Multiverse Under Fire for Apprenticeship Practices and Low Completion Rates
The £1.4 billion technology firm Multiverse, founded by Euan Blair, son of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, has been accused of placing young people into apprenticeships that are poorly suited to their roles. This controversy emerges as part of what insiders describe as an 'aggressive' strategy to enrol more learners, raising serious questions about the company's educational integrity and operational ethics.
Aggressive Growth Tactics and Questionable Placements
Multiverse, which uses sophisticated software to match apprentices with major corporations like Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Pfizer, and Net-a-Porter, has been recognised as one of the world's fastest-growing tech firms. Valued at £1.4 billion in 2022, Euan Blair holds an almost 19 per cent stake in the company. However, recent reports suggest that bosses are coordinating a push to fill seats by signing up large numbers of learners, sometimes without adequate regard for role suitability.
Allegations include cases where NHS workers were placed on data-focused programmes, a security guard was enrolled on an AI course, and a funeral plan consultant complained that her data apprenticeship was irrelevant to her job, leading her to quit due to time constraints. Other examples involve a secondary school teacher and a parking enforcement CCTV manager studying for data or AI qualifications, highlighting potential mismatches between apprentices' roles and course content.
Completion Rates and Ofsted Inspection
Figures released by the Department for Education reveal that only approximately half of Multiverse's apprentices complete their courses, with a completion rate of 52.6 per cent. This falls significantly below the sector average of 65.4 per cent, placing the provider 'at risk' under current guidelines, which flag achievement rates under 50 per cent. Despite being rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted just five years ago, Multiverse is now undergoing inspection, with a report expected soon.
A former senior member of Multiverse's sales team claimed that leaders were driving an 'aggressive' push to maximise enrolments, with sales staff incentivised to sign up as many learners as possible. The ex-employee alleged that there was 'limited downside' if apprentices dropped out and that concerns about quality and suitability were not 'meaningfully addressed', amid 'intense pressure' to grow in line with the company's market valuation.
Euan Blair's Response and Company Defence
In a blog post, Euan Blair acknowledged that the company's completion rates are too low and expressed a desire to improve them. He pointed out that higher-level programmes complete at around 70 per cent, software developer programmes above 80 per cent, and the data degree apprenticeship has topped the National Student Survey for satisfaction two years running. Blair also highlighted that 70 per cent of those who withdraw from AI courses have already 'generated measurable value for their employer', with a pay rise or promotion being the majority outcome for learners.
The blog cited success stories, such as an NHS worker using data modelling to reduce assessment waiting lists, a council employee building an AI tool to flag illegal landlord evictions, and a retail assistant creating a stock-out alert system. Blair emphasised that these achievements occurred during apprenticeships, without prior computer science degrees or new hires, showcasing the potential benefits of Multiverse's programmes.
Financial and Regulatory Challenges
Founded in 2016 as WhiteHat, Multiverse has yet to turn a profit, raising concerns about the sustainability of its growth model. Despite sharp revenue increases, the company has experienced losses exceeding £60 million and a decline in cash reserves. The Department for Education has undertaken audit and assurance work on Multiverse, and if the provider falls significantly below its previous Ofsted rating, intervention could be imminent.
As the tech firm navigates these challenges, the scrutiny over its apprenticeship placements and completion rates underscores broader issues in the education and training sector, particularly around balancing growth with quality assurance and learner outcomes.
