With A-level and T-level results out today and many young people deciding on their next steps, a ground-breaking study shows growing demand for “halls of apprentice” – a vision being piloted in Greater Manchester with support from Andy Burnham.
The research, funded by The Co-operative Bank, found that 75% of young people surveyed in Greater Manchester believe apprentices should have the option to live in halls of residence — a move that could dramatically reshape the future of technical education.
The report, Accommodation and Apprenticeships: Research into young people’s views, surveyed over 2,000 young people across the UK and conducted focus groups in Greater Manchester. It highlights a growing demand for “halls of apprentice” — residential communities designed specifically for those pursuing degree and higher apprenticeships.
The Our House project, which will look to introduce a pilot “halls of apprentice” in Greater Manchester, is being led by Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK and several employers of young people in the region. The project is supported by Paul Dennet, Salford City Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Greater Manchester, and Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, who said: “Every year, thousands of young people face a choice between university and other routes – and too often, apprenticeships lose out because they don’t offer the same life experience.
“This research is a wake-up call. If we want apprenticeships to be a truly equal option, we need to rethink how we support them – and that includes where people live.
“Greater Manchester is proud to lead the way with this pilot, but our ambition is national. We want every young person, wherever they’re from and whatever path they choose, to have the chance to thrive.”
Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, said: “Our House aims to make apprenticeships as attractive a proposition for young people as university. It could help address the growing social mobility gap and, crucially, it’s what young people want.
“Co-operatives provide solutions to societal challenges and we think this particular challenge could be fixed through ‘halls for apprentices’. We will be exploring how co-operative values can inform this pilot, working closely with employers and young people.”
Major regional employers – including The Co-operative Bank, KPMG and ITV – recently gathered for a roundtable discussion focused on transforming how young people access housing during their education and training. The Co-operative Bank is the first Manchester-based business to commit to hiring apprentices to take part in the pilot.
