Sawyerrs' House Foundation for Young Persons

02/09/2026

“...you do not have to choose between gaining a qualification and getting practical experience - Lucia Bond.”

31/08/2026

UK apprenticeship update 👇🏽

Here's an interesting sign of just how much interest in degree apprenticeships is growing.

E.ON UK says it received around 165 applications for every degree apprenticeship role in 2026, compared with around 45 applications per role in 2023.

Its research among 16–18-year-olds also found that student debt is influencing how many young people think about their next steps, while others are looking closely at workplace skills, job security and careers that may be more resilient as technology changes.

But one comment from a young woman who recently completed E.ON's Project Management Degree Apprenticeship particularly stood out to me.

She said the experience showed her that you don't have to choose between gaining a qualification and gaining practical experience.

And I think that's an important distinction.

The message isn't that an apprenticeship degree is better than traditional university.

It's that young people should know there is more than one way to gain a degree — and understand what each route involves before deciding.

Educator context: The sharp increase in applications is also a useful reminder that degree apprenticeships can be highly competitive. Understanding the route is one thing; preparing carefully when you decide to apply is another.

17/08/2026

UK Apprenticeship degrees still very much exist

13/07/2026

Over the past few months I've been updating my apprenticeship degree resources, rebuilding my website, creating new guidance, and I'm delighted that my free guide has now also been accepted as an Open Educational Resource (OER).

I'm pleased to share that my free guide, **Apprenticeship Degrees: The Clear Guide for 16–25s**, has now been approved and published as an OER.

Open Educational Resources are freely available learning materials that help widen access to education and support learners, educators, parents and communities around the world.

As someone currently within academia, one of the areas I've been particularly interested in is how educators can not only use Open Educational Resources, but also contribute to them. I'm delighted that this UK-focused guide is now part of that wider educational community.

The guide is designed to help young people aged 16–25, along with parents and carers, understand UK apprenticeship degrees clearly before making important decisions about study, work and money.

I'm grateful to have the opportunity to contribute, in a small way, to open education.

Send a message to learn more

30/06/2026

Were education choices explained clearly to you?

29/06/2026

No one explains this clearly.

23/06/2026

Most stress comes from unclear information.

22/06/2026

Why understanding options matters.

26/05/2026

Eid al-Abda Mubarak.

18/05/2026

A recent article discussed the importance of starting pension contributions earlier when entering the workforce.

Pensions expert shares 'start early' message for people in their twenties - The Mirror

One thing that’s often overlooked in conversations about education and career pathways is this:

Young people who begin earning earlier may also begin:
- workplace pension contributions earlier
- building financial habits earlier.
- understanding money in practical ways earlier
This doesn’t make one route “better” than another.

But it does highlight how early financial decisions - even small ones - can have long-term effects that many young people are rarely encouraged to think about calmly and clearly.

Educator context: Sharing this as an example of how early earning and financial awareness can connect to long-term financial wellbeing.

Were pensions or long-term finances explained to you properly when you first started working?