of the Future Universities agenda into action. The Future Jobs programme will help shape how higher education supports learners at every stage of life, adapts to evolving skills needs in an AI-driven economy, and improves pathways into quality jobs across the UK.

Sian Owen

Director of Stakeholder Management, Pearson UK

It is understandably an uncertain time for people at the moment. From rapid advancements in AI, to a shifting global order, or the urgent need to grow the economy in every part of the country, the world is changing and the UK must be ready to lead, not follow. Universities have a vital role to play in shaping a brighter future, and there is no national renewal without strong universities.

But universities also recognise that we must continue to evolve to meet the country’s needs and to play the full part possible in building long term prosperity. Over the months ahead, universities across the country will be engaging to listen, to learn, and to go further in supporting businesses with the skills and innovation they need to grow and, crucially, ensure more graduates are able to access high quality jobs.

Professor Malcolm Press CBE

President of Universities UK

As the labour market is reshaped by AI, universities play a critical role in developing the skills and resilience the UK needs. This national conversation is a positive step towards ensuring graduates are well prepared for the jobs of the future while supporting growth in communities and businesses across the country.

Nimmi Patel

Associate Director for Policy at techUK

Notes to editors

Study by Kings College London shows impact of AI on job market in the UK: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/new-study-reveals-early-impact-of-ai-on-job-market-in-uk
Graduate hiring to entry level roles at a sample of 155 employers, fell by 8% year on year according to the Institute of Student Employers: Apprenticeships rise as graduate vacancies drop 8% | ISE
A survey of 16-25 year olds found that almost half (48 per cent) worry about not having the right skills and qualifications or the right experience (57 per cent) to get a job in the future: https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/about-us/news-views/princestrustnatwestyouthindex2024
On average, the government has indicated that 82% of additional employment in priority occupations across the industrial strategy growth sectors by 2030 will require a higher education qualification (UUK analysis, Skills England)
The poll found that:

84% of UK adults agree that “The world is changing and the UK needs to change to stay ahead."
73% agree “The UK’s future success depends on its ability to make scientific discoveries and invent new things."
86% agree “For the UK to be successful in the future, it must fully utilise the skills and talents of its entire population.”
74% agree “UK universities are important to creating the country’s future economic success.”
70% agree "UK universities could do more to help the country succeed."

The survey, carried out by Public First on behalf of UUK, questioned over 2,000 adults on their views about the future of the country and its universities.

Regional breakdowns are available.

Find out more: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/future-universities

This National Apprenticeships Week, universities commit to tackling challenges facing the graduate job market, as new poll reveals public thinks they could do more

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