A letter from Philip Oliver of Farnham, Surrey, has revived the debate over sandwich courses, arguing that a 1960s model could be adapted to modern apprenticeship levies. Writing in response to a recent article on the challenges facing young people, Oliver suggests that the current system should look to the past for solutions.
Oliver describes his experience on a 'thick sandwich course' in engineering during the 1960s. The programme involved a first year in industry as a student apprentice, three years at university, and a final year back in industry. He notes that this structure provided a clear path to employment, with many participants ending up working for companies other than their original sponsors.
He contrasts this with 'thin sandwich courses', which combined apprenticeships, degrees, and work experience over four years with fewer holidays. Oliver argues that today's apprenticeship levies would be better spent reimagining a 21st-century version of these courses.
By bringing industries—including arts and service sectors—together with academia, Oliver believes a genuinely useful experience could be created for young people. He emphasises that the issue is not 'either/or' but 'and', combining education and practical experience.
