Is our Education System Failing Ambitious Young People?

An opinion piece by Louise PM, Stem & Glory founder

Alongside a very emotional week in the UK, I've also had a very humbling and inspiring week interviewing the next generation, and hearing first hand their ambitions and values.

The interviews were a shortlist from almost 300 applications we have had in just one week for three degree apprenticeship positions at Stem & Glory, demonstrating the huge demand for these opportunities.

Following the interviews with this inspiring next generation, I’ve a second short list of 25, and it’s heart breaking that I will have to say no to most of them, as they all deserve the post and are hungry for the opportunity.

It’s also highlighted to me that in my opinion, our education system is pretty broken.

Almost all the applicants have GCSE’s and A levels, so they have stayed in education as advised BUT most of them didn’t get straight A*’s, and it seems they are consequently viewed as second best.

Think about that for a moment. The majority of our young people are leaving school rated as second best. They are ambitious, and hungry for opportunity, but they are entering a bewildering world filled with a lack of real opportunity.

A system based solely on testing is biased towards a particular type of student, but the majority don’t fit this. It's still the only way we seem to measure people - grade numbers - it's what impresses everyone, and what we are all told to aspire to, but how ridiculous is that? We are all ticking diversity boxes - but to what extent are we really diverse?

Values are far more important than grades. Who you are, and how you live are far greater indicators of potential and talent, and this is our basis for recruitment. Straight A*'s do not mean you are a better person. Just because you got a C grade rather than an A*, that doesn't mean you didn't work so hard. You may in fact have worked harder.

In my view, degree apprenticeships are better than straight degrees. They favour many different learning abilities, and as with all vocational learning, the tutors are fully focused on the learning outcomes for the students. Not a boring lecture in sight.

I am myself an example of this. I went to university after school. I lasted only a year, the course was so dull and boring, and just didn't work for me. I then got a place at Cambridge University, but turned it down as my first business was taking off at the time.

Fast forward 20 years and this year I've started a Masters Degree Apprenticeship. It’s in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University and I am absolutely loving it. Learning from the taught sessions is immediately put to use in the business via research report writing and compiling workplace evidence. The teaching and support at ARU is excellent, and the impact on our business is almost immeasurable it is so positive.

I did well at School, but I didn't get A*s. I found my path on my own through businesses (now known as entrepreneurship!) and now finally back into higher education, which I am loving.

So many of the young people I interviewed last week were vocal about their ambition to run their own business.

If the UK is serious about growth, we need to do something about helping these ambitious and hungry young people, as they are the solution to all of it. Studying for three years at University then trying to get a job will not generate growth. Creating degree apprenticeship opportunities will, and fast.

Our degree apprenticeship gives a BA (hons) in Business, having such a degree brings such a breadth of experience in business which can be applied in so many ways during and after the course.

If you are an employer or small business owner, take a look at these degree apprenticeships in your business. In my view there are so many wins to both the individual and the business, and absolutely no downside. It is easy to onboard students, and partnering with a University means they will do all the heavy lifting. We have structured ours to give a decent salary to the apprentice (starting £21,600), but you can work all this out to suit your business. In reality, the cost to our business is exactly the same as an employee NOT on the scheme. It would be madness not to in my view.

We are now rapidly aiming to extend the opportunity so we can take more degree apprentices as soon as possible.

I am very happy to share our experience with anyone considering this scheme. Just drop me a message below :)