Universities UK launches new proposal for all undergraduates to have work-based learning

Universities UK has launched its Future Jobs Roadmap, proposing practical steps towards expanding access to work-based learning for undergraduates in England, Scotland and Wales.  

The roadmap was unveiled at Universities UK’s annual conference on 10 September.

It aims for all undergraduates to have access to meaningful work-based learning by 2035, with a milestone of 50% by 2030.

Its proposals for universities include lifelong career support for undergraduates, the expansion of employer co-designed learning and modular provision, and supporting regional graduate schemes through engaging with small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 

The roadmap is supported by Pearson and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

It responds to the challenges facing both employers and employees within the current job market, in which accessing career opportunities and finding candidates with the required skills has become increasingly demanding for both parties.

The Future Jobs Roadmap is full of practical ideas that reflect what businesses are telling us they need and could make a real difference for both employers and employees alike

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “The Future Jobs Roadmap is full of practical ideas that reflect what businesses are telling us they need and could make a real difference for both employers and employees alike.”

Commenting on the roadmap, Universities UK president and vice-chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University Malcolm Press stated that: “universities want to work even more closely with employers, students and government to strengthen opportunities for graduates and support economic growth.”  

Through discussions with 30 universities and around 200 employers and business groups, the roadmap has placed employer-university connections at the centre of its proposals.  

The plan focuses on the growing unpredictability within the workforce, and identifies increasing work readiness amongst graduates as a route to improvement.

Malcolm Press has said that technological advancements are contributing to the unpredictable, non-linear career pathways for young people, and that universities should therefore have a greater involvement in this process.  

The published Roadmap draws upon existing initiatives throughout universities.

A notable example is the University of Leicester, which has been offering lifelong careers support to graduates since 2014, and has developed a 100-hour Work-Related Learning Guarantee for 2026/27 graduates.  

Universities UK has also explicitly called on the government to extend the 0% employer National Insurance Contributions relief to young people under the age of 25, aiming to encourage youth employment and recruitment.