The longer the better? The impact of the 2012 apprenticeship reform in England on achievement and labour market outcomes

We analyse the effects of a 2012 reform, which increased the duration of many service sector apprenticeships, while leaving many other apprenticeships, including some in the service sector, unaffected. Using a Difference-in-Differences approach, we estimate the effect of this reform on apprenticeship starts, achievement, drop-out, employment and earnings. We find evidence for reduced apprenticeship starts, increased drop-out rates and reduced achievement of the qualification, but also significantly increased earnings, especially amongst achievers.