NFER reports that learners from poorer backgrounds, those with lower prior attainment, and facing extra barriers are more likely to withdraw. Apprentices aged 16-17 and over 25 leave earlier than 18-20-year-olds. Learners from black and mixed ethnic backgrounds, and those with English as a second language, also have higher withdrawal rates.

Learners who withdraw appear to face lasting economic consequences. Three years after leaving, those who did not complete their training experience significantly lower wages and are more likely to be unemployed than peers who did