At a Glance
- Tasks: Research how regional institutions can enhance apprenticeship access for young people.
- Company: University of Sheffield, a leading institution in political economy and social sciences.
- Benefits: Gain valuable research experience, training, and contribute to impactful policy discussions.
- Other info: Engage with policymakers and stakeholders while developing critical analytical skills.
- Why this job: Make a difference in youth transitions and local economic development through your research.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree and Master's level qualification in relevant disciplines required.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 48822 £ per year.
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.
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.
Contact: edward.yates@sheffield.ac.uk
PhD: Political economy of skills/local economic development, University of Sheffield, UK employer: Regional Studies Association
The University of Sheffield is an outstanding employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, the university provides numerous opportunities for professional growth and access to cutting-edge research resources. Located in the heart of South Yorkshire, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values diversity and encourages engagement with local communities, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in education and regional development.
Contact Details:
Regional Studies Association Recruitment Team
