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- Tasks: Research how to improve apprenticeship access for young people in South Yorkshire.
- Company: Sheffield University Management School with a focus on decent work.
- Benefits: Fully funded scholarship covering tuition and a stipend of £21,805.
- Other info: Gain valuable research training and work with an interdisciplinary team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in youth employment and skills policy.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree and Master's level qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 £ per year.
Research Context & Problem
This project seeks to examine the questions of ‘how can regional institutions improve access to high-quality apprenticeship opportunities for young people? Apprenticeships can support school-to-work transitions and address skills shortages, but provision in England remains uneven and difficult to navigate, particularly for young people in the “missing middle” who do not progress directly to higher education. This PhD project examines apprenticeship provision in South Yorkshire and how local and regional government – specifically the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) - can support better coordination between employers, education providers and policy actors. It asks how provision can be improved in both quality and quantity, and how young people can be supported to access and complete apprenticeships. The project will ideally draw on theoretical and conceptual ideas from the disciplines of critical political economy, human geography, urban studies, and employment relations.
The Research Opportunity & Development
The successful candidate will contribute to debates in political economy, labour market studies, vocational education and regional development. The project will use a mixed-methods design. The project is expected to include qualitative interviews with young people, employers and local labour market actors, alongside a quantitative element looking at labour market and apprenticeship data. The quantitative element will be broad, policy-focused and supported through doctoral training; applicants are not expected to arrive with advanced technical expertise.
Supervision & Training
You will be supervised by an interdisciplinary team: Dr Edward Yates - political economy, youth employment, job quality and regional labour markets. Professor Jason Heyes - skills, vocational education, training and labour market policy. Professor Vania Sena - entrepreneurship, enterprise, innovation and applied quantitative research. You will be based in Sheffield University Management School and linked to the Centre for Decent Work. You will undertake the University of Sheffield Doctoral Development Programme and receive training in research design, qualitative methods, quantitative data analysis, academic writing and research impact.
Candidate Profile
We welcome applicants from relevant disciplines including sociology, economics, education, human resource management, political economy, geography, business and management, or related social sciences. Applicants should have an interest in youth transitions, apprenticeships, skills policy, labour markets or regional development, and a willingness to work with policymakers and external stakeholders. Candidates should possess strong critical thinking and analytical skills, including the ability to engage fully with a wide range of theoretical literatures. The candidate should also have experience of collecting primary data, ideally qualitative and quantitative, and have experience analysing data and presenting findings. Additional training will be provided.
Entry Requirements and Application
Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours degree or above, and a Masters level qualification at Merit or above. English language requirements are IELTS 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each component, or equivalent. Applicants must submit an online application and a fully referenced research proposal of approximately 3,000 words, excluding bibliography, based on this project. Informal enquiries are welcome: edward.yates@sheffield.ac.uk.
Closing Date
26 June 2026 Fully funded 3.5 years scholarship covering Home or International tuition fees, and a stipend at the basic UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27)
PhD Studentship: Apprenticeship Provision in South Yorkshire: Improving Opportunities for Young[...] in Sheffield employer: Economicsnetwork
Contact Detail:
Economicsnetwork Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Apprenticeship Provision in South Yorkshire: Improving Opportunities for Young[...] in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty at Sheffield University. They can give you the inside scoop on the programme and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the research context. Understand the challenges of apprenticeship provision in South Yorkshire and think about how your background fits into solving these issues.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss your experience with both qualitative and quantitative data. Think of examples where you've successfully collected and analysed data in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Apprenticeship Provision in South Yorkshire: Improving Opportunities for Young[...] in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Research Proposal: Your research proposal is your chance to shine! Make sure it’s well-structured and clearly outlines your ideas on improving apprenticeship opportunities. We want to see your passion for the topic, so don’t hold back!
Show Off Your Skills: Highlight your relevant skills and experiences in your application. Whether it's data analysis or qualitative research, we want to know how you can contribute to the project. Be specific and relate your background to the job description.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key points from the job description. We’re looking for candidates who understand the nuances of apprenticeship provision and regional development.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Economicsnetwork
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the project’s context and objectives. Familiarise yourself with the key issues surrounding apprenticeship provision in South Yorkshire, and be ready to discuss how your background aligns with the research themes of political economy, labour market studies, and regional development.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your critical thinking and analytical skills during the interview. Be prepared to discuss any previous experience you have with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, as well as how you can contribute to the mixed-methods design of the project.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the project involves working with policymakers and external stakeholders, demonstrate your willingness and ability to collaborate. Share examples of past experiences where you successfully engaged with different groups or contributed to discussions on skills policy or youth transitions.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the supervision team, training opportunities, and the impact of the research. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.