Reimagining apprenticeships: 'Halls for apprentices' could be the game‑changer Gen Z needs

The research 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 a survey and focus groups in Greater Manchester. It highlights a growing demand for “halls for apprentices” – residential communities designed specifically for those pursuing degree and higher apprenticeships. 

Key findings include: 

• 74% of young people surveyed in Greater Manchester said more would choose apprenticeships if halls were available.
• 84% of young people surveyed across the UK said the desire to live independently influences their education choices.
• 85% of young people surveyed across the UK agreed that accommodation costs heavily impact their career pathways. 

One respondent said: “I think a lot of people are deterred by apprenticeships because they usually involve staying at home while most of your friends are off at university meeting new people and having new experiences through living in halls”. 

Our House will look to introduce a pilot “halls for apprentices” in Greater Manchester, led by Rose Marley, CEO of Co‑operatives UK and several employers in the region. Rose Marley 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. 

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.” 

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. 

Maria Cearns, Chief Operating Officer at The Co-operative Bank, said:  

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for young people to get into work and build their career, but there are so many barriers facing them, particularly with housing costs rising countrywide.  

“We’re so pleased to be the first employer in the region to commit to hiring apprentices to take part in the pilot. In a University city as vibrant as Manchester, we’re excited at the prospect of seeing a greater mix of people from across the country coming here to start their apprenticeship journey.” 

AJ Dean, Communications & Engagement Manager at ITV, said: 

“We need to be giving young people, from all backgrounds, not just places to live but also the confidence and experiences away from home. For so many it helps create personalities, strength of character, life skills and confidence in a world that can seem more daunting than ever right now.”