Vania Sena

This funded PhD opportunity at the University of Sheffield Management School investigates how regional institutions can improve access to high-quality apprenticeship opportunities for young people in South Yorkshire. The project addresses the uneven provision of apprenticeships in England, focusing on those who do not progress directly to higher education and are often overlooked in current systems. It aims to explore how the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and other local actors can better coordinate employers, education providers, and policymakers to enhance both the quality and quantity of apprenticeships, as well as support young people in accessing and completing them. The research will draw on theoretical frameworks from critical political economy, human geography, urban studies, and employment relations. The successful candidate will contribute to academic debates in political economy, labour market studies, vocational education, and regional development. The project employs a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews with young people, employers, and local labour market actors, alongside a quantitative analysis of labour market and apprenticeship data. Doctoral training will support the quantitative element, so advanced technical expertise is not required at entry. Supervision is provided by an interdisciplinary team: Dr Edward Yates (political economy, youth employment, job quality, regional labour markets), Professor Jason Heyes (skills, vocational education, training, labour market policy), and Professor Vania Sena (entrepreneurship, enterprise, innovation, applied quantitative research). The candidate will be based in the Sheffield University Management School and linked to the Centre for Decent Work. Training includes research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, academic writing, and research impact, as part of the University of Sheffield Doctoral Development Programme. Applicants from disciplines such as sociology, economics, education, human resource management, political economy, geography, business, and management are encouraged to apply. Candidates should demonstrate strong critical thinking and analytical skills, experience in collecting and analysing primary data, and an interest in youth transitions, apprenticeships, skills policy, labour markets, or regional development. Entry requirements include a UK upper second-class honours degree or equivalent, a Masters qualification at Merit or above, and English language proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 in each component or equivalent). The position is fully funded for 3.5 years, covering tuition fees (including international students), a stipend at the UKRI rate, and a £7,250 Research Training Support Grant (RTSG). The application deadline is June 26, 2026. Applicants must submit an online application and a fully referenced research proposal of approximately 3,000 words based on the project. Informal enquiries are welcome via email to Dr Edward Yates. For further details and to apply, visit the official project page.