Kemi Badenoch Proposes Reducing University Places to Double Apprenticeships
# Kemi Badenoch Aims to Cut University Student Numbers to Boost Apprenticeships
**Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch is set to announce plans that will reduce university student numbers while aiming to double apprenticeship opportunities.**
On February 23, 2026, at Virgin Media O2's headquarters in London, Kemi Badenoch highlighted her strategy for workforce development. The Conservative leader is focusing on shifting the educational landscape by advocating for a significant increase in apprenticeships, indicating a clear contrast with traditional university education.
Badenoch emphasized the urgency of her mission, stating that to successfully double apprenticeship placements, a cultural shift is necessary. "If we want to double the number of apprenticeships, we need to encourage people to take them on. That's not just students but also parents. Many parents are the ones who say 'no don't do an apprenticeship,' so we're working hard to change their mindset," she said.
During her visit, where she engaged with current apprentices, she reflected on her personal experience. "I remember when I finished my apprenticeship, I was having so much fun I didn't want to leave," she noted, illustrating the positive outcomes that can stem from such pathways.
Badenoch's plans signal a transformative direction for young people's career options, aligning with her broader vision of a "new deal for young people." The initiative aims to reshape perceptions of apprenticeships, stepping away from the traditional university model and embracing hands-on vocational training that meets industry demands.