Despite their appeal, careers in these fields remain out of reach for many due to barriers like cost, social bias, and restricted professional networks.  

This aligns with Queen Mary’s ongoing commitment to addressing inequality and expanding access. Ofsted recently acknowledged the University's efforts, awarding its degree apprenticeship program an 'Outstanding' rating across all categories, highlighting its role in driving educational innovation and social mobility.

Key Findings

Desirability of Professional Careers: Careers in healthcare, law, finance, and technology remain aspirational for many, with 40% of respondents believing that young people entering the job market today would be interested in these secure, well-paid roles.

Barriers to Entry:

• 38% highlighted challenges for individuals from ethnic minority and working class backgrounds in accessing careers in the professions
• 33% said lacking family or friends in the professions makes access to these kinds of roles more difficult.
• 30% pointed to the high cost of training as a significant barrier to accessing careers in the professions

Training Preferences: when asked to assume that access to a particular career could be secured either by obtaining a university degree or completing an apprenticeship, and that both kinds of entry route were equally accessible, 53% of respondents said they would prefer the apprenticeship route, while just 38 per cent opted for the university route, suggesting a desire for practical, work-based learning.

Dr Elizabeth Simon, Postdoctoral Researcher in British Politics at Queen Mary University of London, explained:

“While it is clear that many people living in East London feel that careers in the professions are desirable, particularly in terms of the financial position they afford, they also feel that there are clear barriers to accessing employment in this area. This is due to social and racial prejudice, and the financial and time commitments associated with undertaking the study and training required to pursue careers in the professions.”

A Call for Change and Innovation in Education

Queen Mary’s commitment to social mobility and educational innovation has never been stronger. Recently rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for its degree apprenticeship provision, the University is one of only eight universities nationwide to achieve this distinction. This recognition highlights its success in providing diverse study routes that meet students' needs while addressing skills gaps in the workforce.

Professor Colin Bailey, President and Principal of Queen Mary University of London, commented:

“Our vision at Queen Mary is to open the doors of opportunity to any student with the potential to succeed. I am therefore pleased that the Ofsted assessors recognised that we ‘place a significant emphasis on promoting social mobility, diversity and inclusion.’”

The poll findings mirror Queen Mary’s commitment to addressing barriers in education. A substantial 85% of respondents expressed support for more flexible study and training options, such as on-the-job training, employer-led programmes, and collaborations between universities and alternative education providers.

Dr Simon added: “Our polling indicates that there is a clear appetite among people living in East London for changes in education and skills-training provision and policy that are designed to offer a more diverse array of routes into the professions.”

Championing Social Mobility

The Ofsted recognition further reinforces Queen Mary’s position as a leader in education innovation. Its pioneering degree apprenticeship programmes, offered in partnership with organisations like Goldman Sachs, Amazon, KPMG, and the NHS, have been praised for their ability to prepare students for global careers while fostering inclusivity.

The Ofsted report also commended the University’s students for their positive attitudes, skill development, and inclusion within the wider academic community, affirming Queen Mary’s commitment to social justice and academic excellence.